Authorities Warn Of Increased Brain Tumour Risk With Specific Contraceptive Use

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority SAHPRA has advised that the product information for medroxyprogesterone acetate MPA be updated to include revised safety warnings, including the risk of meningioma, Cape town Etc reports.

MPA is a synthetic oral and injectable form of the hormone progesterone and is used for birth control and the management of endometriosis-associated pain.

It is also indicated in the palliative treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic endometrial cancer, renal cancer, and breast cancer in postmenopausal women, the local watchdog explained.

MPA-containing products registered in South Africa are Depo-Provera, Provera, Petogen, Medroxyprogesterone Mylan, Sayana, Omrastoz, Trivina, and Triclogyn.

According to a media release , SAHPRA said it was informed by a holder of a Certificate of Registration HCR of regulatory action taken in Europe concerning products containing MPA, noting the potential risk of meningioma.