Shona Gilmour, 50, from Dundee, has been refused an MRI scan despite displaying symptoms she says are consistent with a brain tumour. She took the contraceptive injection Depo-Provera for 23 years, stopping only three months ago after linking the drug to meningiomas.
Symptoms since 2020
The mother of two has suffered from headaches, dizziness, pressure behind her eyes, brain fog, buzzing and ringing in her ears, and short-term memory loss since 2020. Despite these symptoms, she has only received a CT scan.
Speaking to the Record, Shona said: "I took Depo-Provera for more than two decades and have been experiencing these symptoms for six years. It's terrifying, I'm presenting all the signs of a brain tumour yet I feel my concerns are being ignored."
"I have begged my doctor for an MRI scan but I've been refused. I'm grateful for the CT scan, but it often is the case that it doesn't pick up on small or hidden tumours that are hard to locate."
Link to meningiomas
A study published by the British Medical Journal in 2024 found that prolonged use of Depo-Provera significantly increases the risk of developing a meningioma, a non-cancerous brain tumour. The study found women who used the drug were five times more likely to be diagnosed with meningiomas compared to those who never used it.
Shona claims she was never made aware of the full dangers, similar to dozens of other women. Last month, women told the Record they wanted the drug better regulated in Scotland, demanding a change to wording that states there is a "small chance" of developing a meningioma with frequent use.
Political and legal response
Local MSP Stephen Gethins has written to NHS Tayside and Shona's GP. He said: "These are clearly very distressing circumstances for Shona and her family and I've written to NHS Tayside and her GP on the matter. It is absolutely right that Shona gets the clinical care she needs and my office will continue to support her in that process."
Scottish Labour Health spokesperson Jackie Baillie said: "The link between Depo-Provera and brain tumours is extremely alarming and it is crucial that women at risk are able to access care with the urgency needed. It is deeply worrying that Shona has been unable to get her symptoms examined through an MRI and it is a damning reflection of the pressure on our NHS."
Thompsons Solicitors Scotland is representing 160 women with meningiomas who intend to sue Pfizer for damages. Since the Record's coverage began, more than 250 women have contacted the firm. In June, Pfizer agreed to settle over 5,000 lawsuits in the US.
A Pfizer spokesperson said: "Patient safety is our top priority. We conduct rigorous and continuous monitoring of all our medicines, including assessments of reported adverse events, in collaboration with health authorities around the globe. Depo-Provera has been approved in more than 60 countries over the last 30 years, has a well-established efficacy and safety profile and has been a treatment option for millions of patients during that time."
The Record has approached Shona's GP practice, Taybank Medical Centre, for comment.
