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Depo-Provera Birth Control Lawsuits: The Legal Fight Over Links to Brain Tumor and Spinal Tumors

Updated January 22, 2025.

UPDATED JANUARY 22, 2025

This information is being provided for women who used Depo-Provera, a popular contraceptive and endometriosis drug, and have been diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor. Allegations have been made in numerous lawsuits that the drug’s active ingredient, medroxyprogesterone acetate or “MPA” may increase the risk for developing a specific type of brain tumor and spine tumor; meningiomas. Meningiomas can be cancerous but are usually benign tumors that cause problems when they grow and crowd into other structures.

The litigation stems from a French study published in March of 2024 in the British Medical Journal. In the study, women who used medrogestone — a medication used outside of the United States for the treatment of menstrual cycle disorders — had a 3.49-fold increased risk of meningiomas.

Of concern to women in the United States was a finding in the same study that users of Depo-Provera and its active ingredient medroxyprogesterone acetate, were found to have the highest increased risk of meningiomas — a 5.55% increased risk — in the same significant study. (Source: BMJ 2024;384:e078078)

Depo-Provera Lawsuit & Pursuing the Risk of Brain Tumors: Between November 2024 and January 2025, there have been significant developments in lawsuits concerning Depo-Provera, a contraceptive injection manufactured by Pfizer. These legal actions primarily stem from studies indicating a potential link between prolonged use of Depo-Provera and an increased risk of developing intracranial meningiomas, a type of brain tumor.

If you used Depo-Provera or Depo-subQ Provera 104 for at least a year and developed a meningioma brain or spine tumor, we may be able to help you seek justice. Please contact our personal injury department at 585-454-5650 or fill out a contact form here.

Key Developments:

  • New Lawsuits Filed: Several lawsuits have been initiated by women alleging that extended use of Depo-Provera led to the development of meningiomas. For instance, a case filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana involves a woman who began receiving Depo-Provera injections at age 18 and later developed an intracranial meningioma. She alleges that she was never warned of this risk, which was known to the manufacturer.
  • Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) Consideration: Given the increasing number of similar lawsuits, there is a movement toward consolidating these cases into a Multidistrict Litigation. This permits one court to address all claims from across the nation in order to create efficiencies and streamline the process for claimants. The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation is scheduled to consider this consolidation in Miami, Florida on January 30, 2025. Though there is debate over the appropriate jurisdiction, both plaintiffs and Pfizer have expressed support for creating an MDL, with suggestions including New York and California.
  • Pfizer’s Response: Pfizer has indicated that it sought to update Depo-Provera’s label to warn of the risk of meningiomas, but claims the FDA blocked the proposed update due to insufficient evidence. This forms part of Pfizer’s legal defense, asserting that federal regulatory decisions shield the company from liability under state law. However, such defenses are rarely successful without clear evidence that the FDA explicitly prohibited a manufacturer from issuing a stronger warning.

These developments reflect a growing legal response to concerns about the safety of Depo-Provera, particularly regarding its potential link to brain and spine tumors. The outcomes of these lawsuits and the possible consolidation into an MDL will likely influence future litigation and regulatory actions related to Depo-Provera.


Published October 1, 2024

Recent legal actions against Pfizer Inc., the pharmaceutical company behind Depo-Provera, allege significant health risks associated with the long-term use of the injectable contraceptive. Depo-Provera is an injectable form of medroxyprogesterone acetate: prescribed for birth control, treatment of hormonal issues and heavy periods. Depo-subQ provera 104 is a similar product used for birth control and to treat endometriosis. The actions allege that scientific evidence links prolonged use of these products to an increased likelihood of developing meningioma brain and spinal tumors. The tumors are typically benign but can have serious consequences as they put pressure on delicate structures as they grow. Treatment often includes surgical removal or radiation therapy, either of which can cause serious brain injuries resulting in loss of function, seizures or even death.

Symptoms of meningioma include:

  • Seizures
  • Double or blurry vision
  • Headaches that are worse in the morning
  • Hearing loss or ringing in your ears
  • Memory loss
  • Aphasia
  • Loss of smell
  • Weakness in your arms or legs

The Science Behind the Concerns

A French study published in the British Medical Journal in March 2024 revealed that long-term users of Depo-Provera faced a 5 ½ times higher risk of developing meningiomas compared to those who didn’t use the drug. The findings noted that, while meningiomas are generally non-cancerous, they can cause severe symptoms, such as headaches, vision loss, and cognitive difficulties. This study is one of the most substantial pieces of evidence connecting hormonal birth control to tumor risks, prompting Pfizer to consider updating its warnings and product labels.

Impacted Users and Legal Responses

In October 2024, the first federal lawsuit in the U.S. over Depo-Provera’s alleged role in causing brain tumors was filed. A long-term Depo-Provera user developed debilitating headaches and vertigo before a brain scan revealed a meningioma. According to her claim, she had been using the drug since 2005 and was not informed of the potential tumor risk.

The action claims that Pfizer either knew or should have known about these risks based on historical research and similar products’ impacts. Pfizer has responded that it plans to work with regulatory agencies to ensure product labels reflect emerging findings, but as of now, existing product information lacks such warnings.

Do you Have a Case?

For those affected, eligibility for a Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuit typically depends on the duration of drug use and the timeline of their symptoms and diagnosis. If individuals used Depo-Provera consistently over several years and later developed a meningioma, they may be eligible to pursue a claim. As more affected women come forward, the case against Pfizer could become part of a Multi-District Litigation (MDL).

If you are 70 years old or younger and have been diagnosed with meningioma after using Depo-Provera or Depo-subQ Provera 104 for at least a year, you may have a case.

A Depo-Provera lawsuit seeks compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other harm caused by the drug and seeks to hold Pfizer accountable for its failures to warn. Drug companies are legally required to report known risks associated with their products to consumers. Women have many choices for birth control and deserve to have all available information available to make informed decisions about matters that could affect their health and welfare.

What Should You Do?

If you used Depo-Provera or Depo-subQ Provera 10 for at least a year and were later diagnosed with meningioma, please contact our Rochester personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.

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