Depo-Provera Lawsuit FAQs
Depo-Provera, an injectable contraceptive, is now facing a slew of lawsuits from women who claim it caused them significant harm, most notably a type of brain tumor called meningioma. These claims are at the center of a growing Depo-Provera lawsuit effort across the country.
If you’ve used Depo-Provera and are now worried about your health or wondering about your legal options, you’re in the right place. For clear information and to understand your rights, call (866) 535-9515. At Lawsuit Legal News, our nationwide network includes lawyers who are ready to listen, and we connect you with one who will assess your specific situation.
What Should You Know About the Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
If you used Depo-Provera and were later diagnosed with meningioma or another serious health condition, you may have legal options. Here’s what matters:
- Depo-Provera is linked to meningioma, a brain tumor, especially with long-term use
- Lawsuits allege Pfizer failed to warn users of serious risks
- The MDL (Multidistrict Litigation) is active and growing fast
- Proof of use—even decades ago—can still be documented through pharmacy or insurance records
- You may qualify whether you took the brand-name or generic version
- Deadlines apply, so acting quickly is critical
- Compensation may include medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering
What’s the core issue with the Depo-Provera lawsuits?
The main claim is that using Pfizer's Depo-Provera injection (or its generic version, DMPA) led to users developing serious health problems, with a big focus on meningioma. These lawsuits allege that the manufacturer knew or should have known about these risks and failed to adequately warn patients and doctors.
Meningioma – what is it, and why is it linked to Depo-Provera?
A meningioma is a tumor that forms on the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). While many are non-cancerous, their location may still cause serious problems by pressing on the brain or spinal cord, potentially leading to symptoms like headaches, vision changes, or seizures.
The lawsuits allege that the hormonal components in Depo-Provera, specifically progestins like depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), promote the growth of these tumors. Research and case reports have pointed towards this potential link, with some studies suggesting a significantly increased risk for long-term users.
I hear about "MDL." What does that mean?
Multidistrict Litigation isn't a class action where everyone is lumped into one giant lawsuit. In an MDL, individual lawsuits from different parts of the country that share common factual questions (like, "Did Depo-Provera cause this injury?") are transferred to one federal judge for pretrial proceedings. This helps with things like gathering evidence (discovery) consistently and efficiently.
Your case stays your own. If it doesn't settle, it goes back to your local court for trial. The Depo-Provera MDL (MDL 3140) is currently managed by Judge M. Casey Rodgers in Florida, who has appointed a Special Master to help keep the case on track..
I used Depo-Provera ages ago. How could I possibly prove it now?
The "Proof of Use" Hurdle: This is a known challenge. Many women took Depo-Provera decades ago, and finding those medical records proves difficult.
What the Court is Doing: The judge in the MDL is aware of this and has issued orders to make it easier for plaintiffs to get their medical records. Pfizer has also been asked to provide information that is intended to help fill in gaps.
Alternative Ways to Prove Use: If traditional medical charts are missing, you can use other documents like pharmacy logs, insurance payment records, or even old prescription slips. Plaintiffs in the MDL currently have a deadline to complete a detailed questionnaire about their Depo-Provera use and injury. For personalized advice regarding your situation, it’s best to consult with an attorney.
What's the latest news on these lawsuits? Are they actually progressing?
The litigation is definitely active. The number of lawsuits in the MDL saw a significant jump from April 1 to May 1, 2025 (from 130 to 289 cases). Before that, between February and March 2025, dozens of new cases were filed.
There are regular case management conferences scheduled throughout 2025. This shows the court is actively overseeing the process.
A schedule is in place for things like amending complaints, discovery (where both sides exchange information), expert witness disclosures, and filing important motions. Plaintiffs have also secured time to depose Pfizer representatives. Judge Rodgers has also issued orders allowing for direct filing of lawsuits into the MDL to streamline the process.
What if I used a generic version of Depo-Provera, not the brand name?
Depo-Provera's active ingredient is depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). Generic versions contain this same active ingredient.
Lawsuits involving authorized generic versions of Depo-Provera may be permitted in the MDL. Plaintiffs argue that Pfizer sometimes used subsidiaries to market "authorized generics" that were identical to the brand-name drug, potentially retaining control over labeling.
An attorney will help figure out which manufacturers might be responsible if you used a generic form of the drug. The legal specifics are often complicated, so obtaining individualized advice is sensible.
I think Depo-Provera might have harmed me. What are my first steps?
- Your Health First: Before anything else, get proper medical attention. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms, get a diagnosis, and follow their treatment advice. Your well-being is paramount.
- Gather What You Can: Collect any medical records related to your Depo-Provera use, diagnosis, and treatment. Pharmacy receipts, old prescription bottles, or insurance statements are also helpful. Even if records are old, make an effort to locate them.
- Talk to a Lawyer: This is a significant step. Many lawyers who handle these types of cases offer initial consultations at no charge. They will listen to your story, review your information, and will give you a clearer idea if you might have a case against Depo-Provera manufacturers.
Is there a deadline for filing a Depo-Provera lawsuit?
Yes, there's something called a statute of limitations. This is a law that sets a strict time limit on how long you have to file a lawsuit after an injury occurs or is discovered.
These deadlines vary from state to state. For example, a state might have a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury, but when that two-year clock starts depends on when you knew (or reasonably should have known) that Depo-Provera might have caused your injury (this is often called the "discovery rule"). This is a complex legal determination.
Because these deadlines are critical, if you even think you have a claim related to Depo-Provera, you should talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. They will help figure out the specific deadline that applies to your situation. Missing it means losing your right to sue, period.
Your Path Forward: Getting Clarity on Your Depo-Provera Concerns
If you used Depo-Provera and have since been diagnosed with a meningioma or other serious health conditions, it's worth exploring your options. The team at Lawsuit Legal News is here to help.
Call us at (866) 535-9515. Our role is to connect people like you with lawyers in our nationwide network who will provide a consultation and discuss the specifics of your potential Depo-Provera claim.
Depo-Provera Lawsuit FAQ
If you or a loved one used Depo-Provera and are now facing health concerns or have questions about your legal options, you’re not alone. We understand this may be a stressful and confusing time, and we’re here to help you get the answers and support you deserve.
For clear information and to understand your rights, call (866) 535-9515. At Lawsuit Legal News, our nationwide network includes lawyers who are ready to listen, and we’ll connect you with someone who can assess your specific situation with care and respect.
What is the core issue with the Depo-Provera lawsuits?
The main claim is that using Pfizer’s Depo-Provera injection (or its generic version, DMPA) led to users developing serious health problems, with a big focus on meningioma, a type of brain tumor. These lawsuits allege that the manufacturer knew or should have known about these risks and failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers.
Meningioma: What is it and why is it linked to Depo-Provera?
A meningioma is a tumor that forms on the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). While many are non-cancerous, their location may still cause serious problems by pressing on the brain or spinal cord, potentially leading to symptoms like headaches, vision changes, or seizures.
The lawsuits allege that the hormonal components in Depo-Provera, specifically progestins like depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), may promote the growth of these tumors. Research and case reports have pointed toward this potential link, with some studies suggesting a significantly increased risk for long-term users.
I heard about “MDL.” What does that mean?
Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) isn’t a class action where everyone is lumped into one giant lawsuit. In an MDL, individual lawsuits from across the country that share common factual questions (like, “Did Depo-Provera cause this injury?”) are transferred to one federal judge for pretrial proceedings. This helps with things like gathering evidence (discovery) efficiently and consistently.
Your case stays your own. If it doesn’t settle, it goes back to your local court for trial. The Depo-Provera MDL (MDL 3140) is currently managed by Judge M. Casey Rodgers in Florida, who has appointed a Special Master to help keep the case on track.
I used Depo-Provera ages ago. How could I possibly prove it now?
The “Proof of Use” Hurdle: We know this can be challenging. Many people used Depo-Provera years or even decades ago, and finding those medical records can be difficult.
What the Court Is Doing: The judge in the MDL is aware of this and has issued orders to make it easier for plaintiffs to get their medical records. Pfizer has also been asked to provide information that may help fill in gaps.
Alternative Ways to Prove Use: If traditional medical charts are missing, you may use other documents like pharmacy logs, insurance payment records, or even old prescription slips. Plaintiffs in the MDL currently have a deadline to complete a detailed questionnaire about their Depo-Provera use and injury. For personalized advice regarding your situation, it’s best to consult with an attorney.
What is the latest news on the Depo-Provera lawsuits? Are they making progress?
The Depo-Provera litigation is definitely active. The number of lawsuits in the MDL saw a significant jump from April 1 to May 1, 2025 (from 130 to 289 cases). Before that, between February and March 2025, dozens of new cases were filed.
There are regular case management conferences scheduled throughout 2025, showing the court is actively overseeing the process. A schedule is in place for things like amending complaints, discovery (where both sides exchange information), expert witness disclosures, and filing important motions. Plaintiffs have also secured time to depose Pfizer representatives. Judge Rodgers has also issued orders allowing for direct filing of lawsuits into the MDL to streamline the process.
What if I used a generic version of Depo-Provera, not the brand name?
Depo-Provera’s active ingredient is depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). Generic versions contain this same active ingredient.
Lawsuits involving authorized generic versions of Depo-Provera may be permitted in the MDL. Plaintiffs argue that Pfizer sometimes used subsidiaries to market “authorized generics” that were identical to the brand-name drug, potentially retaining control over labeling.
An attorney will help figure out which manufacturers might be responsible if you used a generic form of the drug. The legal specifics are often complicated, so obtaining individualized advice is sensible.
I think Depo-Provera might have harmed me. What are my first steps?
Your Health First
Before anything else, get proper medical attention. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms, get a diagnosis, and follow their treatment advice. Your well-being is paramount.
Gather What You Can
Collect any medical records related to your Depo-Provera use, diagnosis, and treatment. Pharmacy receipts, old prescription bottles, or insurance statements are also helpful. Even if records are old, make an effort to locate them.
Talk to a Lawyer
This is an important step. Many lawyers who handle these types of cases offer initial consultations at no charge. They will listen to your story, review your information, and give you a clearer idea if you might have a case against Depo-Provera manufacturers.
Note: If you are a transgender man, non-binary, or gender nonconforming individual who has used Depo-Provera, you are also welcome to seek information and support. Our network aims to be inclusive and respectful of all individuals who may have been affected.
Is there a deadline for filing a Depo-Provera lawsuit?
Yes, a statute of limitations sets a strict time limit on when you can file a Depo-Provera lawsuit after an injury occurs or is discovered.
These deadlines vary from state to state. For example, a state might have a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury, but when that two-year clock starts depends on when you knew (or reasonably should have known) that Depo-Provera might have caused your injury (this is often called the “discovery rule”). This is a complex legal determination.
Because these deadlines are critical, if you even think you have a claim related to Depo-Provera, you should talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. They will help figure out the specific deadline that applies to your situation. Failing to file within the statute of limitations means you may no longer be able to pursue legal action.
Your Path Forward: Getting Clarity on Your Depo-Provera Concerns
If you used Depo-Provera and have since been diagnosed with a meningioma or other serious health conditions, it’s worth exploring your options. The team at Lawsuit Legal News is here to help.
Call us at (866) 535-9515. Our role is to connect people like you with lawyers in our nationwide network who will provide a consultation and discuss the specifics of your potential Depo-Provera claim.