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.