A YOUNG Cumbrian woman said the contraception pill 'nearly killed' her after she developed deep vein thrombosis in her left leg and a pulmonary embolism in her lungs. 

The government said that the risk of blood clots from using the contraceptive pill is 'very small' but women should consider if they have a family history of thrombosis before taking the pill. 

Nicole Leadbitter was 17 when she was admitted to hospital with deep vein thrombosis in her left leg. She said the thrombosis was from her knee to the lungs 'blocking all circulation' and that the doctors told her she got them from the contraception pill. 

The Westmorland Gazette: The thrombosis that developed in Nicole's legThe thrombosis that developed in Nicole's leg (Image: Submitted)

Nicole, from Kendal, went to the vascular ward in Preston for an operation. On the morning of the surgery, doctors discovered that she had an undiagnosed condition from birth related to the channels connecting her heart and lungs which meant she could not receive surgery. 

This means that she has to manage her blood clots indefinitely. She is now 20 and has completely changed her life. Before the thrombosis, she had ambitions to join the army but is now studying marketing. 

"I am a healthy and active person and to be told I have a blood clot and not able to walk for six weeks and unable to run or stand up straight on my left leg scared me so much," she said. 

The Westmorland Gazette: Nicole spent weeks in the vascular ward at Preston Hospital and had problems walking when she was discharged Nicole spent weeks in the vascular ward at Preston Hospital and had problems walking when she was discharged (Image: Submitted)

"My hands still shake when I think about my condition and I panic because what has come isn't the last of it. Unfortunately, doctors say I am prone to thrombosis and blood clots, and my recent one won't be the last." 

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Nicole admitted she started taking the pill because her peers were and she did not think much about potential consequences. She is now encouraging women to 'read the small print' when they are considering taking the pill. 

The Westmorland Gazette: Nicole Leadbitter had ambitions of joining the army but is now studying marketing after the condition changed her lifeNicole Leadbitter had ambitions of joining the army but is now studying marketing after the condition changed her life (Image: Submitted)

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency is the government body that oversees how safe prescriptions are to the general public. 

A spokesperson from the agency said: "The risk of blood clots associated with using the contraceptive pill is very small and has been known about for many years. The decision to prescribe or use the pill should take into consideration any risk factors for blood clots, which includes any family history of thrombosis

"Prescribers and women should, however, be aware of the possible risk factors for blood clots and the key signs and symptoms, which are described in detail in product information.

The Westmorland Gazette: Nicole was only a teenager when she developed thrombosisNicole was only a teenager when she developed thrombosis (Image: Submitted)

"If women have questions, they should discuss them with their GP or healthcare provider but should keep taking their contraceptive until they have done so.

"These are very safe, highly effective medicines for preventing unintended pregnancy and the benefits associated with their use far outweigh the risks for the majority of people.

"If you suspect you've had a side effect from the contraceptive pill you can report it using our Yellow Card scheme.”