The family of a 17-year-old who died from deep vein thrombosis have urged others to be aware of the risks of taking a drug prescribed for acne.

Pretty Charlotte Porter died at Maidstone Hospital while waiting for blood test results.

An inquest found she had died from natural causes, but that she had probably had undiagnosed DVT when she visited her GP two weeks before her death on March 29, 2010.

The coroner’s court also heard she had been prescribed Dianette for acne – also a contraceptive pill – which, like other combined pills, carried an increased risk of blood clots, and may have been a factor in her death.

The Maplesden Noakes School pupil visited her GP surgery two weeks earlier complaining of a lumpy left leg.

Her GP gave evidence that she had not been displaying symptoms of DVT and prescribed an anti inflammatory drug, but independent expert, Dr Nigel Langford, said that it was likely a clot of some form was present.

Charlotte’s mother, Beverly Porter, said in a statement: “It goes without saying that Charlotte’s death has devastated my family and me.

“We would urge all parents of young girls prescribed with Dianette to be aware of the risks associated with it, mainly the risk of DVT.”

Charlotte, of Fordingbridge Close, Allington, died of a pulmonary embolism due to Deep Vein Thrombosis.