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Nicola McKay, a 53-year-old nurse from the Scottish Highlands, has been diagnosed with three non-cancerous brain tumours, known as meningiomas. She attributes her condition to the long-term use of the contraceptive drug Depo-Provera, which she received through injections every three months for over two decades. Nicola is not alone; she has connected with numerous women who have also developed similar tumours after extended use of the same drug. Together, about 150 women are beginning the process of legal action against Pfizer, the drug’s manufacturer.
In early 2023, Nicola was hospitalized after experiencing five seizures, leading to the discovery of her brain tumours. Despite undergoing surgery, the tumours could not be completely removed, although radiotherapy helped shrink one of them. This diagnosis caused a profound change in Nicola’s life. Once an active and outgoing nurse, she now faces the challenges of managing the tumours and the possibility of ongoing seizures. Nicola described the impact: “This isn’t a minor side effect like a rash – it is brain tumours – and dozens of women are impacted.” She expressed the difficulty of shifting from a lifetime of caregiving to needing care herself.
Depo-Provera, containing medroxyprogesterone acetate, is a hormone-based contraceptive with a high effectiveness rate. However, in 2024, research published by the British Medical Journal revealed that women who used the drug for 12 months or longer were 5.6 times more likely to develop meningioma brain tumours. That same year, Pfizer and UK regulators updated the patient information leaflet to include warnings about the risk of brain tumours. Despite these developments, Nicola and others believe more must be done. Recently, Nicola joined other affected women in meeting with Scottish Labour politician Jackie Baillie to advocate for a UK-wide inquiry into the drug’s side effects and better support for those impacted. Nicola emphasized the importance of informing patients, stating, “I want every person who prescribes the drug to warn women of the possible side effects.”
Another woman, Kirsty McCord from Biggar, who also attended the meeting, shared her experience. Sold Depo-Provera as a “wonder drug” during her teenage years to manage her menstrual cycle, Kirsty was later diagnosed with a sizable brain tumour following a seizure. Although she had brain surgery, not all of the tumour could be removed because it was near a major vein. Kirsty now relies on anti-seizure medication and describes living with the tumour as having “a time bomb in my head just waiting to go off.” These personal stories highlight the significant physical and emotional toll the drug can have on affected women.
Scotland’s Public Health Minister, Maree Todd, expressed sympathy for those who believe they have been harmed by Depo-Provera but refrained from commenting further due to ongoing legal proceedings. The UK Department of Health and Social Care reiterated that medicine regulation is handled at the UK government level and said it would consider any necessary regulatory actions if new evidence emerges. A spokesperson noted, “For most people, the benefits of Depo-Provera outweigh the risks, but anyone with questions or concerns should speak to a healthcare professional.” Meanwhile, Dr Alison Cave from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) confirmed continual safety reviews of medroxyprogesterone acetate and indicated that further regulatory steps would be taken if significant new information arises.
The law firm Thompsons Solicitors Scotland is representing approximately 150 women affected by Depo-Provera in these early-stage cases. Patrick McGuire, a partner at the firm, remarked, “We are in a very early stage of gathering evidence – these cases are not simple.” Pfizer has maintained that patient safety is their utmost priority and stated that Depo-Provera has a well-established safety and efficacy profile, having been approved in more than 60 countries over the past 30 years. The company encourages patients experiencing concerns or side effects to consult healthcare professionals for guidance
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