Depo-Provera, a popular contraceptive injection, is facing legal scrutiny after studies linked it to an increased risk of potentially debilitating brain tumors. Many users have reported serious health complications and the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation decided to consolidate the lawsuits into a mass tort in January 2025.
This round of lawsuits against the drug’s manufacturer alleges that the medication can cause brain tumors, specifically meningiomas. These tumors can be cancerous or benign and could cause life-altering complications even when benign.
If you took the Depo shot and now have a brain tumor, discuss your legal options with a Depo-Provera lawsuit attorney as soon as possible. You have rights and may be able to hold the drug company accountable.
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What Is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a hormonal contraceptive injection approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Women have used it in the United States, Europe, and developing countries for decades.
Part of the drug’s popularity comes from the fact that it is administered every three months. It prevents pregnancy, and doctors often prescribe it for women who prefer a long-term birth control method to taking a daily pill.
Depo-Provera’s Listed Side Effects, Including a Black Box Warning
The FDA approved Depo-Provera for contraceptive use in the United States in 1992. However, over the years, reports of serious side effects have raised concerns among healthcare providers and patients alike.
Since 2004, the FDA has required Depo-Provera to carry a black box warning about the risks of significant bone density loss associated with the medication.
Commonly Reported Side Effects:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Weight gain
- Headaches
- Depression and mood swings
- Loss of interest in sex
Severe Side Effects:
- Bone Density Loss: Long-term use of Depo-Provera has been linked to osteoporosis and increased fracture risk.
- Blood Clots: Some users have developed life-threatening blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism.
- Increased Risk of Breast and Cervical Cancer: Some studies have suggested a possible correlation between prolonged use of Depo-Provera and higher cancer risks.
- Neurological and Psychological Effects: Severe depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment have been reported.
New Evidence Shows an Increased Risk of Brain Tumors
Studies have uncovered a significant risk of developing brain tumors known as meningiomas with regular use of medroxyprogesterone acetate, the active ingredient in the Depo shot. This evidence includes a study published in the peer-reviewed and well-respected medical journal BMJ in March 2024.
Why Are People Filing Lawsuits Against the Maker of Depo-Provera?
Users of Depo-Provera are filing lawsuits against Pfizer, the drug’s manufacturer, after developing brain tumors and requiring treatment for cancer or related symptoms.
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, even when benign, these tumors can grow significantly and press on key components of the brain, causing disability and even death.
The tumors require monitoring, surgical removal, or treatments to stop cancer from advancing if they are not benign. Patients will face additional medical care costs, possible disability, time away from work, and other expenses and losses due to the tumor diagnosis.
The lawsuits against the drug manufacturer allege that:
- The drug’s risks were not adequately disclosed to consumers.
- The manufacturer failed to warn about the link to brain tumors and their long-term consequences.
- Consumers were prescribed Depo-Provera without being fully informed of safer alternatives.
Victims argue that if they had been adequately warned about the risk of brain tumors, they might have chosen a different form of contraception. The lawsuits seek compensation for medical expenses, income losses, pain and suffering, and long-term health damages.
Updates on the Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Mass Tort Litigation
Understanding the latest news on what is happening in these lawsuits is important. There could be deadlines or new criteria you must meet to qualify. Your dangerous drugs Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuit lawyer should help you remain updated about the case’s current status once they represent you.
As of February 6, 2025:
Current Status of Lawsuits
The Depo-Provera brain injury MDL is in its earliest stages. It has been less than a year since the study was released that linked this drug to the development of certain types of brain tumors. Plaintiffs can continue to file their lawsuits and join the MDL during this time.
As more and more people learn of these lawsuits, the MDL is likely to grow quickly. It is a good time to talk to an attorney filing these cases to assess your options and determine if you qualify to participate.
Recent Court Decisions
The U.S. Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has determined these cases will be consolidated but has not yet determined where the MDL will take place or which judge will oversee the case. The decision could come at any time.
New Medical Findings and Expert Testimonies
While there have not yet been any expert testimonies given in the Depo-Provera MDL and those who published the initial study say more research is needed, the results are alarming for many women. The BMJ study showed a 5.5-fold increased risk of these brain tumors.
In late 2024, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) outlined for doctors how to explain the risk to patients, downplaying the risk:
As ACOG explained: “Five out of 10,000 women using medroxyprogesterone acetate may possibly develop meningioma compared to one out of 10,000 women not using the medication.”
Who Qualifies to File a Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuit?
Individuals who developed a brain tumor after receiving two or more injections of Depo-Provera may file a claim. You need medical records documenting your Depo-Provera use and brain tumor diagnosis when you discuss your options with an attorney.
In general, the drugs involved likely include:
- Depo-Provera
- Depo-SubQ
- An “authorized generic” version of the drug
The defendants in these cases include not only Pfizer Inc., the manufacturer of the name-brand drug, but also Pharmacia & Upjohn Co. LLC, and Pharmacia LLC.
How to Take Legal Action If You Believe You May Qualify to Sue
If you or a loved one developed a brain tumor after taking Depo-Provera, you may be able to take legal action against the drug company. You can join many others who have already filed lawsuits based on their diagnoses.
Steps to take include:
- Consulting a Lawyer: Speak with an attorney who regularly handles dangerous and defective drug cases and mass tort litigation. Our firm will provide a free consultation for those living with brain tumors after using the Depo shot.
- Gathering Medical Records: If you do not have records on hand to know exactly when you received Depo-Provera shots and what type of brain tumor you have, you may want to request your medical files. Our team can handle this if you hire us to represent you.
- Filing a Claim: Your lawyer will write your complaint or take other necessary steps to initiate legal proceedings and seek compensation. This process will likely become easier as the multidistrict litigation progresses.
How Does Multidistrict Litigation Work in Dangerous Drug Cases?
If you're considering joining a lawsuit against the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, you might hear the term Multidistrict Litigation or MDL.
Here’s what you need to know about this type of mass tort:
What Is an MDL?
MDL is a special legal process used when many people have grounds to file a lawsuit against the same defendant over similar injuries. Instead of handling each case separately, the U.S. Panel on Multidistrict Litigation groups them together under one judge to make the process more efficient.
For example, if hundreds (or thousands) of people developed brain tumors after taking Depo-Provera, all those lawsuits may consolidate into one court to share evidence, witnesses, and legal arguments.
As of February 2025, this is currently taking place in the Depo-Provera brain tumor case. It is officially titled MDL 3140: IN RE: Depo-Provera (Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) Products Liability Litigation.
How Is an MDL Different from a Class Action?
MDL cases remain separate lawsuits. Each injured party files their own lawsuit and it remains an individual case. The outcome of any one case does not affect the outcome of others. The plaintiffs in MDL can receive personalized settlements or agree to a global or tiered settlement, depending on their injuries and damage.
In a class action lawsuit, all plaintiffs participate in a single lawsuit, and everyone shares the same outcome. This does not allow for personalized settlements, even when the facts of the cases differ significantly.
What Happens in an MDL?
In an MDL, the cases are consolidated for the initial steps of the process. They could return to their original jurisdiction to go to trial following this process, although this is not commonly necessary. The steps of an MDL include:
- Case Consolidation: If enough people file lawsuits, a panel of judges decides whether to form an MDL and selects a single court to handle the cases. The U.S. Panel of Multidistrict Litigation decided to consolidate the Depo-Provera brain tumor cases on January 30, 2025.
- Pre-Trial Proceedings: Lawyers on both sides gather evidence, conduct depositions (witness interviews), and argue motions before the judge. The judge sets key dates when each side presents the scientific basis of its cases so the judge and others involved have a better idea of the science behind the arguments.
- Bellwether Trials:A few test cases go to trial first to see how juries react. These outcomes may help determine settlement amounts for other plaintiffs, but the outcome does not directly affect other cases involved in the MDL.
- Settlement or Individual Trials: If the defendant offers fair settlements, many cases resolve without trial. Otherwise, individual cases may return to their home courts for separate trials.
Why Is an MDL Beneficial for Plaintiffs?
In the case of the Depo-Provera MDL, both the plaintiffs and the drug company have supported consolidating cases into an MDL. The MDL process has benefits for both parties.
For the plaintiffs, an MDL:
- Speeds up the process by avoiding duplicate work in multiple courts
- Increases negotiating power because many plaintiffs are working together
- Allows for personalized compensation based on individual injuries
If you or a loved one developed a brain tumor or suffered other serious side effects from Depo-Provera, an experienced attorney can help you understand if joining an MDL is the right move for you.
Why Should I Contact a Dangerous Drugs Lawyer About My Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Case?
If you were diagnosed with a brain tumor after using Depo-Provera for two or more rounds, you should consider talking to a dangerous drugs lawyer to protect your rights and offer guidance about your next steps.
Pharmaceutical companies have a legal duty to warn consumers about potential risks. If Depo-Provera is causing brain tumors or contributing to other serious conditions, the manufacturer needs to be held accountable.
When you work with a mass torts attorney, they will gather medical evidence, consult with experts, and build a strong case to prove that the drug caused or contributed to your brain tumor. Much of this process will occur as a part of the MDL, so you want a lawyer familiar with how these cases work.
Your lawyer will keep your best interests front and center. They will help you seek damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care costs. Act quickly so you do not miss important filing deadlines.
Working with a dangerous drugs attorney will improve your chances of holding the drug manufacturers accountable and securing the compensation you deserve.
Talk to a Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawyer Today for Free
Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits highlight the need for transparency in pharmaceutical products and patient safety. If you or someone you know has been affected by the serious side effects of this shot, including brain tumors, we can help.
Discussing your case with a knowledgeable lawyer can be an important step toward justice. We can help you stay informed on ongoing litigation and take action to protect your rights.
Call (866) 535-9515 to get started today. We provide free, confidential consultations.
Contact the legal team at Lawsuit Legal News Today