Nearly one in four women in the United States have used Depo-Provera®, a popular injectable contraceptive. However, new research demonstrates that Depo-Provera® and Depo-SubQ Provera 104 significantly increase your risk of developing meningiomas, a type of brain tumor. Despite this known risk, Pfizer Inc., the manufacturer of these medications, failed to clearly warn users and now faces growing legal scrutiny. If you or someone you love used Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera 104, or an authorized generic and developed a brain tumor, you may be entitled to compensation through a Depo-Provera lawsuit.
Depo-Provera® is a progestin-based injectable birth control initially approved by the FDA for contraceptive use in 1974. In 1978, concerns about potential cancer risks led to the FDA withdrawing its approval. However, after additional research, the medication was deemed safe and reintroduced to the market in 1992.
The medication is injected into the muscle every three months and has been used by millions of women in the United States.
Depo-SubQ Provera 104® is used as a contraceptive and treatment for pain associated with endometriosis. It is administered monthly via subcutaneous injection.
Both of these birth control shots contain medroxyprogesterone acetate as their active ingredient. Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. It is classified as a progestin, which is a type of progestogen. However, Depo-SubQ Provera 104 has a lower dose of medroxyprogesterone acetate (104 mg vs. 105 mg in Depo-Provera).
In March 2024, a national case-control study published in the British Medical Journal demonstrated the connection between progestogen use and the risk of developing brain tumors. Researchers examined data from the French national healthcare database, which included over 18,000 women who had surgery for meningiomas between 2009 and 2018. The findings indicated that prolonged use (greater than one year) of medroxyprogesterone acetate (the active ingredient in Depo shots) increased the risk of developing brain tumors. In fact, women who used Depo-Provera were over five times more likely to develop meningiomas.
The study also demonstrated that there was no elevated risk of brain tumors with the use of progesterone, dydrogesterone (Duphaston), or levonorgestrel IUDs (Mirena®, Skyla®, Liletta®, Kyleena®).
Pfizer Inc., the manufacturer of Depo-Provera®, currently faces multiple lawsuits for failing to warn women about the increased risk of meningiomas associated with the Depo shot, despite being aware of the danger. While Pfizer added the warning to Depo-Provera labels in Canada and the EU, it has failed to do so on its U.S. products.
Although Pfizer has acknowledged the results of the BMJ findings, it has not, at the time of this writing, changed the label on Depo-Provera in the U.S.
The product liability lawsuits emerging against Pfizer accuse the company of negligence, as it has failed to inform users about the increased risk of developing potentially life-threatening meningioma tumors.
Meningiomas develop in the meninges, the protective tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord. While most of these tumors are benign, their growth can put pressure on the brain, leading to serious neurological symptoms. These include:
These tumors often require costly treatments, such as surgery to remove them or radiation therapy to control their size. Unfortunately, the high cost of these procedures can be overwhelming. This burden is intensified by ongoing medical care and rehabilitation costs as well as lost income during recovery.
Beyond the financial strain, a tumor diagnosis can take a significant emotional and physical toll on a person’s quality of life. The uncertainty of living with a meningioma, coupled with symptoms like headaches, seizures, or numbness, can impact daily functioning and independence. Many patients also face anxiety or depression as they navigate their diagnosis and treatment plan.
The combination of emotional, physical, and financial challenges of a meningioma diagnosis adds to an already stressful situation. For many, pursuing legal action against those who failed to warn about the risks of developing a brain tumor is an important step toward regaining stability and accessing the resources needed to move forward.
You may qualify for compensation if:
Filing a Depo-Provera lawsuit can help compensate victims for medical bills, ongoing treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It also provides financial assistance and peace of mind so individuals can focus on their recovery and rebuild their lives.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford to pursue your Depo-Provera lawsuit:
Several important factors influence the compensation in a Depo-Provera lawsuit, each shaping the final payout:
It’s difficult to predict exact amounts since current lawsuits have not been resolved. However, a 2021 Depo-Provera class action lawsuit in Canada resulted in a $2 million settlement over Pfizer’s failure to warn users about bone density loss. We’ll carefully consider each of these factors to calculate fair compensation for your case.
A diagnosis of meningioma can be life-changing, bringing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. At Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, we understand how overwhelming this experience can be, especially when negligence has played a role in causing your suffering. Our compassionate and award-winning legal team is dedicated to holding Pfizer accountable for its failure to warn women about the risks of Depo-Provera.
Whether through a fair settlement or a court trial, we will advocate for your rights and work tirelessly to secure the resources you need to rebuild your life. Contact us today for a free case consultation to discuss your eligibility for a Depo-Provera lawsuit and take the first step toward justice.
We hope that you will never be diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or suffer a catastrophic injury, but if you are, contact us at Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford so we can begin the fight.
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