The latest generation of contraceptive pills are safe for most women – but those at risk need to be told, European regulators are set to say.
An advisory committee has ruled that the benefits of combined hormonal contraceptives outweigh their risks.
But it will say that doctors should assess women’s individual risk regularly.
The pills have been linked to the development of blood clots in the veins.
The experts say factors that may increase this risk including smoking, weight, age and having just given birth. Those with family histories of migraines and venous thromboembolism also face increased risk.
The ruling has come from the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee of the European Medicines Agency.
The agency is due to agree a final opinion next month.
The advisers say that some contraceptives are linked to up to 12 cases a year of venous thromboembolism among 10,000 women. The risk among those not taking the pill is two cases a year.
It says three hormones, levonorgestrel, norgestimate and norethisterone, have the lowest risk – and are linked to no more than 7 cases of the problem for every 10,000 women.
The advisers add: "It is important that women and doctors remain alert for the signs and symptoms of thromboembolism, which may include severe pain or swelling in the legs, sudden unexplained breathlessness, rapid breathing or cough, chest pain, and face, arm or leg weakness or numbness.
"In case a woman develops any of these signs and symptoms she should seek medical advice immediately."
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