Who is at risk for venous thrombo-embolism (VTE) on the combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP)?
Women who have risk factors for VTE should not use combined OCPs. This includes women with a history of VTE, those with deficiencies of protein S, protein C, factor 5 Leiden, or antithrombin 3, or those with hyperhomocystenemia, prothrombin gene mutation and antiphospholipid antibodies. If there is a family history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolus (PE), a thrombophilia screen should be considered to rule out an increased risk for a thrombotic event. There are however exceptions to this rule. If a woman is on anticoagulants for a prior thrombotic event a combined OCP can be considered especially if she is having significant menstrual bleeding each month or has had repeated episodes of intraperitoneal bleeding associated with ovulation. If the woman has a known thrombophilia but has never had a DVT a combined OCP can be used in certain circumstances. Consultation with a hematologist is recommended to discuss more complicated scenarios such as these and to verify the mos
Related Questions
- Does the third generation combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP) cause venous thrombo-embolism (VTE) more often than other generations of oral contraceptive pills?
- Who is at risk for venous thrombo-embolism (VTE) on the combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP)?
- Does the combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP) cause venous thrombo-embolism (VTE)?
