New York, New York - November 7, 2011
More evidence is linking newer birth control pills to a higher risk of serious blood clots.
Thirty-five year-old Mischa Edwards started taking birth control pills five years ago, knowing they could increase her risk of blood clots. "I was a little bit nervous about that," she said.
Now more research shows blood clots are even more likely for women taking newer birth control pills like yaz and yasmin. A new study looked at nearly 330-thousand women in Israel and found those taking the so called next generation of pills, which contain the synthetic hormone, Drospirenone,
are at much higher risk for clots than women taking older drugs.
"The risk is the highest in the first few months after starting the pill," said Dr. Jennifer Wu with Lenox Hill Hospital.
Two weeks ago, the Food and Drug Administration released another large study that showed women taking Yaz have a 75-percent greater chance of developing a clot than women taking older birth control with a different hormone.
Oral contraceptives are the most popular method of birth control in the U.S. More than 10.5 million women take birth control pills. Doctor Jennifer Wu says while the overall risk of clots is still small,
patients should discuss other risk factors with their doctors.
"Family history, obesity and other medications can increase your risk for blood clots," Dr. Wu said.
Bayer makes the Drospierenone pills and says it's reviewing the latest studies. The FDA will also meet next month to discuss the contraceptive's safety.
Mischa Edward's says she's comfortable with the choice she made. After doing her research, she opted for a newer pill that contains a safer hormone.
Randall Pinkston - CBS News
