The RCGP is going to remind all GPs to tell patients about the risks of the contraceptive pill, following an ITV investigation into recent deaths.
Although rare, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are two of the most serious complications linked to taking the contraceptive pill.
Dr Helen Stokes-Lampard, RCGP honorary treasurer, told ITV the college would send out a memo in its weekly blog to over 50,000 GPs.
She told the news channel: ‘GPs and practice nurses are highly trained in how to issue and dispense medication for contraception and they should all have a clear understanding that deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are one of the most serious risks associated with any combined contraceptives.
’So already they should be trained but a reminder that this is an issue is always timely.’
ITV has interviewed people affected by serious side effects from the pill, including Louise Palfreyman, who underwent brain surgery after a blood clot caused her to have a stroke 10 months ago, and the family of 21-year-old Fallan Kurek from Staffordshire, who died afte suffering a ‘massive’ pulmonary embolism last year.
