Drospirenone litigation: Does the punishment Fit the crime?

Abstract

There has been much controversy in the scientific literature and lay press about the potential for increased relative risks (RRs) of venous thromboembolism associated with certain contraceptives over others. This commentary reviews the conflicting data on drospirenone's relative venous and arterial risks and summarizes the details of over two billion dollars in litigation surrounding the use of these products. The current legal environment supports litigation focused on small potential RRs, associated with even smaller absolute risks. The absolute risks of venous and arterial thrombotic events in drospirenone users are low and comparable to that of other combined hormonal contraceptives. Women should have access to a wide array of contraceptive choices, including those containing drospirenone.