Fife woman lost part of her eyesight due to brain tumours 'caused by contraceptive injection'

A woman from Fife lost part of her eyesight after developing benign tumours in her brain, which she believes are linked to a contraceptive injection.

Tammy Croston is one of a growing number of women in the UK who say they were not warned of the risks of the jab.

It comes as research found those taking the injection for more than a year could increase their risk of developing the tumours by as much as 500%.

“It’s changed the course of my life completely. I am now disfigured because of a pill injection”, Tammy explained.

“I’ll never be the same person, I’ll never look the same.

“I have [a tumour] behind each eye, the worry is if the other one grows or something happens to [the working] eye, I could be blind.”

Tammy Croston lost part of her eyesight during surgery. ITV

Tammy developed four benign tumours known as meningioma, which grow from the membranes which surround the brain and spinal cord.

While not brain tumours, meningioma presses on the brain, nerves and vessels.

She lost the use of her right eye after surgery on one of the tumours.

She believes they developed after she had used the contraceptive Depo-Provera on and off for 20 years.

Multiple studies have found a link between long-term use of the drug and meningiomas, with one paper published in 2024 suggesting the risk is 5.6 times higher if the injection is used for more than a year.

However, researchers observed no increased risk with short-term use and concluded that the overall risk of developing meningiomas remains low.

The manufacturer, Pfizer, updated the patient leaflet with a brain tumour warning in 2024, noting that the risk increases, especially with long-term use.

Tammy wants Pfizer to 'take accountability'. — Tammy wants Pfizer to ‘take accountability’. ITV

But that came too late for Tammy, who is angry that she wasn’t informed of the risks.

“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.”

In a statement, the manufacturer said: “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.”

Around 30 women in the UK are exploring claims against the company.