What considerations are important when prescribing oral contraceptives to women over 35 or those who smoke, given their increased risk factors?
Gaurav ChauhanContributor
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What considerations are important when prescribing oral contraceptives to women over 35 or those who smoke, given their increased risk factors?
1. Women over 35 or smokers require careful assessment for cardiovascular risks before prescribing oral contraceptives due to higher risk of blood clots.
2. For women over 35 who smoke, non-estrogen options like progestin-only pills or IUDs might be safer to minimize thrombosis risks.
3. Doctors should evaluate blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and personal smoking history in women over 35 before prescribing combination oral contraceptives.
4. Smoking women over 35 need thorough counselling on oral contraceptives’ risks, especially concerning cardiovascular health, compared to non-smokers.
5. Prescriptions for oral contraceptives in smokers over 35 should include regular follow-ups to monitor for signs of hypertension or other vascular complications.
1. For women over 35 who smoke, assessing cardiovascular risks is crucial due to increased risks of blood clots and stroke when using oral contraceptives.
2. Evaluate risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes before prescribing oral contraceptives to women over 35, especially if they smoke.
3. Non-smoking women over 35 can consider low-dose estrogen pills, but continuous monitoring for blood pressure and cardiovascular symptoms is essential.
4. Encourage smoking cessation for women over 35 seeking oral contraceptives, as smoking significantly amplifies the risk of severe cardiovascular events.