The death of a 28-year-old Perth woman has prompted a warning to GPs to remind patients to report contraceptive pill use as part of their medical history.
Petra Zele died from complications arising from a blood clot in her lungs in 2010.
Three weeks prior she had presented to the emergency department at Fremantle Hospital complaining of chest pains.
Ms Zele was told by Dr Susan Hinsley that the pain was from muscle soreness and was sent home with painkillers.
Coroner Helen Linton’s report revealed Ms Zele was taking the oral contraceptive pill Yasmin, known to increase the risk of blood clots, and also had a genetic mutation that further increased her risk.
The report showed Ms Zele was asked about her medication history but did not tell Dr Hinsley she was taking the pill.
Ms Linton wrote in her report that “more needs to be done to alert patients to the need to tell their doctor about what they might consider routine medication”.
She recommended GPs advise patients to report use of the oral contraceptive pill when completing a medical questionnaire.
GPs should also ask patients about the pill when they provide a medical history or are asked whether they are taking any medications, she said.
Her recommendations will be forwarded to the WA office of Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.