Effect of 1995 pill scare on rates of venous thromboembolism among women taking combined oral contraceptives: analysis of General Practice Research Database

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of venous thromboembolism among women taking combined oral contraceptives before and after the October 1995 pill scare. DESIGN: Analysis of General Practice Research Database. SETTING: United Kingdom, January 1993 to December 1998. SUBJECTS: Women aged 15-49 taking combined oral contraceptives. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of venous thromboembolism. RESULTS: Use of so called “third generation” combined oral contraceptives fell from 53% during January 1993 to October 1995 to 14% during November 1995 to December 1998. There was no significant change in the incidence of venous thromboembolism between the two periods after age was adjusted for (incidence ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 0.78 to 1.39). CONCLUSIONS: The findings are not compatible with the assertion that third generation oral contraceptives are associated with a twofold increase in risk of venous thromboembolism compared with older progestogens.