Commentary: Oral contraceptives and myocardial infarction: reassuring new findings

摘要

One of the main challenges in pharmacoepidemiology is the assessment of the risk of rare but severe side effects. Since oral contraceptives were introduced in the early 1960s the most important concern has been the possible increased risk of thromboembolic disease in users. Few drugs have been the object of such intensive epidemiological research, the outcome of which has provided clinicians with detailed information abut risks not only of specific thrombotic diseases but also impor- tant non-contraceptive benefits from the pill.