Increased clotting risk associated with birth control patch

On 18 January 2008, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved additional changes to the Ortho Evra Contraceptive Transdermal (Skin) Patch label to include the results of a new epidemiology study that found that users of the birth control patch were at higher risk of developing serious blood clots, also known as venous thromboembolism (VTE), than women using birth control pills. VTE can lead to pulmonary embolism. more  

Questions and Answers: Ortho Evra (norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol) (The birth control patch)

FDA has approved changes to the Ortho Evra label to include the results of an additional epidemiology study designed to evaluate the risk of developing serious blood clots, also known as venous thromboembolism (VTE), among women aged 15-44 when using Ortho Evra. more

Information for professionals: The new label: Ortho Evra (norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol) information

Since the patch is applied transdermally, first-pass metabolism (via the gastrointestinal tract and/or liver) of NGMN and EE that would be expected with oral administration is avoided. Hepatic metabolism of NGMN occurs and metabolites include norgestrel, which is highly bound to SHBG, and various hydroxylated and conjugated metabolites. Ethinyl estradiol is also metabolized to various hydroxylated products and their glucuronide and sulfate conjugates. more  

Oral contraceptives and cancer risk: Questions and answers

Oral contraceptives (OCs) first became available to American women in the early 1960s. The convenience, effectiveness, and reversibility of action of birth control pills (popularly known as “the pill”) have made them the most popular form of birth control in the United States. However, concerns have been raised about the role that the hormones in OCs might play in a number of cancers, and how hormone-based OCs contribute to their development. Sufficient time has elapsed since the introduction of OCs to allow investigators to study large numbers of women who took birth control pills for many years. more

We know that we don't know: National report calls for more research on health effects of wireless technologies  

A new National Research Council report chaired by University of Colorado at Boulder Distinguished Professor Frank Barnes calls for a stronger research effort on the potential health effects of exposure to radio frequency energy tied to the global explosion in wireless technology like cell phones, laptops and hand-held Web-surfing gadgets. more

Antioxidants hope or hype? Mayo researchers look at effects of antioxidant supplements on cancer  

While some trials have suggested that antioxidants have beneficial effects, results from other trials have been negative. It has been unclear which antioxidant compounts are more beneficial (or more harmful), and how individual antioxidants affect target organs and specific patient populations. more

Calling Dr. Frankenstein: Growing brain cells in the laboratory that may one day be used to treat Parkinson’s disease

Scientists in Sweden are developing new ways to grow brain cells in the laboratory that could one day be used to treat patients with Parkinson’s disease, an international conference of biologists organised by the European Science Foundation (ESF) was told last week. more

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