French researchers have observed an increased risk of meningioma – a tumor of the membranes surrounding the brain – related to the use of three drugs with contraceptive properties.
A GIS Epi-Phare study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) points to an increased risk of developing meningioma when taking progestins such as Colprone, Depo Provera and Surgestone.
Up to 5.6 times more risk
These medications are used in contraception, in the treatment of certain gynecological pathologies (uterine bleeding, endometriosis, etc.), or in hormonal replacement treatments for menopause and medically assisted procreation courses.
The scientists carried out their study on more than 18,000 women aged 45 to 74 who underwent meningioma surgery between 2009 and 2018 in France, compared to another 90,000 “control” women.
The results showed that long-term use increased the risk of meningioma requiring surgical intervention, 3.5 times higher for Colprone (medrogestone), 5.6 times higher for Depo Provera (injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate), and 2 times higher for Surgestone (promégestone). ), which no longer has been sold since 2020 in France.
There is no increased risk for the hormonal IUD
Previous studies had produced similar results with other drugs: Androcur, Luteran and Lutenyl. As Le Parisien recalls, these results led many women to switch to Colprone.
In a statement, the ANSM also indicates that Depo Provera, an injectable contraceptive, is not widely used in France but is used throughout the world, with 74 million women affected.
On the other hand, the study does not show an increased risk of intracranial meningioma surgery in the case of a hormonal IUD containing levonorgestrel, widely used, especially in France. “Very reassuring” results according to the researchers.
Source: BFM TV
