Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 10 August 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that healthcare professionals across all NHS boards are aware of the potential risks associated with the long-term use of the contraceptive injection, Depo-Provera, and that users receive clear, consistent and appropriate advice.
On 29 June, I met with women affected by Depo-Provera® to listen directly to their experiences and concerns. I was grateful for the opportunity to hear their accounts and to better understand the challenges they face.
At that meeting, I agreed that the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer would issue a letter directly to healthcare professionals in Scotland to ensure that they (1) are aware of the risks associated with the long-term use of Depo-Provera®, (2) describe these risks clearly to women, (3) review prescribing of Depo-Provera® every two years, in line with the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare guidance, and (4) are aware of any actions they should take in the event that a meningioma is suspected.
The letter will also emphasise the importance of Yellow Card reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs). The MHRA’s UK-wide Yellow Card reporting system collects data on ADRs and the MHRA monitors these as part of its pharmacovigilance responsibility. Healthcare professionals and/or any member of the public who suffers a suspected ADR should complete and send a Yellow Card report which is used to identify and monitor medicine safety.