For decades, women have trusted Depo-Provera, a birth control injection manufactured by Pfizer, as a convenient and effective contraceptive option. However, recent research has uncovered alarming health risks associated with prolonged use of this medication, particularly an increased likelihood of developing brain tumors called meningiomas.
Now, patients and their families are taking legal action against Pfizer, accusing the pharmaceutical giant of failing to adequately warn women of these dangers. Women who developed meningiomas after using Depo-Provera for an extended period are seeking the justice they deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered from serious health issues after using this birth control injection, it is important to understand your legal rights.
Understanding the Risks of Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a progestin-only contraceptive injection given once every three months to prevent pregnancy. While it has been widely prescribed, emerging research has linked its long-term use to an increased risk of meningiomas — tumors that form on the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Meningiomas are typically benign (non-cancerous), but they can cause severe symptoms such as:
- Chronic headaches
- Vision problems
- Memory loss
- Seizures
- Speech difficulties
- Balance and coordination issues
Some women diagnosed with meningiomas require radiation or surgery to remove the tumors, which can be a life-altering and financially burdensome experience. Surgery and other interventions also carry the risk of additional complications and harm.
The Basis of the Legal Claims: Pfizer’s Failure to Warn
The lawsuits against Pfizer focus on one key issue: failure to warn. Plaintiffs allege that Pfizer knew, or should have known, of the link between Depo-Provera and meningiomas but failed to properly inform doctors or patients.
Pharmaceutical companies have a legal duty to disclose known risks associated with their medications so patients can make informed decisions about their health. Plaintiffs now claim that Pfizer failed to uphold this duty, putting countless women at risk.
Importantly, doctors are not the defendants in this litigation. Many physicians prescribed Depo-Provera without knowledge of the risks because Pfizer did not provide sufficient warnings. The lawsuits are being filed against Pfizer, the manufacturer, for its role in concealing critical safety information.
The History and Current Status of the Depo-Provera Litigation
Legal action against Pfizer is gaining momentum as more women come forward with claims. Across the U.S. and internationally, lawsuits are being filed by women who developed meningiomas after prolonged Depo-Provera use. Some key developments include:
- Scientific Evidence: A study published in the British Medical Journal in 2024 found that women using progestin-based contraceptives like Depo-Provera for more than a year had a significantly increased risk of developing meningiomas.
- Lawsuit Filings: In multiple states, plaintiffs are seeking to hold Pfizer accountable for its failure to warn about these risks.
- Multidistrict Litigation (MDL): Depo-Provera lawsuits were recently consolidated into an MDL which streamlines the legal process for affected women. More information about the MDL is available here.
The multidistrict litigation is still in its early stages, but affected women are encouraged to explore their legal options now. The legal process can be lengthy and deadlines restrict filing of a claim after the statute of limitations period has expired.
What Compensation Could Plaintiffs Receive?
Women who have developed meningiomas after prolonged Depo-Provera use may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Cost of caregiving and support services
Each case is unique, but if Pfizer is found liable, plaintiffs could receive significant financial recovery to help ease the burden of their medical and personal hardships.
Your Legal Options
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, now is the time to take action. Seeking legal counsel can help you understand your rights and determine whether you are eligible for compensation.
It’s important to know:
- Initial legal consultations are free. You don’t have to pay to speak with an attorney about the possibility of pursuing a claim.
- You won’t pay legal fees unless you win. Our attorneys will take your case on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if you receive compensation.
- Time limits apply. There are legal deadlines (statutes of limitations) for filing a claim, so acting promptly is critical.
Take the Next Step Toward Justice
Women trusted Depo-Provera to provide safe birth control, yet they were not fully informed about its potential risks. Pfizer must be held accountable for withholding this critical information.
