Comparison of risks of thromboembolism of drospirenone-containing and nondrospirenone -containing combined oral contraceptive use: A meta-analysis

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), arterial thromboembolism (ATE), and other side effects following the use of drospirenone (DRSP)-containing combined oral contraceptives (COCs). When compared with non-DRSP-containing COCs, DRSP-containing COCs decreased the risk of VTE by 15% in the overall study population, although this was not statistically significant (adjusted hazard ratio/risk ratio [95% confidence interval] 0.85 [0.69, 1.04]). DRSP-containing COCs also showed significant benefits in terms of ATE risk. The body mass index of the subjects significantly decreased by 0.64 kg/m2 after taking the DRSP-containing COCs for 6 months. We concluded that DRSP-containing COCs were safe for use and could be broadly recommended.

Keywords

• arterial thromboembolism; combined oral contraceptives; drospirenone; venous thromboembolism