European Agency Finds Contraceptives May Increase Risk of Brain Tumors

The European Medicines Agency's Safety Committee recommends that women with a history or current diagnosis of meningeal tumors avoid using hormonal contraceptives containing desogestrel or etonogestrel, as studies have shown that their use may slightly increase the risk of developing meningeal tumors. Meningeal tumors are often benign tumors that develop in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.