Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuit: Get Justice Now

Depo-Provera®, a popular injectable birth control, has been linked to an increased risk of meningiomas—potentially life-altering brain tumors. If you or a loved one developed a meningioma after using any of the following, you may be eligible for compensation:

• Depo-Provera 
• Depo SubQ 
• a generic version of Depo-Provera

Lawsuits are being filed against Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, and others, alleging that the companies failed to adequately warn users about the risk of brain tumors and prioritized profits over patient safety. You may be eligible to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.

Don't wait. Contact Singleton Schreiber today for a free case evaluation.

Studies Highlight the Dangers of Depo-Provera

In March 2024, a study published in the British Medical Journal revealed a significant link between prolonged use of Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) and the development of meningiomas. Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive administered every three months. 

Key findings of the study include:

• Increased risk: Women who used injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate for an extended period (one year or more) had 5.55 times higher odds of developing meningioma compared to non-users.
• Duration-dependent risk: The excess risk was specifically associated with prolonged use, defined as one year or longer.

Earlier research sheds light on the potential mechanism by which Depo-Provera may increase the risk of meningiomas. In a 1986 study published on human meningiomas, progestin receptors were found in high concentrations in over 80% of the specimens examined. This hormone-receptor profile suggests that meningiomas are particularly sensitive to progestins, such as the synthetic progestin found in Depo-Provera. 

While further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between hormonal medications and tumor development, these findings point to a significant public health concern, especially because of the widespread use of Depo-Provera.

Prevalence of Depo-Provera Usage

Recent data has revealed surprisingly high rates of Depo-Provera usage among women in the United States. According to a National Health Statistics Report published in December 2023, 24.5% of sexually experienced women used Depo-Provera between 2015 and 2019. 

This prevalence is even more pronounced among certain demographic groups:

• 27.2% of Hispanic women used Depo-Provera
• 41.2% of Black women used Depo-Provera

The high prevalence of Depo-Provera usage underscores the importance of understanding its potential long-term effects and associated risks.

Meningioma Symptoms and Complications

Meningiomas often develop slowly and may go undetected for years. As these tumors grow, they can exert pressure on various parts of the brain, leading to a range of neurological issues.

Common Symptoms

Patients who have used Depo-Provera for an extended period should be aware of the following potential symptoms:

• Persistent headaches or changes in headache patterns
• Gradual changes in vision, including blurriness or double vision
• Unexplained hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Gradual loss of sense of smell
• Difficulty with memory or concentration
• Unexplained seizures
• Changes in speech patterns or difficulty speaking
• Weakness or numbness in limbs
• Balance problems or dizziness

It's important to note that these symptoms can develop gradually and may be mistaken for other conditions. Any persistent or worsening neurological symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially for those with a history of long-term Depo-Provera use.

Potential Complications

While meningiomas are typically classified as benign tumors, their impact on a patient's life can be significant:

1. Cognitive impairment: Depending on the tumor's location, patients may experience difficulties with memory, concentration, or decision-making.
2. Sensory changes: Vision or hearing loss may occur if the tumor affects related neural pathways.
3. Motor function issues: Tumors pressing on motor areas of the brain can lead to weakness, paralysis, or coordination problems.
4. Hormonal imbalances: Meningiomas near the pituitary gland can disrupt hormone production, leading to various systemic effects.
5. Quality of life impact: Even after treatment, patients may face ongoing challenges such as chronic pain, fatigue, or emotional distress.
6. Treatment-related complications: Surgery or radiation therapy for meningiomas can carry risks, including infection, bleeding, or damage to surrounding brain tissue.

The Depo-Provera Lawsuit Explained

The Depo-Provera lawsuits are primarily based on allegations that Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, failed to adequately warn users and healthcare providers about the increased risk of developing meningioma associated with long-term use of the contraceptive. Plaintiffs claim that Pfizer knew or should have known about this heightened risk but did not provide sufficient warnings.

The lawsuits argue that if patients and doctors had been properly informed of these risks, they could have made more informed decisions about using Depo-Provera. This might have led to choosing alternative contraceptive methods or implementing increased monitoring for early detection of tumors.

Plaintiffs are seeking compensation for various damages. These include medical expenses related to meningioma diagnoses and treatments (which can involve invasive brain surgeries), pain and suffering, and other long-term health complications associated with their conditions.

Depo-Provera Lawsuit Timeline

March 1986: A study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery finds that over 80% of meningioma samples contained high concentrations of progesterone receptors

October 1992: Depo-Provera is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for contraceptive use.

March 2024: The British Medical Journal (BMJ) releases a study identifying an increased risk for meningioma among Depo-Provera users.

May 2024: Pfizer updates Depo-Provera's Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) in Europe to include information about meningioma under the "Warnings and precautions" section. No similar update was made for U.S. doctors and consumers.

July 2024: Pfizer updates the prescribing guidelines for Depo-Provera in the U.S. to include information on brain tumor risks, but notably does not update the official warning label.

October 1, 2024: The first Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuit is filed against Pfizer and others in California.

October 2024: Additional lawsuits begin to be filed, as more potential cases related to Depo-Provera and meningioma emerge.

Our Depo-Provera Lawyers Are Experienced in Protecting Everyday People Against Corporate Wrongdoing

Singleton Schreiber prides itself on protecting the interests of everyday people against corporate wrongdoing. Our attorneys have decades of litigation experience and have recovered over $2.5 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients in the last ten years alone. We will work tirelessly to investigate your case, gather evidence, and fight for your rights.

We understand a Depo-Provera settlement can never replace your health and well-being, but it can provide crucial support to you and your family. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you secure fair compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, future medical costs, pain and suffering, reduced quality of life, and out-of-pocket expenses related to your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit?

You may be eligible to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit if you were:

• Prescribed Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ, or a generic version of Depo-Provera
• Received at least 4 consecutive injections 
• Were diagnosed with any grade of meningioma

What does Depo-Provera do to the brain?

Studies have linked prolonged use of Depo-Provera to an increased risk of developing intracranial meningiomas, which are tumors that form in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Research suggests Depo-Provera may increase the risk of these tumors by 5.5 times compared to non-users when used for more than one year. While usually non-cancerous, these tumors can cause serious symptoms like headaches, vision problems, seizures, and cognitive issues due to pressure on the brain. 

Who makes Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera was originally developed and patented by Pfizer, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. While generic versions are now available, many of these are still manufactured by Pfizer and sold as generics by various companies.

How much does filing a lawsuit cost?

Filing a Depo-Provera lawsuit comes at no upfront cost to you. If you've developed a brain tumor, you're likely already overwhelmed with medical bills, ongoing treatments, and the emotional toll of your diagnosis. The last thing you should have to worry about is how to afford seeking justice.

Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis for Depo-Provera cases. This means:

• There are no out-of-pocket costs to file your lawsuit
• You pay nothing unless we win your case
• Our fees come as a percentage of the compensation we secure for you

We believe that access to justice shouldn't depend on your financial situation, especially when you're dealing with the devastating effects of a medication-induced brain tumor. Our goal is to fight for the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your health and recovery without the added stress of legal fees.

If you or a loved one has developed a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, don't let concerns about cost prevent you from exploring your legal options. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about how we can help you seek justice and compensation for your injuries.

Is this a class action lawsuit?

The Depo-Provera lawsuits will likely be combined into a multidistrict litigation (MDL). This means that individual cases are consolidated for pretrial proceedings but remain separate lawsuits.

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