According to Le Figaro, pulmonary embolism cases among women dropped by 341 in 2013—a trend aligning with a 25% decline in sales of third- and fourth-generation contraceptive pills.
The Rise and Fall
Initially hailed as superior alternatives to first- and second-generation pills—offering similar efficacy without issues like acne or weight gain—these newer pills faced backlash by late 2012. Media scrutiny highlighted a doubled risk of venous thrombosis compared to older formulations. Prescribed to around two million women and holding 50% market share, they prompted widespread awareness. Today, first- and second-generation pills command 75% of the market.
Positive Health Impact
The National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM) confirms this shift correlates with an 11% reduction in pulmonary embolism hospitalizations—11% fewer cases meant 341 fewer women affected. In 2013, 2,704 women were hospitalized versus 3,045 in 2012. The decline is most evident among women aged 15-29, with no similar trends in older adults or men—pointing directly to reduced use of riskier pills. While encouraging, 25% of users still rely on newer options, suggesting room for further improvement in embolism rates.
