Nicola McKay, a 53-year-old nurse from the Scottish Highlands, believes the contraceptive injection Depo-Provera caused her to develop three brain tumours. She started taking the drug in the early 2000s, assuming it was safe, but doctors discovered the tumours last year. The tumours have left her with lasting complications, including seizures, and she requires ongoing medication.
Impact on Life and Work
McKay, who worked as a nurse, said the condition has transformed her life. She told BBC Scotland News: "Before I was such a busy, adventurous, outgoing person and now it has completely changed my life. This isn't a minor side effect like a rash - it is brain tumours - and dozens of women are impacted. It's devastating, it affects every part of my life - I am such a different person to who I was before. I'm a nurse, I miss work, I love being a nurse and after spending my lifetime caring for others, I am having to be looked after now and I have found that really hard."
Doctors could not completely remove the tumours; one shrank only with radiotherapy. Their continued presence means McKay will suffer long-term effects, including seizures, and has been prescribed medication.
Other Women Affected
McKay is among approximately 150 women whose cases are being taken on by Thompsons Solicitors Scotland. Another woman, Trish Saunders, 45, from Aberdeen, was prescribed Depo-Provera as a teenager and later underwent brain surgery after a meningioma tumour was found behind her right eye. Saunders told the Press and Journal: "There were no problems whatsoever for years. I just thought 'I love this, this is great'. If brain tumours had been mentioned, I would certainly have thought more about it."
Scientific Evidence
A British Medical Journal study published in March 2024 found that long-term use of Depo-Provera increases the risk of developing meningioma tumours. These tumours are typically non-malignant but can cause life-altering symptoms such as headaches, hearing loss, and seizures.
Legal Action
Patrick McGuire, a partner at Thompsons, said the firm is in the early stages of gathering evidence. He stated: "We are in a very early stage of gathering evidence - these cases are not simple. In Scotland my firm have been approached by over 200 women who have been impacted and 150 have now signed up for us to take their case on." Several women spoke to parliamentarians at the Scottish Parliament last week about their experiences.
Regulatory and Manufacturer Response
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulation Agency (MHRA) and Pfizer, the manufacturer, said the drug is under continual review. Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, said: "As with all medicines, the MHRA keeps the safety of medroxyprogesterone acetate and other synthetic forms of progesterone under continual review, using the full range of available evidence, including emerging research, global data, and international developments. In line with usual processes, the need for further regulatory action will be considered, should significant new information be identified."
A Pfizer spokesperson added: "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. People should talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse if they have any concerns or experience any side effects."
