France alerts 1.6 million women to slight brain tumor risk from desogestrel pills

Notification campaign across France

The French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) announced on 10 September 2026 that it will send personalized letters to 1.6 million women taking desogestrel-based contraceptives. The agency is also sending notices to approximately 90,000 prescribing physicians. The communication informs patients of a slight statistical risk of developing meningioma, a mostly benign tumor that forms in the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Health officials emphasized that the absolute risk remains low and differs from previously restricted hormonal medications. Isabelle Yoldjian, medical director at ANSM, addressed the scale of the findings during a press briefing.

The risk is low and cannot be compared to that of Androcur (cyproterone acetate), which was 20 times higher after five years of use.

Affected contraceptives and tumor characteristics

The notification covers progestin-only pills containing 75 micrograms of desogestrel, including Cerazette, Antigone, Elfasette, and Optimizette, along with generics from Biogaran, Cristers, and Sandoz. Combined oral contraceptives containing 150 micrograms of desogestrel with ethinylestradiol, such as Desobel, Mercilon, and Varnoline, are also subject to the notice. Related hormonal delivery methods, specifically the Nexplanon subcutaneous implant and vaginal rings like NuvaRing and Etoring, are included under the guidance. Meningiomas originate from the three protective layers of the central nervous system and are non-cancerous in 80% to 90% of diagnoses. These tumors typically develop slowly over months or years, though larger growths can exert pressure on cranial structures.

Research timeline and statistical risk

The advisory stems from epidemiological research conducted in 2024 by EPI-PHARE, a French scientific interest group. In July 2026, the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee of the European Medicines Agency recommended updating product leaflets across the European Union. According to the EPI-PHARE data, one additional case of meningioma occurs for every 67,000 women using desogestrel alone. That incidence increases to one case in 17,000 after five years of continuous exposure and doubles after seven years. The risk is elevated among patients over 45 years of age or those who previously used other progestins for more than 12 months. Across France, experts estimate approximately 15 cases per year attributable to the drug among 1.3 million monthly users, with excess risk vanishing one year after cessation.

Medical guidance and symptoms to monitor

French health authorities and medical societies advised patients against abruptly stopping their contraception, pointing to the immediate risk of unplanned pregnancy. Instead, women are encouraged to review their prescription during their next routine medical consultation. Geoffroy Robin, general secretary of the French National College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, noted that routine checkups remain the appropriate setting for adjustments.

There is absolutely no need to worry because it is an extremely low risk in absolute terms.

Catherine Scorey, a gynecologist with the Royal College of French-speaking Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Belgium, noted that meningiomas also occur independently of contraceptive use. Patients experiencing persistent neurological symptoms are advised to seek medical evaluation, which may include magnetic resonance imaging. Monitored symptoms include persistent headaches, vision disturbances, speech impairment, balance problems, muscle weakness, memory loss, dizziness, and new or worsening seizures.