A new study from Israel contributes to the concern that some newer generation birth control pills may put women at an increased risk of blood clots. Pills that contain drospirenone, sold under the brand names Yaz and Yasmin, appear 40 to 60 percent more likely to trigger blood clots in veins. The overall risk was low, however: just a handful of cases per 10,000 women each year. The researchers suggest that women who may be at increased risk for blood clots should discuss contraceptive options with their physician. That would include any woman who smokes, anyone over 35 and women who are overweight.
[Canadian Medical Association Journal, online November 7, 2011]
