Pulmonary Embolism Risk Associated with Oral Contraceptives

Risk Stratification

Combined oral contraceptives are associated with a 2-6 fold increase in venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk over baseline, according to the European Respiratory Journal guidelines 1
Third-generation combined oral contraceptives carry a higher VTE risk than second-generation contraceptives, as reported by the European Respiratory Journal 1
Severe inherited thrombophilia increases the risk of fatal outcomes from oral contraceptive-associated pulmonary embolism, as noted by the European Respiratory Journal 1

Hormone-releasing intrauterine devices and some progesterone-only pills are not associated with significant increases in VTE risk and may be safer alternatives, as suggested by the European Respiratory Journal 1
Women who develop hormone-associated pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis are generally advised to discontinue oral contraceptive use, according to the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis guidelines 2
Anticoagulant therapy for 3 months is typically sufficient for women with hormone-associated VTE if the hormone therapy is stopped at diagnosis, as recommended by the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis 3
Women should discontinue hormonal therapy before stopping anticoagulant therapy, as advised by the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis 3