Lawsuit Update Center
Depo Provera, commonly known as the “birth control shot,” has recently been linked to brain tumors. Women who got the Depo-Provera shot and subsequently developed meningioma brain tumors are now able to file lawsuits against the drug manufacturer, Pfizer, and get financial compensation.
This page will discuss the Depo Provera brain tumor lawsuits and what you need to know if you have a potential case. And we talk about settlement amounts we think victims can expect.
About Depo Provera
Depo-Provera is a birth control injection containing medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of the hormone progestin. It’s administered as an intramuscular shot, typically in the upper arm or buttocks, once every three months. Depo-Provera works by:
Preventing Ovulation: It stops the ovaries from releasing eggs.
Thickening Cervical Mucus: This makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
Thinning the Uterine Lining: Reducing the likelihood of a fertilized egg implanting.
When used correctly, Depo-Provera is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some side effects include changes in menstrual cycles (irregular bleeding or spotting), weight gain, mood changes, decreased bone density, and delayed return to fertility after stopping the injections.
Depo Provera was initially approved by the FDA in the early 1990s. Prior to that, however, the FDA had rejected several other applications for earlier versions of Depo Provera based on concerns that it could increase the risk of cancer.
Hundreds of thousands of women in the U.S. have used Depo Provera. At least one study estimated that around a ¼ of all sexually active women in the U.S. used Depo Provera at between 2015 and 2019.
Evidence Shows that Depo Provera Can Cause Meningiomas
In March 2024, a groundbreaking scientific study was published in the highly respected British Medical Journal, identifying a clear link between the use of Depo-Provera and the development of a specific type of brain tumor called meningioma.
The study examined the relationship between certain hormone medications known as progestogens and the risk of developing meningioma. Focusing on a range of progestogens, the research analyzed data from the French National Health Data System, which included women in France who had undergone surgery for meningioma.
The study was extensive, involving 108,366 women, of whom 18,061 had undergone surgery for meningioma. The study found that long-term use (defined as more than one year) of specific progestogens—including medrogestone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and promegestone—was associated with a heightened risk of developing meningiomas.
No increased risk was found with other hormonal treatments, such as progesterone, dydrogesterone, and some hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs).
One notable statistic was the odds ratio, which reflects the likelihood of developing the condition among users versus non-users. For medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), the active ingredient in Depo-Provera, the odds ratio was particularly high. Out of 18,061 cases of meningioma, nine had used MPA (0.05%), compared to 11 among 90,305 controls (0.01%), resulting in an odds ratio of 5.55. This substantial figure indicates that users of MPA are more than five times as likely to develop meningiomas as non-users, a rare and powerful finding in drug litigation research.
About Meningiomas
A meningioma is a type of brain tumor that arises from the meninges, the layers of tissue covering the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas are typically *benign*, slow-growing tumors, although some can be atypical or malignant (cancerous). They are the most common type of primary brain tumor in adults and are more common in women, likely due to hormonal factors, as some meningiomas have receptors for hormones like progesterone and estrogen.
Symptoms: Depending on size and location, symptoms can include headaches, seizures, vision changes, difficulty with movement or balance, or memory issues. Small, asymptomatic meningiomas may not require treatment and are monitored with regular imaging.
Diagnosis: Meningiomas are typically diagnosed through imaging tests like MRI or CT scans. A biopsy may also be performed to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant.
Treatment: Treatment depends on factors such as tumor size, location, and whether it’s causing symptoms. Options include:
- Observation: For slow-growing, asymptomatic tumors.
- Surgery: To remove the tumor if accessible.
- Radiation Therapy: For inoperable tumors or to target any remaining cells post-surgery
- Medication: In cases where hormonal factors are at play, certain medications may be explored, though this approach is still being studied
- While most meningiomas are benign, they can cause significant symptoms if they grow large enough to press on brain structures.
Depo Provera Lawsuits
Pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer have a legal duty to ensure their products are reasonably safe for consumers and to provide clear, accurate warnings about potential risks. This obligation falls under “strict liability” for failure to warn, meaning that even if a drug itself isn’t defective, a manufacturer may still be liable if they fail to disclose serious, foreseeable side effects or risks.
When a drug manufacturer neglects this responsibility, they can be held accountable for harm caused by their product. Both patients and healthcare providers rely on manufacturers’ safety information when choosing medications. A drug’s warning label is essential to this process, as it must include all known or reasonably knowable risks. This information is crucial for informed prescribing by doctors and for patients to weigh the drug’s benefits against potential risks.
In the case of Depo-Provera, the potential link between the drug and meningiomas wasn’t listed as a risk or side effect on its warning label. Lawsuits involving Depo-Provera allege that Pfizer knew, or should have known, about this risk and that its failure to update the warning label constitutes a failure to warn.
Had Pfizer disclosed the increased risk of meningiomas associated with Depo-Provera, the likely outcome would have been a reduction in sales. Many patients would likely have chosen other contraceptive options, and healthcare providers would have been more cautious in prescribing it, especially for long-term use. With so many birth control choices available, transparency about these risks could have significantly influenced the decisions of both patients and physicians, potentially leading to safer alternatives.
Eligibility Criteria for Depo Provera Lawsuit
Our firm is currently seeking and accepting new Depo Provera lawsuits across the country. To be eligible to file a Depo Provera brain tumor lawsuit, prospective plaintiffs must meet the following criteria:
- 6 months of Depo Provera use (longer term use will make the case stronger)
- Subsequent diagnosis with meningioma tumors
Depo Provera Class Action Lawsuit
When an MDL is created in February 2025, all federal Depo-Provera lawsuits will transferred to a single judge in a designated district court. This process offers numerous advantages, including streamlined discovery, consistent rulings on legal and evidentiary issues, and greater efficiency for both sides. Following discovery, the MDL typically moves to the bellwether trial stage, where a small number of representative cases are selected for jury trials. These bellwether trials serve as test cases to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of the broader litigation, offering both plaintiffs and defendants valuable insight into potential outcomes. The results of these trials often drive settlement negotiations and help establish a framework for resolving the remaining cases.
In many mass tort MDLs, settlements are reached before bellwether trials begin. This is because bellwether trials pose significant risks for defendants, including the possibility of massive jury verdicts that could draw public attention and strengthen plaintiffs’ bargaining positions. To avoid such risks, defendants often seek to negotiate a global settlement, compensating all plaintiffs involved in the MDL.
The scale of the Depo-Provera MDL could be substantial, with thousands of cases expected to be consolidated. A federal court with experience in handling mass tort cases will likely be chosen to oversee the proceedings, though the process may still take years to resolve fully. For women impacted by Depo-Provera, joining the MDL offers several advantages. Plaintiffs benefit from shared resources, such as expert testimony and medical research, while maintaining their individual claims. This structure ensures that each plaintiff’s unique circumstances, including the severity of their injuries and the duration of Depo-Provera use, are considered.
The creation of an MDL for Depo-Provera lawsuits is an essential step in holding Pfizer accountable for its alleged failure to warn women about the risks of meningiomas. For many women, this litigation represents an opportunity to seek justice and compensation for the significant harm they have endured. If you believe you may have a claim, contacting an experienced attorney promptly is crucial to ensuring your case is included in this process.
Symptoms of Meningiomas to Watch For
Many women who have used Depo-Provera may unknowingly be experiencing symptoms of meningiomas. These tumors are often slow-growing and may not cause noticeable symptoms until they become larger or press on critical areas of the brain. Because of this, it is possible for women to live with meningiomas for years without realizing it. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent headaches
- Seizures
- Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision
- Difficulty with balance or coordination
- Memory loss or other cognitive issues
Even if the symptoms are mild, they could indicate the presence of a meningioma, especially for women who have used Depo-Provera for extended periods. Early detection is critical, as it can significantly affect treatment options and outcomes. Women experiencing any of these symptoms should consult a healthcare provider immediately.
Many women with meningiomas may dismiss symptoms as unrelated health issues or the normal stresses of daily life. Because they overlap with a lot of symptoms that women have that are related to other causes. But ignoring these signs can lead to complications as the tumor grows. So if you have these symptoms, you want to get checked out. Timely diagnosis not only improves treatment options but may also strengthen a potential Depo-Provera lawsuit by by providing a clear medical history linking Depo-Provera to the development of the tumor.
Projected Settlement Payouts for Depo-Provera Lawsuits
At this early stage of the litigation, estimating the settlement payouts for Depo-Provera brain tumor cases is challenging and speculative. The scientific evidence linking Depo-Provera to meningiomas will likely be admissible in court, but much remains uncertain as the litigation unfolds. Based on similar cases involving pharmaceutical litigation, our lawyers project the settlement compensation for Depo-Provera lawsuits to range between $275,000 and $500,000. But that is a per person average. There will be settlements that will be higher and lower than that number of if this litigation plays out like our lawyers expect.
Several factors will influence where an individual case falls within this range, including the following:
1. Severity of Meningioma Symptoms
The extent and impact of a plaintiff’s meningioma symptoms will play a significant role in determining settlement payouts. Many women may have undiagnosed meningiomas or mild symptoms they attribute to other causes. Common symptoms such as persistent headaches, seizures, or vision problems can worsen over time, requiring medical intervention. Plaintiffs with severe symptoms or those who have undergone extensive treatments like surgery or radiation therapy may receive higher settlement compensation.
2. Duration of Depo-Provera Use
Scientific studies suggest that the risk of developing meningiomas increases with long-term use of Depo-Provera. Women who used the birth control shot for more than six months, particularly over several years, will have stronger claims compared to those with shorter usage periods. Evidence of extended exposure to medroxyprogesterone acetate, the active ingredient in Depo-Provera, strengthens the argument that the drug contributed to the tumor development.
3. Age of the Plaintiff
Younger plaintiffs may receive higher settlement amounts because their meningioma diagnosis and treatment will impact them over a longer period. In contrast, older plaintiffs may see slightly lower settlements, depending on the projected duration of their medical needs and quality-of-life considerations. That said, the severity of the injury is the driving force. A lot of older women will get very large Depo-Provera settlements in this litigation if it goes like our lawyers expect.
4. Economic and Financial Losses
Women filing Depo-Provera lawsuits often experience significant financial losses due to medical expenses, missed work, or the inability to return to their previous careers. Lawsuits involving substantial financial impacts, such as lost wages or long-term disability, may lead to higher settlement payouts. This factor often plays a pivotal role in cases categorized under class action Depo-Provera lawsuits or MDL proceedings.
5. Emotional and Psychological Impact
The psychological toll of dealing with a brain tumor diagnosis, coupled with the challenges of treatment and recovery, cannot be overstated. Many plaintiffs report emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. Compensation for these non-economic damages will increase the trial value of these case contribute significantly to the overall settlement value in a Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuit.
Contact Us About a Depo Provera Lawsuit
If you used the Depo-Provera birth control shot and were later diagnosed with meningioma tumors, call our lawyers today at 800-553-8082 or contact us online.
