Desogestrel linked to elevated meningioma risk in contraceptive users
Desogestrel contraceptives linked to 1.7-fold meningioma risk; European and French authorities issue alert.
Event / Health
Desogestrel Contraceptive Health Alert
French health authorities notify 1.6 million women of increased meningioma risk associated with desogestrel-based contraceptive pills, following a 2024 epidemiological study showing a 1.7-fold increased risk.
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2026-09-10 to 2026-11-06 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 10 Sept, 09:32 UTC
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What happened
Desogestrel use increases meningioma risk by 1.7-fold after five years of use
A 2024 epidemiological study by Epi-Phare found that women taking desogestrel-based contraceptives for five years face a 1.7-fold increased risk of developing meningioma compared to non-users. The risk affects approximately one in 17,000 women after five years of use, and doubles after seven years of continuous use. The elevated risk disappears one year after stopping the medication.
Desogestrel meningioma risk significantly lower than other progestins
The meningioma risk from desogestrel is substantially lower than risks associated with other progestins such as Androcur, which carries a 20-fold increased risk after five years of use and requires systematic imaging surveillance.
ANSM sends alert letters to 90,000 healthcare professionals prescribing desogestrel
The ANSM is also distributing informational letters to approximately 90,000 healthcare professionals who have prescribed desogestrel-based contraceptives (75 microgram dosage) to inform them of the meningioma risk and encourage discussion with patients.
European Medicines Agency adds meningioma risk to desogestrel contraceptive product information
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) decided in summer 2026 to add the meningioma risk to the official product information and patient notices for desogestrel-based contraceptives.
Women advised to consult doctors if experiencing meningioma symptoms
Women using desogestrel contraceptives are advised to seek medical consultation if they experience persistent headaches, vision disturbances, muscle weakness, balance or speech problems, memory loss, or new or worsening seizures. A brain MRI may be prescribed to evaluate for meningioma.
French health agency alerts 1.6 million women to meningioma risk from desogestrel contraceptives
The French National Agency for Medication Safety (ANSM) is sending personalized letters to approximately 1.6 million women who have used desogestrel-based contraceptives (including brands Antigone, Cerazette, Elfasette, and Optimizette) to inform them of an increased risk of developing meningioma, a benign brain tumor. The letters will be distributed between September 14-30, 2026.
ANSM advises against stopping contraception without medical guidance
The ANSM recommends that women should not discontinue their contraceptive medication without consulting a healthcare provider to avoid unintended pregnancy, and should discuss the meningioma risk during routine consultations with their doctor, gynecologist, or midwife.
Meningioma risk particularly affects women over 45 and prior progestin users
The increased meningioma risk from desogestrel-based contraceptives disproportionately affects women aged 45 and older, and women who have previously used other progestins considered to carry higher risks for more than one year.
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