Fife Woman Blames Contraceptive Injection for Vision Loss

A woman from Fife has lost part of her eyesight after developing benign tumours in her brain, which she attributes to a long-term use of the contraceptive injection known as Depo-Provera. Tammy Croston, who has used the injection intermittently for the past 20 years, is among numerous women in the UK raising concerns about the lack of warning regarding potential risks associated with this contraceptive method.

Research indicates that women using Depo-Provera for over a year may increase their risk of developing meningiomas, a type of benign tumour, by as much as 500%. Tammy shared her distressing experience, stating, “It’s changed the course of my life completely. I am now disfigured because of a pill injection. I’ll never be the same person, I’ll never look the same.”

Health Risks Linked to Long-term Use

Meningiomas grow from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Although classified as benign, they can exert pressure on the brain, nerves, and blood vessels. Tammy has undergone surgery to remove one of the tumours, which resulted in the loss of vision in her right eye. She now lives with the fear that the other tumour could grow, potentially leading to complete blindness.

The link between long-term use of Depo-Provera and meningiomas has been supported by multiple studies. A paper published in 2024 found that the risk of developing these tumours increases by 5.6 times for those using the injection for more than a year. However, researchers emphasized that short-term use does not appear to elevate the risk significantly, and the overall incidence of meningiomas remains low.

Despite these findings, Tammy expresses frustration that she was not adequately informed of the risks when she began using the contraceptive. “Take accountability for what they have done to women. I wouldn’t have taken the product if they had said at the beginning that it causes brain tumours,” she said.

Manufacturer’s Response and Ongoing Claims

In response to growing concerns, the manufacturer, Pfizer, updated the patient leaflet for Depo-Provera in 2024 to include warnings related to the risk of brain tumours, particularly with long-term use. The company stated, “Patient safety is our top priority. We conduct rigorous and continuous monitoring of all our medicines in collaboration with health authorities around the globe. Depo-Provera has been approved in more than 60 countries over the last 30 years. People should talk to their doctor if they have any concerns or experience any side effects.”

Currently, around 30 women in the UK are exploring legal claims against Pfizer, seeking accountability for the health risks associated with the contraceptive injection. This case highlights a pressing issue within women’s health and the importance of informed consent regarding contraceptive options. As more women come forward with their experiences, the conversation surrounding the safety and transparency of contraceptive methods continues to evolve.