Increased Venous Thromboembolism in Transdermal Contraceptive Users?

A new study finds a link between the patch and increased incidence of VTE, differing from an earlier finding.

Based on data documenting that the transdermal contraceptive patch produces higher average circulating levels of estrogen than oral contraceptives, the FDA mandated that the patch carry a warning of possible increased risk for thrombotic events. Investigators used insurance claims data to compare the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), myocardial infarction, and stroke among 98,790 transdermal contraceptive users and 256,981 users of norgestimate-containing oral contraceptives (OCs) with 35 μg of ethinyl estradiol. The patch used in this study has the same active progestin as that in norgestimate.

VTE incidence was significantly higher among transdermal patch users than among OC users (41 vs. 18 cases per 100,000 woman-years). There w…

Reviewing Author

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Increased Venous Thromboembolism in Transdermal Contraceptive Users?

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Reviewing Author