A woman has come forward with shocking claims of suffering a bulging eye and being diagnosed with a brain tumor after using a contraceptive injection for more than two decades. Kirsty Moore, 37, disclosed that she began using the Depo-Provera shot, produced by Pfizer, at the age of 16 and only ceased usage earlier this year upon discovering its potential connection to meningiomas, a non-cancerous tumor she was diagnosed with in 2021. This condition manifested through headaches and a noticeable swelling in her right eye.
To address the tumor growing on her optic nerve, Kirsty has undergone four surgeries so far, with radiotherapy treatment now underway in a six-week program to impede further growth. Despite these efforts, the tumor persists, leading to physical and mental challenges for Kirsty, including facial disfigurement and vision impairment.
Meningiomas are tumors that develop in the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, typically treated with radiotherapy or invasive procedures. Research from 2024 published in the British Medical Journal highlighted a substantial increase in the risk of meningioma brain tumors associated with prolonged use of Depo-Provera. Women exposed to the contraceptive were found to have a five-fold higher likelihood of developing meningiomas compared to non-users.
Kirsty and other affected women in Scotland have raised concerns over the lack of warning about these risks during their contraceptive use. Legal actions are being pursued against Pfizer, with around 2,500 women in the US seeking compensation for the alleged harm caused. Thompsons Scotland is assisting a group of Scottish women in initiating legal proceedings against the pharmaceutical company.
Patrick McGuire, a senior partner at Thompsons Solicitors Scotland, commended Kirsty’s courage in speaking out and highlighted the scale of the issue affecting numerous women in Scotland. He emphasized the collective effort to seek justice for the impacted individuals and hold Pfizer accountable for the alleged consequences of Depo-Provera.
Pfizer, in response to the claims, reiterated its commitment to patient safety, emphasizing the extensive monitoring and safety history of Depo-Provera as a treatment option used globally. The Mirror has reached out to Pfizer for further comments on the matter.