A 28-year-old woman asks what she should do if she develops sudden severe chest pain, breathlessness, or leg swelling while using a COC. What should s...

Question

A 28-year-old woman asks what she should do if she develops sudden severe chest pain, breathlessness, or leg swelling while using a COC. What should she be told?

Accepted Answer

She should seek urgent medical attention immediately - these may be symptoms of VTE (DVT or PE), which is rare but a recognised risk of CHC. The COC should be stopped pending assessment

Answer

These symptoms are normal side effects; take paracetamol

Answer

She should increase fluid intake and continue the COC

Answer

These symptoms only need attention if they persist for more than 1 week

Answer

She should switch to the combined patch

uk-dfsrh MCQ (SBA): VTE Warning Symptoms Advice on CHC

A 28-year-old woman asks what she should do if she develops sudden severe chest pain, breathlessness, or leg swelling while using a COC. What should she be told?