Ce médicament augmente le risque de tumeur au cerveau : plus d’un million de femmes le prennent

European Health Authorities Issue Warning on Brain Tumor Risk Linked to Common Contraceptives

European health authorities have issued a new safety alert regarding a range of widely used hormonal contraceptives, citing an increased risk of meningioma, a tumor that develops on the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The alert, published in mid-July 2026 by the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), follows evidence linking the use of progestogen-based contraceptives to these growths. While the risk is described as very low, the findings have prompted immediate changes to medical guidelines and prescription practices across Europe.

Understanding the Risk and Affected Medications

The safety signal specifically concerns contraceptives containing the hormones desogestrel and etonogestrel. According to the PRAC, the risk of developing a meningioma increases with the duration of use, particularly when the treatment exceeds one year. Commonly used medications identified in the alert include: * Desogestrel-based pills: Cerazette, Optimizette, Antigone, Elfasette, Mercilon, Varnoline, and Varnoline Continu. * Etonogestrel-based products: Nexplanon (implants) and Nuvaring (vaginal rings). Data from the French research group EPI-PHARE indicates that approximately 1.3 million women in France currently use desogestrel. In terms of absolute numbers, the PRAC estimates that one additional case of meningioma occurs for every 67,300 women treated with these hormones. Although meningiomas are generally benign—meaning they are typically not cancerous—they can cause severe health complications depending on their size and location within the skull.

New Counter-indications and Mandatory Medical Actions

In response to these findings, the PRAC has established stringent new protocols for healthcare providers. Contraceptives containing desogestrel or etonogestrel are now strictly contra-indicated for any patient who currently has a meningioma or has a medical history of the condition. Furthermore, if a patient currently using these contraceptives is diagnosed with a meningioma, the treatment must be interrupted immediately. Health authorities are also updating product information leaflets to include the risk of meningioma as an adverse effect of indeterminate frequency.

Symptoms and Patient Vigilance

Health officials are urging both healthcare professionals and patients to remain vigilant for symptoms that may indicate the presence of a meningioma. Patients using these hormonal contraceptives should consult a physician if they experience: * Persistent or worsening headaches * Vision disturbances * Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus) * Loss of smell * Memory problems * Convulsions * Weakness in an arm or a leg The risk of developing these tumors is noted to be higher in women who have previously been exposed to other progestogens already known to be linked to meningiomas, such as cyproterone, nomégestrol, medroxyprogesterone, or chlormadinone.

Broader Context on Progestogen Research

The European alert aligns with findings from a large-scale Danish study published on July 2, 2026, in the journal *Jama Network Open*. Researchers analyzed data from three million women between 2000 and 2024 to determine the association between various progestogens and meningioma risk. The study found that while the individual risk remains low, several progestogens were associated with a statistically significant increase in meningioma cases. The study noted that the risk was highest among women with recent exposure to these hormones and tended to increase with the age of the patient. While the scientific community emphasizes that the absolute risk for any individual remains low—with experts noting that meningiomas are benign in 80% of cases—the cumulative data has necessitated a formal re-evaluation of the safety profiles for these widely prescribed contraceptive molecules. Authorities across Europe are now moving to ensure that both doctors and patients are fully informed of these risks to facilitate safer clinical decision-making.

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