Shelley Whittaker, a 47-year-old mother-of-one from Bolton, Greater Manchester, has revealed a harrowing ordeal involving a golf ball-sized brain tumour, which her doctors fear was triggered by her long-term use of a contraceptive injection. Ms. Whittaker's journey began in November 2024 when she experienced blurry vision in her left eye, initially dismissing it as a mascara issue and 'laughing it off for a couple of months'. However, the persistent symptom prompted her to seek further medical attention, leading to an optician's visit in May the following year.

During a subsequent referral to an eye clinic, Ms. Whittaker received a life-altering diagnosis: a rare benign brain tumour identified as a spheno-orbital meningioma. The gravity of her situation deepened when her neurologist inquired if she had ever used medroxyprogesterone, a contraceptive jab commonly known by the brand name Depo-Provera. Ms. Whittaker confirmed she had been prescribed the injection for 15 years, at which point her doctor advised her to stop taking it immediately due to its known links to tumours.

The revelation that her contraceptive could be connected to her tumour was a profound shock. Ms. Whittaker underwent a demanding 10-hour surgery, during which 90 percent of the tumour was successfully removed. However, surgeons were unable to excise the remaining 10 percent due to its precarious proximity to her optic nerve, with the risk of causing permanent blindness. Prior to surgery, Ms. Whittaker's left eye had visibly 'bulged' as a result of the tumour exerting pressure on the optic nerve.

The recovery period from her complex surgery necessitated Ms. Whittaker taking six months off work. Reflecting on her experience, she expressed deep regret and a sense of betrayal: 'I'd never think the contraceptive injections would've led to all this. I've now got to live with this tumour for the rest of my life because they couldn't take it all.' She highlighted that while she was informed of risks like weight gain and the importance of calcium intake, the potential for a brain tumour was never disclosed. Ms. Whittaker is now advocating for increased awareness, particularly for long-term users, stating, 'It needs to be out there that there are risks if you're a long term user of it.' She also acknowledged her good fortune in not delaying her consultation further, noting that 'If I'd have left it a month longer, two months longer I could potentially have been blinded in my left eye.'

The medical community acknowledges the rare but existing link between medroxyprogesterone and meningiomas. The NHS states that using this type of contraceptive for over three years may increase the chance of developing a meningioma, though this occurrence is infrequent. Both Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have addressed patient safety and product information surrounding the drug.

A spokesperson for Pfizer affirmed their commitment to 'patient safety,' detailing rigorous monitoring of their medicines and collaboration with global health authorities. They emphasized that Depo-Provera has been approved in over 60 countries for more than three decades, boasting a 'well-established efficacy and safety profile.' Pfizer advises individuals with concerns or side effects to consult their healthcare provider.

The MHRA also asserted that 'Patient safety is our top priority' and confirmed continuous monitoring of all licensed medicines. They noted that product information for products containing medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) was first updated in 2024 following studies on meningioma risk with high-dose MPA. Further updates in early 2025 introduced new advice and additional risk management measures, including an updated Patient Information Leaflet to inform patients about meningioma symptoms and advise seeking medical attention if experienced. While acknowledging the risk, the MHRA maintains that for the majority, the benefits of the contraceptive 'far outweigh the risk,' and encourages anyone with concerns to speak with their GP, pharmacist, or contraceptive provider.