UAE doctors warn of health risks of contraceptives

Every women taking birth control pills needs to be aware that there can be side effects, say experts.

Women need to be aware of the potential side effects of contraceptive pills, especially when they're bought over-the-counter without consulting a doctor. Ravindranath K / The National

DUBAI // Women who buy contraceptive pills off the shelf need to be aware of the potential serious health implications of taking the drugs, experts say.

While a prescription is required to purchase oral contraceptive pills in Abu Dhabi, it is not required in Dubai and women may be buying the drugs without knowing the possible risks.

Contraceptive pills cannot be taken in conjunction with some other medicines and can aggravate underlying medical complaints. Side effects can also include depression, weight gain and nausea and, in some cases, blood clots.

“I have seen patients who just used a pill because their friend recommended it and without consulting a doctor,” said Dr Naglaa Rizk, a consultant gynaecologist at Al Zahra Hospital in Dubai.

“They’re not doing it right and this can mess up their menstrual cycle. The doctor needs to assess and suggest a suitable contraceptive pill.”

Dr Rizk believes it should be mandatory that contraceptive pills require a prescription in all emirates.

“For medical reasons, I think making prescriptions compulsory is a good decision,” she said. “People need to understand that not all contraceptive pills are the same.

“They vary in hormone content and strengths. Don’t play around with contraceptive pills. Before you start, go see a doctor.”

Dr N Siddiqi, from the LLH Hospital in Mussaffah, Abu Dhabi, agreed.

“Pills can be risky for many people and any doctor who is recommending them needs to make sure they are clinically safe.

“It is the doctor’s responsibility to check that the patient has not had a history of cancer or blood clots, especially if they were on pills before or are smokers.

“Some women are not able to tolerate pills and the doctor needs to suggest an alternative.”

Mr Kamruddin, at Al Ahood Pharmacy on Muroor Road, Abu Dhabi, said birth control pills used to be available over-the-counter in the capital until a new policy was introduced three years ago.

“There are many side effects of different contraceptive pills, including nausea and weight gain,” he said.

The Ministry of Health did not respond to requests for information regarding the disparity of contraceptive pill prescriptions across the UAE.