Pills-related severe adverse events: A case report in Taiwan

Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2016 Aug;55(4):588-90. doi: 10.1016/j.tjog.2016.03.003.

Abstract

Objective: To review and evaluate the potential adverse effects of these oral contraceptives (OCP) to overweight women.

Case report: A 19-year-old college student, with a body mass index (BMI) of 35.2 kg/m(2), who received 2 months of OCP containing cyproterone and ethinyl estradiol for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-related menstrual problems was complicated with a thromboembolism-related life-threatened disease. After intensive care, including the use of an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system, thrombolytic treatment, anticoagulant, and inferior vena filter, she recovered well without significant sequelae.

Conclusion: This case illustrates the risk of using OCPs, especially for those containing cyproterone and ethinyl estradiol components, as a treatment for menstrual problems in young women with PCOS and a high BMI.

Keywords: Diane-35; abnormal uterine bleeding; polycystic ovary syndrome; pulmonary embolism; thromboembolism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Androgen Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Body Mass Index
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / adverse effects*
  • Cyproterone / adverse effects*
  • Estrogens / adverse effects
  • Ethinyl Estradiol / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Menstruation Disturbances / drug therapy*
  • Menstruation Disturbances / etiology
  • Overweight / complications
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / complications
  • Taiwan
  • Thromboembolism / chemically induced*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Androgen Antagonists
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Combined
  • Estrogens
  • Ethinyl Estradiol
  • Cyproterone