The 'pill scare': the responses of authorities, doctors and patients using oral contraception

Abstract

In October 1995, the regulatory authority in the UK issued a warning about an increased risk of venous thromboembolism in women taking third-generation combined oral contraceptives. This was done before publication of the scientific papers involved, and resulted in a huge media 'pill scare'. The manner in which the information was released has been criticised, as many doctors did not receive their 'Dear Doctor' letter from the regulatory authority until after media reporting. The result of the scare has been a loss of confidence in the oral contraceptive pill in general, and a rise in abortion rates.