Thromboembolism associated with the new contraceptive Yasmin
BMJ 2003; 326 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.326.7383.257 (Published 01 February 2003) Cite this as: BMJ 2003;326:257
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Editor,
We read the case reports of thromboembolism reported to the Dutch
spontaneous reporting system for adverse drug reactions following the use
of the new oral contraceptive pill,Yasmin (1).
The prothrombin 20210 A allele has been found to be associated with
an increased risk of venous thrombosis for all ages and both sexes.There
is an association between 20210 A allele and elevated prothrombin level.
It has been observed that 87%of individuals with 20210 A allele are in the
highest quartile of plasma prothombin level.Elevated prothrombin level
itself is a risk factor for venous thrombosis (2).It will be useful to
include prothombin gene studies in addition to the routine thrombophilia
scren as mentioned by Grootheest et al,when adverse events like this are
reported.
REFERENCES
1 Grootheest K V, Vrieling T.Thromboembolism associated with the new
contraceptive Yasmin.BMJ 2003;326:257.
2 Poort SR,Rosendaal FR,Reitsma PH,Bertina RM.A common genetic
variation in the 3'-untranslated region of the prothrombin gene is
associated with elevated plasma prothrombin levels and an increase in
venous thrombosis.Blood 1996;88:3698-703.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests
Pulmonary Embolism due to Yasmin
I am a 29 year old woman in good health and have taken Yasmin for
less than 1 year. Also, I began smoking on a part-time basis, very
lightly, approximately 4 cigarrettes a day if that and that is only since
February of this year. Imagine my surprise when I suddenly had agonizing
pain breathing and ended up in the hospital for 8 days because of a
pulmonary embolism. I have no known genetic markers for the condition
and have not had any travel recently. The only explanation found by my
Doctors was the Yasmin. I have been told I was very lucky and I know how
close I came to death. I know many people who smoke large amounts and
have taken birth control for years...it is my strong opinion that this
drug is too new and more dangerous than the FDA anticipated, and I think a
closer look should be taken at the extremely serious risks of taking it.
Competing interests:
None declared
Editorial note: We know the full name of Tiffany but have agreed to publish only her first name.
Competing interests: No competing interests