Further information is provided in your patient information leaflet. Keep it in a safe place in case you ever need to refer to it.

Serious risks to be aware of associated with oral contraceptives

For most women the benefits of taking the pill far outweigh the possible risks. However, although they are very rare indeed, there are some risks you should know about.

• A very small number of women who take oral contraceptives may develop a blood clot which can block a vein (venous thrombosis) or an artery (called an arterial thrombosis) which can cause a heart attack or stroke. If you have ever had a thrombosis, you should not use the pill.

• The risk of thrombosis is greatest during the first year that you take the pill. Other factors that can increase your risks are if you:-
  • Smoke
  • Are very overweight
  • Are diabetic
  • Are immobile for a long period of time or use a wheelchair
  • Have severe varicose veins
  • A member of your immediate family had a venous thrombosis, heart attack or stroke before they were 45 years old
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Have migraines with visual disturbances

• Oral contraceptive use is not associated with an overall increased risk of developing cancer, and in fact your risk of some cancers are decreased. However, there are some cancers where there may be a very small increase in risk in people who use the contraceptive pill.
  
  There may be a small increase in the risk of developing breast cancer in women who take the pill, but the research is contradictory; any increase in risk reduces after you stop taking the pill. 
  
  Very long term use of the pill may be associated with a very small increase in the risk of developing cervical cancer if you are on the pill for a prolonged period. Additionally very rare liver cancers have been observed in a few users of the combined contraceptive pill.

Further information is provided in your patient information leaflet or speak to your doctor or other healthcare provider to discuss any concerns you may have.