Higher blood clot risk linked to some HRT tablets

Research by scientists at the University of Nottingham suggests that certain types of hormone replacement therapy drugs could carry a higher risk of serious blood clots, although the British Medical Journal have stipulated that the overall risk still remains low.

The research found that tablets which contain equine oestrogen carried a slightly higher risk than other medication.

GP leaders had responded, saying that patients should not panic and should voice any concerns they had at their next routine GP appointment.

Researchers involved in the study said the increased risk of taking HRT medication was equivalent to nine further incidents of blood clots for each 10,000 women per year.

Researcher Dr Yana Vinogradova from the university’s school of medicine, said “Our study has shown that, for oral treatments, different tablets are associated with different risks of developing blood clots, depending on the active components.

“It has also confirmed that risks of thrombosis for patients using HRT treatments other than tablets (patches or gels) is very low.”

Chair of the Royal College of GPs Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, said that whilst the study was “interesting”, it did not prove that cases of blood clots had been a direct cause of taking the tablets.

She added “As such, it is essential that more research is conducted in this area and taken into account as new clinical guidelines are updated and developed.

“It’s important that patients don’t panic or stop taking HRT as a result of reading about this study but instead discuss their concerns at their next routine GP appointment or seek advice from a reputable website like NHS Choices.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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