Drug with high Cardiotoxicity (12/15)

12.Hormonal Contraceptives

Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs):

• Mechanism: #COCs contain #estrogen and #progestin to prevent ovulation and regulate menstrual cycles. They can have effects on various metabolic processes.
• Risks:

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE): COCs significantly increase the risk of VTE, especially in women with additional risk factors such as smoking, obesity, or a history of thrombosis.

Hypertension: Some formulations can cause or exacerbate hypertension, increasing cardiovascular risk.

Stroke: There is a small but increased risk of stroke, particularly in women over 35 who smoke or have other risk factors.

• Monitoring: Blood pressure should be monitored regularly, and women should be assessed for VTE risk factors before starting COCs. The choice of formulation should consider individual cardiovascular risk profiles.

Progestin-Only Contraceptives (e.g., mini-pills, implants):

• Mechanism: These methods primarily work by thickening cervical mucus and preventing ovulation, with fewer metabolic effects compared to COCs.
• Risks: Generally, progestin-only methods have a lower risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular issues compared to COCs. However, some individuals may still experience side effects such as weight gain or changes in blood pressure.
• Monitoring: Regular follow-up for any side effects, especially if there are concerns about weight gain or hypertension.

Ensuring cardiac safety is essential to increasing the 
success rate of new drug developments.
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