Safer oral contraceptives thanks to natural estrogens

This study, published in the scientific journal Contraception, is based on the analysis of over 78,000 adverse event reports extracted from the European pharmacovigilance database "EudraVigilance". The Namur researchers compared the rate of thromboembolic event reporting between different formulations of combined oral contraceptives. The results are clear: contraceptives based on natural estrogens have a thrombosis reporting rate six times lower than pills containing synthetic estrogens (these are the most commonly prescribed).

The results confirm the findings of their previous clinical and biological studies. This study is part of an international drive to promote safer contraceptive alternatives that can reduce the risks associated with oral contraception and improve women's health. "These results reinforce the need for a transition towards safer contraceptive prescribing," says Jonathan Douxfils, Director of the Clinical Pharmacology Research Unit (URPC), a member of the NARILIS Institute and President of QUALIblood, a UNamur spin-off.

Each year, just over 22,000 cases of venous thrombosis or embolism are reported in Europe among users of oral contraceptives. The thrombotic risk reduction associated with natural estrogens could significantly reduce this burden, both in terms of public health and costs to healthcare systems. The study authors encourage health authorities and medical experts to reassess current oral contraceptive recommendations in the light of these new data.

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The University of Namur is a key player in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences research in Belgium and worldwide, with recognized expertise in clinical pharmacology and toxicology. This study illustrates its commitment to improving the safety of medical treatments and promoting clinical practices based on solid evidence.

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