FOI release

FOI 21/093 – Hormonal Contraceptives and Adverse Reactions

Published 24 March 2021

Thank you for your email dated 26th January 2021, where you requested:

“A print-out/line listing of individual reports of people suffering adverse, mood-related side-effects (including depression, depressive symptoms, anxiety, panic attacks, mood swings, anger, emotional distress, tearfulness, increased stress, suicidal ideation, irritability, insomnia) from hormonal contraceptives.”

I can confirm that the MHRA does hold this information however it is exempt from release under Section 21 of the FOI Act – information accessible by other means: the information you have requested is already in the public domain.

Interactive Drug Analysis Profiles contain complete listings for all medicines of all UK spontaneous suspected adverse drug reactions received by the MHRA and are available to view on our website:

https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/iDAP/

I hope the information provided is helpful; however, if you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request, you have the right to ask for an internal review. Internal review requests should be submitted within two months of the date of this response; and can be addressed to this email address.

Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

Yours sincerely,

FOI Team,

Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines Division

The MHRA information supplied in response to your request is subject to Crown copyright. The FOIA only entitles you to access to MHRA information.

For information on the reproduction or re-use of MHRA information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reproduce-or-re-use-mhra-information/reproduce-or-re-use-mhra-information

If you have a query about this email, please contact us. If you are unhappy with our decision, you may ask for it to be reviewed. That review will be undertaken by a senior member of the Agency who has not previously been involved in your request. If you wish to pursue that option please write to the Communications Directorate, 4-T, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, (via this email address). After that, if you remain dissatisfied, you may ask the Information Commissioner at:

The Information Commissioner’s Office

Wycliffe House

Water Lane

Wilmslow

Cheshire

SK9 5AF

Copyright notice

The information supplied in response to your request is the copyright of MHRA and/or a third party or parties, and has been supplied for your personal use only. You may not sell, resell or otherwise use any information provided without prior agreement from the copyright holder