About Depo-Provera
- Depo-Provera has been widely used in the U.S. for over three decades. Still, research shows a significant association between the birth control shot and an increased risk of meningioma, a type of brain tumor.
- Depo-Provera lawsuits allege Pfizer knew or should have known of the risk of meningiomas from the birth control shot, and that they failed to warn patients and healthcare providers of the dangers.
- A dangerous drug attorney can help individuals who developed a meningioma and had at least two doses of Depo-Provera recover compensation for their suffering and other damages.
Why Hire CSS for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit
Millions of women have relied on Depo-Provera, known as the birth control shot or Depo shot since it was approved in the U.S. in 1992. While Pfizer, the manufacturer, has warned of possible bone mass density loss and other possible side effects on the product label, research has uncovered an alarming connection between Depo-Provera and an increased risk of meningioma.
At Childers, Schlueter & Smith, we’ve seen firsthand how health conditions and illnesses caused by medications affect a person’s physical and emotional health. We know that families struggle with the high cost of crucial treatments, drugs, and surgeries, not to mention the loss of income from time off work or caring for a loved one.
Our dangerous drug attorneys are advocating for justice and protecting the rights of individuals who took Depo-Provera and developed meningioma. Our firm specializes in dangerous drug lawsuits, and we understand these cases’ medical and legal nuances. We have a successful track record of securing fair compensation for clients harmed by pharmaceuticals.
If you developed a meningioma and had at least two doses of birth control shots, you may be eligible to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit to recover compensation and hold Pfizer accountable. Contact us online or call 1-800-641-0098 for a free consultation.
Research Shows Increased Risk of Meningiomas from Depo-Provera
Like any medication, knowing what’s going into your body is important. How the birth control shot works, possible side effects and serious risks are some of what you need to know about Depo-Provera. But now that significant research has associated the birth control shot with life-changing brain tumors, there’s even more to consider before taking the contraceptive.
In March 2024, the British Medical Journal published findings from a study that concluded prolonged use of drugs containing progestogens to an increased risk of brain meningioma (tumor). Depo-Provera contains a high dose of medroxyprogesterone acetate, otherwise known as progestin, which was examined in the study. Researchers concluded that prolonged use of the synthetic hormone was associated with a 5.6-fold increased risk of meningioma requiring surgery.
While the study in the British Medical Journal was not the first to connect these types of brain tumors to progestogens, the sheer number of participants created a strong foundation of evidence for Depo-Provera lawsuits; over 108,000 women were part of the research study, and 18,061 required intracranial surgery to treat meningioma. Analysis of the data concluded that there was an excess risk of these brain tumors associated with high doses and prolonged use of progestin.
Understanding Depo-Provera Meningioma Lawsuits
The birth control shot has been widely used for more than three decades, but on October 1, 2024, the first Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuit was filed. With mounting evidence showing the Depo shot is associated with an increased risk of meningiomas, hundreds, possibly thousands, or more plaintiffs are expected to file claims over the next year.
Depo-Provera lawsuits allege Pfizer failed to warn consumers of the risk of developing brain meningiomas. The lawsuits further allege that Pfizer knew or should have known of the increased risk of brain tumors when their product is used as intended. As of November 5, Depo-Provera lawsuits had been filed in the Northern District of California, Southern District of Texas, and Southern District of Louisiana.
The seriousness of a meningioma depends on the grade, size, and location. For some, the tumor(s) can be fatal. Meningiomas can require multiple surgeries, and/or radiation therapy to treat. There’s no warning on the Depo-Provera product label or in the prescribing information, but the label in Europe and the UK has been updated to reflect the risk of meningioma. The FDA has not mandated Pfizer to do the same in the U.S., and Pfizer hasn’t indicated they’d be making any changes here.
In addition to failure to warn, allegations of a design defect are another facet of the Depo-Provera litigation. Since research has concluded high doses of progestin, which Depo-Provera contains, significantly increase the risk of developing meningioma, plaintiffs’ lawyers have claimed the birth control shot has a defective design. The fact that Pfizer manufactures another version of the shot that has much less progestin, the manufacturer has already shown a high dose isn’t necessary.
It’s likely that Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuits will eventually be consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL). It’s common for cases of this kind to be moved to MDL to streamline the legal process. Often, settlements are reached before trial, but plaintiffs maintain their individual cases during this type of litigation, and compensation is based on the depth of harm and damages suffered by each plaintiff.
Types, Symptoms, and Treatment of Meningiomas
Meningiomas are brain tumors that originate in the meninges, between the skull and the brain. There are several types, but convexity meningioma and sphenoid wing meningioma are the most common, accounting for up to 40% of cases.
There are three grades of meningioma, but the majority of them are Grade I (benign). Grade II are atypical and usually grow faster than others and are more likely to recur. A small percentage of meningiomas are grade III, which are cancerous and aggressive.
There may be no signs of a tumor until it becomes a certain size and begins to push on the brain or spinal cord. However, there are common symptoms of meningioma, including:
- Headaches
- Numbness
- Blurred vision
- Seizures
- Weakness in the arms or legs
Since there are numerous places in the meninges for a tumor to grow, some symptoms are much more obvious than others, such as visual disturbances, issues with motor skills or speech, and seizures.
Meningioma treatment nearly always involves surgery or multiple surgeries, and since most are noncancerous, it may be the only treatment required. Meningiomas can recur, sometimes several times. Radiation may be needed to shrink the tumor or after surgery if complete removal isn’t possible.
For some, brain surgery isn’t an option because of where the meningioma is located. Critical blood vessels and nerves can make meningioma surgery tricky, not to mention there are risks with any type of surgery.
The medical costs of hospital stays, surgeries, and medications, combined with the emotional toll, pain and suffering, and time off work, can be overwhelming. A Depo-Provera lawsuit can provide much-needed compensation for patients who might not have chosen to get the birth control shot if they had been properly warned of the risks.
Legal Options for Brain Tumors Caused by Depo-Provera
Americans place great trust in drug manufacturers to help them safely manage and treat countless health conditions and meet a variety of health needs. While pharmaceutical companies provide invaluable products, they have a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their medications and to adequately communicate risks to patients and doctors. When they fail to design a safe medication and/or add clear warnings, those injured by a drug have the right to seek compensation and hold manufacturers accountable.
Pfizer didn’t warn patients who take Depo-Provera or the healthcare providers who administer it of the increased risk of meningioma, even though warnings were added to their labels in Europe and the U.K. With the support of compelling research, anyone who took the birth control shot at least twice and developed a meningioma should contact our dangerous drug lawyers.
The team at Childers, Schlueter & Smith knows how to navigate the legal complexities of a Depo-Provera lawsuit, will guide you through the process, and protect your rights. Our attorneys are confident in the strength of these claims and are prepared to take on pharmaceutical manufacturers at the negotiating table and in the courtroom.
If you or a loved one developed a brain meningioma and took the birth control shot, contact us for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Depo-Provera is a progestin-based birth control shot that was approved by the FDA in 1992. Taken by injection every three months, Depo-Provera is an effective contraception when used as intended. It works by preventing ovulation and making the cervical mucus thicker and is the only birth control shot approved in the U.S.
Like all pharmaceuticals, there are possible side effects associated with Depo-Provera the most common being missed periods, spotting, and an increase or decrease of menstrual bleeding. Some of the other side effects of the birth control shot are headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
While most side effects resolve within a few months, research has revealed an alarming connection between Depo-Provera and an increased risk of brain meningiomas. The seriousness of these tumors ranges, but generally requires surgery or multiple surgeries, and/or radiation therapy. In the worst cases, meningiomas can be fatal. Anyone who developed a meningioma and took Depo-Provera should speak with a dangerous pharmaceuticals lawyer.
Depo-Provera lawsuits are being filed by plaintiffs who developed brain meningiomas (tumors) after taking the birth control shot. The Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuits allege the shot causes brain tumors, and that Pfizer, its manufacturer, failed to warn doctors and patients of the risks. Plaintiffs also claim that Pfizer knew or should have known of the increased risk of meningiomas.
Anyone who took the birth control shot at least twice and developed a brain meningioma may be eligible to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit. Contact a dangerous drug lawyer for a case assessment and to discuss your legal options.
Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuits are just beginning, and none have settled or gone to trial yet. The amount a Depo-Provera claim is worth depends on the seriousness of the tumor(s), treatments needed, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. Historically, similar dangerous drug cases have resulted in high settlements and jury awards.
