Recent combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) and the risk of thromboembolism and other cardiovascular events in new users

Hormonal Contraception and Risk of Psychiatric and Other Noncommunicable Diseases in HIV-Infected Women

BACKGROUND

Hormonal contraception use is common among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women. Risk of psychiatric and other noninfectious complications of hormonal contraception use has not been described in this population.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of HIV-infected women receiving care in Tennessee from 1998 to 2008 to examine the risks of incident psychiatric and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, and malignant diseases, and hormonal contraception use, including depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and combined estrogen- and progestin-containing hormonal contraceptives. We used marginal structural models with inverse probability weights to account for time-varying confounders associated with hormonal contraception use.

RESULTS

Of the 392 women included, 94 (24%) used hormonal contraception during the study period. Baseline psychiatric disease was similar between women who received and did not receive hormonal contraception. There were 69 incident psychiatric diagnoses and 72 NCDs. Only time-varying DMPA use was associated with increased risk of psychiatric disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.70; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.32-10.4) and mood disorders, specifically (aOR 4.70 [1.87-11.8]). Time-varying and cumulative combined hormonal contraception use were not statistically associated with other NCDs (aOR 1.64, 95% CI 0.64-4.12 and aOR 1.16, 95% CI 0.86-1.56, respectively). However, risk of incident NCDs was increased with cumulative DMPA exposure (per year exposure aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.01-2.08).

CONCLUSIONS

Among HIV-infected women, DMPA was associated with risk of incident psychiatric diseases, particularly mood disorders, during periods of use. Cumulative DMPA exposure was also associated with risk of other NCDs. However, combined estrogen and progestin-containing hormonal contraception use was not statistically associated with risk of any NCDs.

Safety and tolerability of a new low-dose contraceptive patch in obese and nonobese women

OBJECTIVE

The safety and tolerability of a new low-dose levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol (LNG/EE) contraceptive patch was compared with 2 combination oral contraceptives in 2 clinical studies in which approximately 30% of enrolled participants were obese.

STUDY DESIGN

Two phase 3, open-label, randomized, parallel-group, multicenter trials compared the LNG/EE contraceptive patch (n = 1579) with combination oral contraceptives (n = 581) in healthy women 17-40 years of age. Combination oral contraceptives were LNG 100 μg per EE 20 μg (combination oral contraceptive 20; n = 375) or LNG 150 μg per EE 30 μg (combination oral contraceptive 30; n = 206). Safety and tolerability data from the 2 trials were evaluated in integrated safety analyses.

RESULTS

Treatment-emergent adverse events of 2% or greater in the LNG/EE contraceptive patch were nasopharyngitis (5.2%), nausea (4.1%), upper respiratory infection (3.5%), headache (3.4%), sinusitis (2.9%), cervical dysplasia (2.3%), and urinary tract infection (2.1%). Including skin reaction-related treatment-emergent adverse events, the proportion of women who experienced any treatment-emergent adverse event was similar among women randomized to the contraceptive patch (47.5%), the combination oral contraceptive 20 (47.4%), or the combination oral contraceptive 30 (46.8%). The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was similar in obese vs nonobese participants in all groups. Serious adverse events occurred in less than 1% of participants in any of the treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

The LNG/EE contraceptive patch and combination oral contraceptives were well tolerated and associated with similar treatment-emergent adverse event incidences in obese and nonobese women.

Impact of the 2013 French Pill Crisis on Women's Behaviour Regarding Contraception

Context

In the last decade, several epidemiological studies have shown the increased risk of venous thromboembolism associated with third- and fourth-generation oral contraceptives (C3Gs and C4Gs) versus older combined first- and second-generation oral contraceptives (C1Gs and C2Gs). In France, in December 2012, a lawsuit filed against the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) by a patient who had experienced a stroke, possibly due to the use of a C3G, triggered a national ‘pill crisis’. Consequently, a ‘crisis cell’ was set up and pre-existing health recommendations were reinforced. The main aim of this study was to evaluate, in real time, the impact of the French health authorities’ recommendations and communications on French women’s behaviour regarding contraception.

Methods

Real-time monthly sales data reported during 2013 were compared with monthly sales data reported in 2012. Analyses were stratified according to the type of contraceptive and age. An index corresponding to the number of months of contraception sold was developed to facilitate comparison of the different contraceptives despite their distinct features and to assess the overall trend of contraception.

Results

After a 2-year analysis (2013 versus 2012), a significant 45 % decrease (p < 0.0001) in C3G–4G sales was observed, compared with a significant increase of 30 % (p < 0.0001) in C1G–2G sales. The sharp increase in C1G–2G sales focused specifically on C2Gs with an oestrogen concentration below 20 µg. Moreover, a large (47 %) increase was reported in sales of intrauterine devices (p < 0.0001). Finally, taking all types of contraceptive sales into account, a slight decrease (1 %) in overall sales was identified.

Conclusion

Thanks to an effective national communication plan, real-time monitoring of drug sales and favourable reactions from physicians and patients, French women changed their behaviour regarding contraception. However, this study was conducted over a short period following the crisis. A longitudinal analysis is required in order to assess any real long-term changes.

Sex hormone replacement in ovarian failure - new treatment concepts

Premature ovarian failure is associated with decreased bone mass and fractures, and an increased risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease. There is also fertility compromise associated not only with the loss of ovarian function but, in those with pre-pubertal POF, inadequate uterine morphology. A wide variety of hormone replacement regimes are reported, but there is no clear evidence of best practice. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) will suppress menopausal symptoms; however neither is designed to achieve physiological replacement of oestrogen and progesterone. There is evidence that physiological sex steroid replacement is superior to standard hormone replacement, in improving uterine volume as well as an improved blood pressure profile and bone mineral density. Sex steroid replacement therapy is long-term in these women, and therefore it is essential that the risk benefit ratio is optimal to maximise longer term health.

Ethynilestradiol 20 mcg plus Levonorgestrel 100 mcg: Clinical Pharmacology

Estroprogestins (EPs) are combinations of estrogen and progestin with several actions on women's health. The different pharmacological composition of EPs is responsible for different clinical effects. One of the most used low-dose EP associations is ethinylestradiol 20 mcg plus levonorgestrel 100 mcg in monophasic regimen (EE20/LNG100). This review summarizes clinical pharmacology, cycle control, and effects on lipid and glucose metabolism, coagulation, body weight/body composition, acne, and sexuality of EE20/LNG100. Overall, EE20/LNG100 combination is safe and well tolerated, and in several studies the incidence of adverse events in the treated group was comparable to that of the placebo group. Cycle control was effective and body weight/body composition did not vary among treated and untreated groups in most studies. The EE20/LNG100 combination shows mild or no effect on lipid and glucose metabolism. Lastly, EE20/LNG100 is associated with a low risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). In conclusion, in the process of decision making for the individualization of EPs choice, EE20/LNG100 should be considered for its favorable clinical profile.

Contraception for adolescents

A working knowledge of contraception will assist the pediatrician in both sexual health promotion as well as treatment of common adolescent gynecologic problems. Best practices in adolescent anticipatory guidance and screening include a sexual health history, screening for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, counseling, and if indicated, providing access to contraceptives. Pediatricians' long-term relationships with adolescents and families allow them to help promote healthy sexual decision-making, including abstinence and contraceptive use. Additionally, medical indications for contraception, such as acne, dysmenorrhea, and heavy menstrual bleeding, are frequently uncovered during adolescent visits. This technical report provides an evidence base for the accompanying policy statement and addresses key aspects of adolescent contraceptive use, including the following: (1) sexual history taking, confidentiality, and counseling; (2) adolescent data on the use and side effects of newer contraceptive methods; (3) new data on older contraceptive methods; and (4) evidence supporting the use of contraceptives in adolescent patients with complex medical conditions.

Evaluating the efficacy and safety of a progestin- and estrogen-releasing ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer contraceptive vaginal ring

INTRODUCTION

Multiple studies confirm the safety and efficacy of the combined ethinyl estradiol (EE) and etonogestrel contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing®). Advantages of continuous drug delivery through the vagina compared to oral administration include stable levels of contraceptive steroids without the need for daily drug administration. Although the combined contraceptive vaginal ring (CCVR) avoids the problem of missed pills, clinical data do not support greater efficacy. Vaginal administration avoids first-pass hepatic effects; however, EE is a potent inducer of hepatic globulins regardless of the route of administration. Consequently, thromboembolic risk during CCVR use is similar to that with combined oral contraceptives. Some epidemiologic and database studies suggest that the risk of thromboembolism is increased among users of the CCVR compared to levonorgestrel-containing combined pills.

AREAS COVERED

This review examined the available literature for level 1 and level 2 evidence of the CCVR and its associated efficacy and safety. Studies are presented in table format with significant findings and conclusions described.

EXPERT OPINION

A prospective study with 33,235 woman-years of exposure and with greater ability to control for covariates did not demonstrate an elevation of risk. The safety profile of the CCVR appears to be the same as with other combined hormonal contraceptives.

Hyperinsulinaemic androgen excess in adolescent girls

Hyperinsulinaemic androgen excess is the most common cause of hirsutism, acne and menstrual irregularity in adolescent girls. Here, we propose that the disorder frequently originates from an absolute or relative excess of lipids in adipose tissue, and from associated changes in insulin sensitivity, gonadotropin secretion and ovarian androgen release. Girls from populations with genotypes attuned to nutritionally harsh conditions seem to be particularly vulnerable to the development of hyperinsulinaemic androgen excess in today's obesogenic environment. We propose that hirsutism, hyperandrogenaemia and menstrual irregularity (≥2 years after menarche) is used as a diagnostic triad for the disorder. No pharmacological therapy has been approved for girls with androgen excess; however, lifestyle intervention is essential to reduce adiposity. In girls without obesity who are not sexually active, insulin sensitization has more broadly normalizing effects than estradiol-progestogen combinations. The early recognition of girls at risk of developing hyperinsulinaemic androgen excess might enable prevention in childhood.

Contraceptive needs of the adolescent

The provision of contraception to adolescents requires specific attention. Adolescents require contraceptive methods which are safe, effective and simple to use. While long-acting reversible contraceptive methods are preferable, they should have a choice and not be forced or mandated especially in situations where this may compromise safety. After counselling they should have the ability to choose any method of contraception. Under the appropriate circumstances, each method of contraception may have a place. This chapter will be devoted to evaluating the most current scientific rationale for the indication for use of each method of contraception in adolescents.

Are we overestimating the stroke risk related to contraceptive pills?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hormonal contraceptives are used by million of women worldwide. Ischemic stroke is one of the major harmful effects of hormonal contraceptives, but remains a very uncommon disease before menopause. The increased risk of stroke under third and fourth-generation contraceptive pills and nonoral contraceptives has been recently highlighted. Given the benefits associated with combined hormonal contraceptives (COCs), it is important to properly evaluate their risks in order to provide a better benefit/risk balance to young women.

RECENT FINDINGS

Scarce studies addressing the rates of stroke in young women suggest that the fraction attributable to the contraceptive pill remains low. In contrast, there is abundant literature on the relative risks of stroke under COCs. The risk of arterial disease seems to be similar among users of second and third-generation pills, drospirenone-containing pills and nonoral hormonal contraceptives. Progestin-only contraceptives do not appear to be associated with an increased risk of stroke.

SUMMARY

New formulations of hormonal contraceptives are not safer than second-generation COCs. Even if the absolute numbers of strokes attributable to hormonal contraceptives is very low, stringent selection of patients should help to reduce the events still more, and progestin-only contraceptives/nonhormonal methods should be preferred in cases of associated risk factors.

Toward a new concept of "natural balance" in oral estroprogestin contraception

The Pill has undergone many changes since its first appearance some 50 years ago. Key developments included the reduction of ethinylestradiol doses and the synthesis of new progestins in order to increase safety, compliance and efficiency. Low-dose combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are currently the preferred option for millions of women. Due to this widespread use, it has been argued that the safety of COCs should be even better, raising the threshold for excellence. Yet in spite of major improvements, there is still an associated risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The next step in COCs' evolution should take total estrogenicity and hepatic estro-androgenic balance into account. The focus on the estrogen component--which has not changed in 50 years--has yielded a new class of natural estrogen pills. Following the introduction of a first quadriphasic pill, a monophasic estradiol pill based on the concept of "natural balance" was subsequently made available. These recent achievements could represent a step forward in the evolution of COCs and pave the way for better safety.

Hormonal contraception in women with migraine: is progestogen-only contraception a better choice?

A significant number of women with migraine has to face the choice of reliable hormonal contraception during their fertile life. Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) may be used in the majority of women with headache and migraine. However, they carry a small, but significant vascular risk, especially in migraine with aura (MA) and, eventually in migraine without aura (MO) with additional risk factors for stroke (smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and thrombophilia, age over 35 years). Guidelines recommend progestogen-only contraception as an alternative safer option because it does not seem to be associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and ischemic stroke. Potentially, the maintenance of stable estrogen level by the administration of progestins in ovulation inhibiting dosages may have a positive influence of nociceptive threshold in women with migraine. Preliminary evidences based on headache diaries in migraineurs suggest that the progestin-only pill containing desogestrel 75μg has a positive effect on the course of both MA and MO in the majority of women, reducing the number of days with migraine, the number of analgesics and the intensity of associated symptoms. Further prospective trials have to be performed to confirm that progestogen-only contraception may be a better option for the management of both migraine and birth control. Differences between MA and MO should also be taken into account in further studies.

Neurologic diseases in women: Five new things

This review highlights some of the new epidemiologic information concerning sex differences involving combined oral contraceptives and stroke, depression and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors use during pregnancy, emerging knowledge of the teratogenicity and cognitive effects of anticonvulsants during pregnancy, demyelinating disorders in pregnancy, and the influence of timing of hormonal exposure on the risk of Alzheimer disease.

Drospirenone and non-fatal venous thromboembolism: is there a risk difference by dosage of ethinyl-estradiol?

BACKGROUND

Previous studies concluded that there was an increased risk of non-fatal venous thromboembolism (VTE) with drospirenone. It is unknown whether the risk is differential by ethinyl-estradiol dosage.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the risk of VTE with drospirenone and to determine whether drospirenone and ethinyl-estradiol 20 μg (DRSP/EE20) has a lower VTE risk than drospirenone and ethinyl-estradiol 30 μg (DRSP/EE30).

METHODS

Our cohort included women aged 18-46 years taking drospirenone or levonorgestrel (LNG)-containing combined oral contraceptives (COCs) in the IMS claims database between 2001 and 2009. VTE was defined using ICD-9-CM coding and anticoagulation. The hazard ratio (HR) from Cox proportional hazards models was used to assess the VTE relative risk (RR) with drospirenone compared with levonorgestrel, adjusted by a propensity score used to control for baseline co-morbidity and stratified by EE dosage and user-type (new/current).

RESULTS

The study included 238 683 drospirenone and 193,495 levonorgestrel users. Among new and current users, a 1.90-fold (95% CI, 1.51-2.39) increased VTE relative risk was observed for drospirenone (18.0 VTE/10,000 women-years) vs. levonorgestrel (8.9 VTE/10,000 women-years). In analysis of new users, DRSP/EE20 had a 2.35-fold (95% CI, 1.44-3.82) VTE RR versus LNG/EE20. New users of DRSP/EE30 observed an increased RR versus LNG/EE30 among women starting to use COCs between 2001 and 2006 (2.51, 95% CI, 1.12-5.64) but not between 2007 and 2009 (0.76, 95% CI, 0.42-1.39), attributable to an increased incidence rate with LNG/EE30 from 2007 to 2009. In direct comparison, DRSP/EE20 had an elevated risk of VTE compared with DRSP/EE30 (RR, 1.55; 95% CI, 0.99-2.41).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a modestly elevated risk of VTE with drospirenone, compared with levonorgestrel. The larger VTE incidence rate observed in DRSP/EE20 than in DRSP/EE30 and the increasing VTE incidence rate with levonorgestrel between 2007 and 2009 were unexpected.