ITV News readers share their stories of taking the combined contraceptive pill

There has been increasing concern about the risks of taking the combined contraceptive pill - including the risk of blood clots.

It comes after an inquest in January found that teaching assistant Fallan Krek died from a blood clot linked to taking the combined contraceptive pill after being sent home from hospital with painkillers.

Since then, ITV News has discovered other stories where women have suffered serious complications - or even died after developing a blood clot (thrombosis) from using this type of pill.

Here, ITV News viewers share their experiences of using the combined contraceptive pill, as calls grow for more awareness of the risks of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolisms.

Fallan Kurek, Charlotte Foster, Maria Santa, and Sophie Murray (top left -bottom right) all died after taking the pill. Credit:

  • 'This could have been fatal had I not realised something was wrong'

Joanne Johnson was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism in February this year after being on the pill for nearly 12 months before the blood clot.

The 29-year-old said she was lucky that she knew the symptoms, and despite being sent away from my doctors, she went to A&E to get checked.

A blood clot was discovered on her left lung. Sarah thinks she was one of the lucky ones - although she is still receiving treatment and says it affects her daily life.

She also said she tried to raise awareness but there was a backlash from girls that had taken it for years and not had any problems.

Credit: Tim Ireland / PA Archive

  • 'I am now going to spend the rest of my life on medication'

Sarah Standerwick wrote on Facebook that it makes her angry doctors are not fully aware of the signs.

Two years had a multi major pulmonary emboli. She went to the doctors on several occasions, but was told her symptoms were asthma or a chest infection.

One day she collapsed at home and was taken to hospital.

Sarah had to had to have major surgery on her heart and lungs. She was also in an induced coma for several days and will have to be monitored for the rest of her life.

  • 'It's becoming an increasing problem in young girls'

Abigail Brown was taken off the contraceptive combined pill because she has a history of blood clots in her family and was showing signs of a potential clot.

Health professionals check a patient's medical history and take their blood pressure before prescribing the pill. Credit: PA

  • 'I discuss the increased risk of blood clots and strokes in certain women'

Nurse Wendy Bolton wrote on Facebook that she thinks women should only be seen by health professionals trained in family planning.

She says that with the people she sees, she discusses the increased risk of blood clots and strokes in certain women .

  • 'My sister had to go to A&E and was diagnosed with a blood clot'

Sonia Kemp's sister nearly died ten years ago due to the combined pill.

She started having pain in her leg and went to the doctor, but was told it was muscle strain and was sent for physiotherapy.

But a couple of days after her physiotherapy sessions she woke up and couldn't move her leg. Sarah had to go to A&E and was diagnosed with a blood clot.

  • 'I developed a blood clot in my leg - I never took it again'

Brenda Geering commented on Facebook that she was very young when the pill was first available. She was only on it for two months when she developed a blood clot in her leg.

Brenda decided to never take it again.