Updated
Updated · European Medicines Agency | · Jul 10
PRAC Tightens Warnings on Contraceptives and Litfulo, Citing 1 Extra Meningioma per 67,300 Women
Updated
Updated · European Medicines Agency | · Jul 10

PRAC Tightens Warnings on Contraceptives and Litfulo, Citing 1 Extra Meningioma per 67,300 Women

2 articles · Updated · European Medicines Agency | · Jul 10

Summary

  • Direct notices to doctors will warn that desogestrel- and etonogestrel-containing contraceptives carry a small added meningioma risk after more than 1 year of use, with about 1 extra case per 67,300 women.
  • Women with a current or past meningioma should no longer use those medicines, and treatment must stop if meningioma is diagnosed; labels will add the tumor as a side effect and list symptoms to monitor.
  • A large French epidemiological study drove the review, finding risk rose with longer desogestrel use and may be higher in women previously exposed to other progestogens already linked to meningioma.
  • Litfulo will also get stronger warnings, including a boxed warning limiting use in patients 65 or older or at higher risk of cardiovascular events, cancer or long-term smoking-related harm when alternatives exist.
  • PRAC said Litfulo's warning changes align it with other JAK inhibitors after reviewing trials, literature and post-marketing reports; the recommendation now goes to EMA's CHMP for adoption.

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