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Prescriber Update Articles

Ministry of Health (Medsafe) advice on the use of combined oral contraceptives - June 2000

Web site: July 2000
Medsafe Editorial Team

Medical practitioners and midwives are advised to consider the following recommendations when prescribing low dose oral contraceptives.

The view of the Medicines Adverse Reactions Committee and the Ministry of Health remains unchanged that combined oral contraceptives containing desogestrel or gestodene:

When initiating contraceptive therapy the prescriber should:

When reviewing combined oral contraceptive therapy the prescriber should:

For women taking oral contraceptives containing desogestrel or gestodene:

Risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE)

Historical family history of VTE
personal history of VTE*
Genetic hereditary thrombophilia*
Acquired predisposition extensive varicose veins
obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m² or greater)
lupus anticoagulant
malignancy
Mechanical immobility
trauma
surgery
Physiological dehydration

*Contraindications for combined oral contraceptives.