Does the Patch Increase Thrombosis Risk?

This study suggests that the greater estrogen exposure in patch users relative to OC users might not translate into greater VTE risk.

Given associations between estrogen exposure and risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), the FDA recently added a warning to package labeling for the contraceptive patch (Journal Watch Women’s Health Nov 22 2005). This warning was based on pharmacokinetic data indicating that women using the patch are exposed to higher estrogen levels than women using oral contraceptives (OCs) or the vaginal ring (Journal Watch Women’s Health Oct 18 2005). Now, the first epidemiologic findings on VTE risk in patch users have been reported.

Using data from U.S. managed care health plans, industry-supported researchers identified more than 200,000 women (age range, 15–44) who had started using either an OC (containing 35 μg of estrogen) or the patch after April…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD