Pharmacovigilance Study of Side Effects Associated with Levonorgestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol and Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate

The study investigated the side effects associated with Levonorgestrol-Ethinyl estradiol (COCs) and Depotmedroxy progesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) in 1,149 women using these contraceptives in Pakistan. The participants were divided into two groups: those receiving COCs (n=365) and those receiving Depo-Provera (n=431). The study found that women using COCs were more likely to experience nausea, vomiting, and hair loss, with vomiting being more prevalent in younger women (19-35 years) and within the first year of use. Hair loss was more associated with older women (36-50 years), although its relation to age and duration was not statistically significant. In contrast, weight gain was more commonly observed in women using Depo-Provera, particularly in younger women and those using it for 1-2 years. The study highlights the need for monitoring and managing these side effects to improve compliance with contraceptive use.