The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7188 p311-320
9 March 2002

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Third generation pills case starts

A court case brought by more that 100 women who claim that they suffered severe adverse reactions to third generation progestogen-containing oral contraceptives started in the High Court this week. The case is expected to last for five months.

The women are suing three pharmaceutical companies under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, which makes manufacturers liable for any problems that occur with defective products. Seven lead cases are being heard in detail. The women involved say that taking the contraceptives caused deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and central venous thrombosis sometimes leading to strokes.

Lord Brennan, QC, is heading the women's legal team. He told Mr Justice Mackay that despite the complex scientific evidence being offered, "the nature of the claimants case remains simple: the product they received was defective and that defect caused them injury".

Schering Health Care (which makes Femodene and Triadene), Organon Laboratories (Marvelon and Mercilon) and John Wyeth & Brother (Tri-Minulet and Minulet) are defending the case.