A woman who developed a brain tumour the size of a tangerine after taking a contraceptive injection for more than three decades has described how doctors once hailed the drug as a 'wonderdrug'. Kirsty McCord, 52, from Biggar in South Lanarkshire, began using Depo-Provera at the age of 18 and continued for 34 years before collapsing and suffering a seizure in February last year.
Discovery of the tumour
After multiple hospital appointments and persistent requests for an MRI scan, a sizable meningioma – a non-cancerous brain tumour – with an attached cyst was discovered inside her skull. Speaking to the Daily Record, Kirsty said: 'Being told I had a brain tumour was a huge shock. It has been life-altering. I never made the link between the tumour and Depo-Provera until my mum mentioned it at a doctor's appointment, I wasn't ever aware. Even then, my doctor couldn't tell us if that's what had caused my tumour.'
Legal action and solidarity
Kirsty has joined a group of 150 women in Scotland who are currently seeking damages against pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. Last July, she underwent invasive surgery to partially remove the tumour and drain the cyst. She now lives in constant fear of the tumour growing and developing further masses. 'Depo-Provera was sold to me like it was some sort of wonderdrug, as it was sold to the doctors by Pfizer. I used to just walk in, get my injection and walk out again. It was convenient and easy. I had horrendous periods and it helped with that. Now, I am terrified in case it grows or that I develop further tumours. My tumour has left me constantly fatigued, I'll never have the same energy levels as I used to,' she said.
Scientific evidence and legal developments
In 2024, a study published by the British Medical Journal found that prolonged use of Depo-Provera causes a significant increase in the risk of developing meningioma brain tumours. The study revealed that women who used Depo-Provera were five times more likely to be diagnosed with meningiomas compared to women who never used the birth control shot. Like many other victims, Kirsty says she was never made aware of the dangers. Last week, the women took their fight to the Scottish Parliament, calling on the government to lead a UK-wide public inquiry into the jab. 'The side effects were never made clear to me. When women make a choice, they should be aware of the full facts. Pfizer needs to be held to account for this,' Kirsty said.
Pfizer’s response and legal representation
Last month, Pfizer settled an agreement to resolve over 5,000 lawsuits in the United States. Women claimed the pharmaceutical giant failed to warn patients about the risk of meningiomas. Patrick McGuire, senior lawyer at Thompsons Solicitors, which is representing the women in Scotland, said: 'What Kirsty has gone through is simply horrendous. To be prescribed this medication for so long with no warning about side effects is scandalous. Kirsty and many other brave women have found strength and solidarity by coming together through this legal action and with our help and the continuing support of the Daily Record we will make sure Pfizer is properly held to account.' A spokesperson for Pfizer 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 (medroxyprogesterone acetate) 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.'
