Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuit Side Effects

Depo-Provera Birth Control Shots and Their Side Effects

Depo-Provera is a popular method of birth control because users do not have to remember to take a pill daily. The shot is typically effective for 12-14 weeks, and users then receive another shot for continued contraception. 

Pfizer, Depo-Provera’s manufacturer, recommends that patients only receive the shot for up to two years. Those who use Depo for longer may be at risk of bone density reduction and osteoporosis. This is only one of several reported side effects of Depo-Provera. 

Common Depo-Provera Side Effects

People who take Depo-Provera shots can suffer a wide range of side effects. The more minor effects can include:

• Headaches
• Depression and anxiety
• Weight gain
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Acne
• Hair loss or excessive hair growth

While many of these side effects can be managed with a healthcare provider, some serious complications can arise after prolonged use. Foremost among these effects are osteoporosis and meningioma brain tumors. Depo can cause patients to lose calcium stored in the bones, creating porous, weak bones that are more prone to breakage. Prolonged Depo-Provera use can encourage abnormal cell growth in the brain’s lining, creating brain tumors that can affect the patient for years. 

The Link Between Brian Tumors and Depo-Provera Contraception Shots

Meningiomas are a typically non-cancerous tumor in the brain’s lining that can seriously affect cognitive, behavioral, and sensory functions. Common signs of a meningioma include: 

• Changes or loss of vision, hearing, and smell
• Loss of memory
• Trouble focusing
• Speech and language issues
• Changes in behavior or personality
• Headaches that feel worse in the morning
• Dizziness, nausea, or vomiting
• Seizures and muscle weakness

Symptoms of a meningioma differ depending on the size and location of the tumor. Although these tumors are not technically in the brain, they can affect the brain by putting pressure on blood vessels, nerves, and nearby brain tissues. 

Meningiomas are slow-growing tumors, which means they may not become apparent until years after they start. Without treatment, some meningiomas can cause severe disability or death.

Extended Depo-Provera Use Can Lead to Tumor Growth

Per a recent medical review published in BioMed Research International, blocking progesterone receptors may help to inhibit meningioma tumor growth. The review incorporated decades of research and clarified the link between progesterone and meningioma brain tumors. 

Subsequent studies further highlighted the correlation between progestogens and meningiomas. A 2024 study published in The BMJ indicates that long-term, high-dose use of the medroxyprogesterone acetate (the hormone in Depo-Provera) significantly increased the risk of meningiomas. 

The primary hormone component of Depo-Provera is progestin, a synthetic version of naturally occurring progesterone. Both hormones are considered progestogens. Progestogens bind to progesterone receptors in the brain’s lining and encourage meningioma growth. Greater exposure to progestogens over a longer period of time correlated with a higher incidence of meningiomas in studied patients, according to the BMJ study. 

Understanding the Depo-Provera Lawsuits

Numerous studies over the course of the past decade have drawn a connection between hormonal birth control and cancer, including progestogen’s link to brain tumors. An FDA approval withdrawal in 1978 due to cancer concerns also supports this connection. Despite this information, Depo-Provera’s manufacturer failed to warn providers or patients of the risks of extended high-dose exposure. 

The connection between progestogen-based birth control and meningioma brain tumors has drawn particular attention in the legal field. Lawsuits filed by patients who used Depo-Provera allege that Pfizer knew about the potential risks of prolonged Depo-Provera use and failed to warn providers and patients. 

Plaintiffs seek to recover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses related to their meningioma diagnosis and treatment. If you have a meningioma diagnosis after using Depo-Provera, you may be able to recover damages through a personal injury lawsuit or mass tort claim. 

Who Is Eligible to File a Depo-Provera Claim?

The Goldwater Law Firm partners with some of the largest and most successful law firms in the US. We can connect you with an attorney with experience handling claims like yours. Our legal team provides free consultations to help you determine your eligibility.

You may qualify for a Depo-Provera lawsuit if you:

• Were prescribed and received at least four consecutive injections of Depo-Provera, Depo-Provera SubQ, or a generic version of Depo-Provera after 1992
• Were diagnosed with malignant or benign meningioma at least two years after the date of your first injection

You must also have used one of the qualifying injections for at least 12 months and know where you received your shots (e.g., pharmacy, Planned Parenthood, doctor’s office, clinic).

Many states limit the time you have to file a lawsuit for personal injury related to a drug defect. The Goldwater Law Firm’s co-counsel is well-versed in filing processes and deadlines. They can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the process.  

Different statutes of limitations may apply if you lost a loved one to a meningioma related to Depo-Provera use. A mass torts lawyer can help you understand whether you have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim or survival action against Pfizer for your loved one’s untimely death.