Newer birth control pills raise clot risk, group warns

Some newer, low-dose birth control pills double the risk of potentially dangerous blood clots compared with older contraceptives and should be banned, a U.S. consumer group says.

Public Citizen filed a petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday to stop the sale of birth control pills containing a type of progestin called desogestrel.

"By banning third-generation oral contraceptives, the FDA will potentially save hundreds of young women a year from developing venous thrombosis and its disabling and sometimes fatal consequences," the petition read.

The newer contraceptives may lead to about 30 blood clots per 100,000 users, compared with 15 clots per 100,000 people taking "second generation" pills that contain estrogen and progestin.

In the U.S., the newer pills include a warning about the increased risk.

Several pharmaceutical companies sell third-generation oral contraceptives, including Johnson & Johnson's Ortho-Cept. Health Canada has approved sales of Ortho-Cept.

Public Citizen said there is no evidence that desogestrel pills offer improved clinical benefits.

"FDA will carefully review the petition," said agency spokeswoman Susan Cruzan.