Slightly increased risk of meningioma with certain contraceptives containing desogestrel and etonogestrel

Women concerned should not stop using their contraception without medical advice. The risk of meningioma remains very low.

In July 2026, the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) recommended adding the risk of meningioma to the package leaflet and to the summary of product characteristics (SmPC) of contraceptives containing desogestrel and etonogestrel.

Following this decision, and under the authority of the Pharmacy and Medicines Division of the Health Directorate, the companies concerned informed healthcare professionals of the new safety measures.

Meningiomas are generally benign tumours of the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. They usually grow slowly. Depending on their location, they can cause a range of symptoms, including vision or hearing problems, tinnitus, loss of smell, persistent headaches, memory problems, seizures or weakness in a limb.

Available data show that the risk of developing a meningioma while using contraceptives containing desogestrel or etonogestrel is very low. The vast majority of women using these contraceptives will not develop this condition. However, the risk appears to increase with the duration of use and to be higher in women over the age of 45.

These contraceptives are now contraindicated in women who have a meningioma or a history of meningioma. Healthcare professionals are also advised to take previous exposure to other progestogens into account when assessing the most appropriate contraceptive option.

Women who are currently using one of these contraceptives can continue their contraception as normal. It is important not to stop using contraception without medical advice because of the risk of unintended pregnancy.

In the absence of a history of meningioma or symptoms that may suggest the condition, there is no need to seek urgent medical advice. Patients who have questions or concerns can discuss them with their doctor or gynaecologist at their next appointment.

More generally, women are advised to regularly review their contraception with their doctor to ensure that it remains appropriate for their individual circumstances, age, medical history, lifestyle and needs.

Useful links:

• PRAC recommendation of July 2026: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/prac-recommendation/prac-recommendations-signals-adopted-6-9-july-2026-prac-meeting_en.pdf (Pdf)
• Information sent to healthcare professionals in Luxembourg: https://santesecu.public.lu/dam-assets/fr/espace-professionnel/domaines/dhpc/dhpc-2026/dhpc-signal-of-meningioma-for-desogestrel-and-etonogestrel.pdf (Pdf)
• Health Directorate pharmacovigilance portal: https://santesecu.public.lu/fr/espace-professionnel/departement-sante/pharmacies-et-medicaments/pharmacovigilance.html

Portal for reporting suspected adverse drug reactions: https://guichet.public.lu/fr/citoyens/sante/notification-effets-indesirables-medicaments.html

Press release by the Ministry of Health and Social Security