PRAC agrees new safety information on desogestrel- and etonogestrel-containing contraceptives and Litfulo, a medicine to treat alopecia areata   

Desogestrel- and etonogestrel-containing medicines: risk of meningioma and new measures to minimise this risk 

PRAC agreed on a direct healthcare professional communication (DHPC) to inform healthcare professionals about a small increased risk of meningioma associated with current, prolonged use (>1 year) of desogestrel- or etonogestrel-containing contraceptives medicines. Although the risk is increased in people using these medicines, the overall likelihood of developing meningioma remains very low and one additional meningioma is estimated to occur for every 67,300 women who use the medicines. Meningiomas are tumours of the tissue layer surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Usually they are benign (non-cancerous) and grow slowly but, depending on the size or location, they can cause serious problems.

Use of desogestrel- or…