My contraceptive pill nearly killed me

Lauren Brown, 22, was given Co-cyprindiol - also called Clairette and Dianette - by her GP which resulted in swelling to her leg - turning out to be the dangerous deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Lauren says her GP never warned her of the side effects when they prescribed the drug to her.

She was in hospital for three days while doctors gave her anti-coagulant medication before being discharged - but she still has to inject herself with the medication every day.

The legal firm team events co-ordinator is now struggling to do the simplest of everyday tasks such as eating and moving around, because the condition has left her with chest pains and breathlessness.

Doctors have told her it could up to six months before she gets back to full health.

Lauren, from Market Weighton, said: “This has ruined my life. I just wished I had asked the doctor more about what I was taking.

“People should know what they are taking and the affects which is causes.

“I have since been suffering from chest pains and breathlessness and am concerned about the risk of a clot forming on my lungs.

“Since the diagnosis of a DVT I am now taking daily medication by injections into my tummy.

“I have blood tests every day and have to wear compression stockings, in an attempt to prevent any further complications.

“I’m only 22 and never expected that a contraceptive pill could cause all of this.

“I didn’t think that my life could be put at risk over something that seemed so simple. I want to make other girls aware of the risks associated with certain contraceptive pills.

“I’ve stopped taking the contraceptive pill - I’d rather have problems with my skin than something fatal like this.”

Lauren is now back at work working full time - trying to battle the symptoms of the disease.

Speaking about the impact with her 27-year-old fiancé, who she has been with for six years, she said that it has dampened their relationship.

“It has just ruined our relationship. I can’t eat a lot and get tired really easily, including headaches, blurred vision and rashes.

“The anti-coagulant medication I have been given causes side effects. I have been advised to avoid certain foods, drinks and alcohol.

“My job, relationship and social life have all been affected.

“I would like to progress at work, but I just can’t because I don’t have the energy.”

Lauren began to experience leg pain following her work’s Christmas party on (Dec 18) while she was taking the pill.

Her leg became swollen and she contacted her GP for advice.

She later attended A& where investigations confirmed a diagnosis of a DVT - a blood clot - in her right leg.

Lauren was unaware that the pill carried an increased risk of venous thrombotic events (VTEs), such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary emboli (PE).

York legal eagles Pryers Solicitors are helping Lauren to raise awareness of the potential adverse effects of an oral contraceptive pill - after she suffered serious side effects.

The team are now investigating a clinical negligence claim on Lauren’s behalf.

Jenny Barton, specialist clinical negligence Solicitor at Pryers said: “Co-cyprindiol can be very helpful to many women, who take it without complication.

“However, some women may not be aware of the potential serious side effects.

“It is important that patients fully understand the risks associated with the medication they are prescribed, so that they can make an informed choice before taking and so that, in the unlikely event that there are complications, medical attention is promptly sought.”

The news comes after the story of Sophie Murray, from Accrington, Lancashire, was reported in the national news.

The 16-year-old died of a pulmonary embolism caused by DVT after complaining of chest pains and a shortness of breath. Her death was linked to taking the pill.