Women who use birth control patch are twice as likely to develop clots in comparison to those on the pill, a new study has found. Recently, another study conducted on similar grounds has revealed that there is no such risk. With controversial data from both sides, women who use the patch have been urged to discus their risk with the health care provider by the FDA.
Women who use the patch may be at an increased risk for thromboembolic events or clots in the lungs and legs. The risk of non-fatal blood less in women who do not use contraceptive is 1 in 10, 000. In women who use either the patch or pill, this may raise to anything between 3 and five.In a pre-approval study conducted on nearly 3000 women, only two instances of blood clots have been recorded so far. The drug manufacturer has stated that a small amount of risk is indeed associated with all forms of contraception. Owing to the overlapping confidence levels of the two contraceptive methods, there may either be no risk or more than double the risk, in the opinion of researchers.
The increased level of hormone release associated with the patch could account for risk of blood clot. More than 12 mortalities have been reported in women who had used the patch. The researchers have warned that it should not be used by women who smoke as smoking further increases the risk of stroke and heart attack. A number of studies are currently being undertaken to analyze the incidence of heart attacks and strokes in women who use the patch or pill, the results of which is expected in 18 months.
