On Thursday 24 September 2026, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Health and Social Security reminded women using contraceptives containing desogestrel or etonogestrel not to stop their contraception without medical advice, stressing that the risk of developing a meningioma remains very low.
According to the ministry, the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) recommended in July 2026 that the risk of meningioma be added to the package leaflet intended for patients and to the summary of product characteristics of contraceptives containing desogestrel and etonogestrel.
Following this decision, and under the authority of the Directorate of Health’s Division of Pharmacy and Medicines, the pharmaceutical companies concerned informed healthcare professionals about the new safety measures.
The ministry explained that meningiomas are generally benign tumours of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord and usually develop slowly. Depending on their location, they can cause various symptoms, including vision or hearing problems, tinnitus, loss of smell, persistent headaches, memory problems, epileptic seizures or weakness in a limb.
According to the available data, the risk of developing a meningioma while using contraceptives containing desogestrel or etonogestrel is very low. The ministry noted: “The vast majority of women using these contraceptives will never develop this condition.” However, the risk appears to increase with the duration of use and to be higher among women aged over 45.
These contraceptives are now contraindicated for women who have a meningioma or a history of meningioma. Healthcare professionals have also been asked to consider previous exposure to other progestogens when assessing the most appropriate contraceptive treatment.
The ministry highlighted that women currently using one of these contraceptives can continue their treatment as normal: “It is important not to stop using contraception without medical advice because of the risk of an unintended pregnancy.”
Women with no history of meningioma or suggestive symptoms do not need to seek urgent medical advice. Patients with questions or concerns can discuss them with their doctor or gynaecologist at their next appointment.
More generally, the ministry recommended regularly reassessing contraception with a doctor to ensure that it remains appropriate for the patient’s circumstances, age, medical history, lifestyle and needs.
Further information is available via the PRAC recommendation of July 2026, the information provided to healthcare professionals in Luxembourg and the Directorate of Health’s pharmacovigilance portal. Suspected adverse drug reactions can be reported via Guichet.lu.
