A 16-Year-Old Girl Died After Taking Recommended Pill

A 16-year-old girl who was taking a contraceptive pill died of a blood clot. But the court said if she would have been diagnosed and have been treated earlier, she would have made it.

Blackburn Coroners Court heard that Sophie Murray from Queens Road West, Accrington was taking a prescribed pill called microgynon for about eight months. But in September, she started on complaining about the pain in her chest. In October, the teen complained that the pain was worsening and she had difficulties in breathing. Her mother, Shelley Crichton also told the court that there was a point that her daughter was unable to walk up the stairs.

Thus, by the mid of October, Mrs Crichton said she took her daughter to their family doctor. After checking on Sophie, Dr. PK Joseph diagnosed her with "exercise-induced asthma," after which, he prescribed an inhaler. However, the inhaler didn't provide her any relief, so she was prescribed with other tablets.

In Nov. 8, Mrs Crichton said she found her daughter unconscious at their family home. She was later rushed to Royal Blackburn Hospital where Sophie was pronounced dead.

The inquest then reviewed all of the possible aspects that could possibly cause Sophie's death, including the tablets she took. They found out that microgynon has been linked to numerous deaths as it can increase the risk of developing thrombosis or blood clots.

The jury also found out that prior to her check-ups, Sophie didn't present to the doctor some of the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis like swollen legs. That's why the doctor failed to detect her illness.

According to Accrington Observer, Deputy Blackburn coroner Derek Baker said at the end of the hearing, "If it was diagnosed and treated earlier she would have had a very good prospect of recovery." Hence, the court concluded that Sophie died of a "pulmonary embolism due to deep vein thrombosis and the contributory factor was the contraceptive pill."