15 January 2013 - 15 January 2013 - The French federation of pharmaceutical companies Leem acknowledged yesterday the reply of healthcare minister Marisol Touraine on the concerns linked to third- and fourth-generation birth-control pills and requested from public authorities a clear information system for drugs.

The system should inform on medicines’ benefits and risks evaluation and on risks connected to misuse, the federation said, adding that the French need to have clear reference points on drugs.

Furthermore, Leem asked for initiatives to increase the awareness of French people, whilst offering to participate in these campaigns with tangible actions.

The federation pointed out that the side effects of third- and fourth-generation pills are well-known since long, they are indicated in the marketing authorisation and have been included in the patient information leaflet.

Drugs are developed by following a particularly demanding process, depending on a favourable benefit/risk ratio, which is regularly re-examined by healthcare authorities, Leem said.