Statement from Dr. Vanessa Cullins, Planned Parenthood Vice President of External Medical Affairs, on the Food and Drug Administration’s Label Change for Drospirenone-Containing Birth Control Pills

Statement from Dr. Vanessa Cullins, Planned Parenthood Vice President of External Medical Affairs, on the Food and Drug Administration’s Label Change for Drospirenone-Containing Birth Control Pills

As the nation’s leading and most trusted provider of reproductive health care, Planned Parenthood understands the importance of patients having the information they need to make informed health care decisions.

“The Food and Drug Administration’s decision to keep drospirenone-containing birth control pills on the market without additional restrictions, but to include more information about their risks and benefits on packaging will help women and their providers make more informed decisions when selecting birth control methods,” said Dr. Vanessa Cullins. 

“Hormonal contraceptives are among the most effective methods of pregnancy prevention.  And though some studies have shown that women are at a slightly higher risk for blood clots when using drospirenone-containing formulations, the occurrence of blood clots while using these methods is still extremely rare, and the risk is significantly less than what women experience during pregnancy and postpartum.  Moreover the increase in risk seen with drospirenone-containing birth control pills is similar to that found with other accepted and commonly used birth control pills.  The important take-home here is that while women and their providers should be aware of these risks when making decisions about birth control, they should not be overly concerned by this new information.”