Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuit Attorney (2024 Update)

What is Depo-Provera?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Depo-Provera, commonly referred to as the birth control shot, is an injectable form of contraception that contains the hormone progestin [1]. The shot is administered every 12 weeks, typically in the arm or buttocks, and remains effective for up to 14 weeks.

Depo-Provera works by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs and by thickening cervical mucus, which blocks sperm from reaching an egg, making it highly effective at preventing pregnancy.

Depo-Provera is 96% effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly. However, it does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it’s recommended to use a barrier method, such as condoms, alongside the injection for STI prevention.

Depo-Provera is available under the brand name or as a generic version called medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). A healthcare provider can administer the injection, or patients may be instructed on how to inject it themselves at home. It offers a long-term birth control option for those looking to avoid daily pills or other frequent contraceptive methods.

BMJ Study Links Depo-Provera Injection to Brain Tumor Risk

A March 2024 study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) revealed a potential link between long-term use of medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) and an elevated risk of intracranial meningioma, a type of brain tumor [2]. Women who used Depo-Provera for more than a year were found to be 5.6 times more likely to develop this type of tumor. However, the study highlighted that this finding is a correlation and not definitive causation.

The research utilized data from 18,061 women in the French national health system who underwent surgery for meningioma between 2009 and 2018. Though 92.3% of these meningiomas were benign, they can still cause significant complications by affecting nearby brain tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. In some cases, surgical removal of the tumor is required, which carries risks due to the delicate nature of brain surgery.

Additionally, the study identified two other progestogen-based medications, medrogestone and promegestone, which were associated with a 4.1-fold and 2.7-fold increased risk of meningiomas, respectively. These drugs, like Depo-Provera, contain progestogens, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone.

Prolonged use of medrogestone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and promegestone was found to increase the risk of intracranial meningioma,” the authors concluded. “The increased risk associated with the use of injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate, a widely used contraceptive, and the safety of levonorgestrel intrauterine systems are important new findings

Pfizer is now collaborating with regulatory authorities to update product labels and patient information regarding this potential risk. Meanwhile, legal firms are accepting cases from women who used Depo-Provera repeatedly and later developed meningiomas.

What is an Intracranial Meningioma?

According to NIH, an intracranial meningioma is a benign tumor that grows in the meninges, or membranes, that cover the brain and spinal cord [3]. Meningiomas are the most common type of primary brain tumor, making up about 30% of all brain tumors. They grow slowly and can go undetected for years.

Meningiomas are classified into three grades by the World Health Organization:

• Grade 1: Most meningiomas are benign and considered grade 1.
• Grade 2: Some meningiomas can become malignant tumors.
• Grade 3: About 1 to 3% of meningiomas can become malignant tumors.

Intracranial Meningioma Symptoms

Meningiomas can cause serious disability if they affect adjacent brain tissue, nerves, or vessels. Symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vision changes, such as double vision, blurriness, or loss of vision
• Hearing loss
• Seizures
• Behavioral or personality changes
• Memory problems
• Hyperreflexia
• Muscle weakness or paralysis in certain areas of the body

How Can Depo-Provera Cause Meningioma?

While the exact causal mechanism between Depo-Provera and brain tumors is still unclear, the BMJ study’s authors noted that more than 60% of intracranial meningiomas express progesterone receptors. This finding could explain the link between progestogen-containing birth control medications and tumor growth.

Depo-Provera Black Box Warning

The FDA first approved Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) in 1959 for intramuscular use, but it wasn’t until 1992 that it received approval as a contraceptive. This approval came with the condition that the manufacturer conduct a post-approval study to assess the drug’s impact on bone mineral density (BMD).

In 2004, the FDA added a Black Box Warning to Depo-Provera’s labeling, highlighting the risk of significant BMD loss with prolonged use [4]. The warning emphasizes that bone density loss caused by Depo-Provera may be irreversible, even after discontinuation of the medication, raising concerns about the long-term health implications for users.

Women who use Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection may lose significant bone mineral density,” the warning states. “Bone loss is greater with increasing duration of use and may not be completely reversible. It is unknown if use of Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection during adolescence or early adulthood, a critical period of bone accretion, will reduce peak bone mass and increase the risk for osteoporotic fracture in later life

Status of Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuits as of September 2024

As of September 2024, there is currently no established multidistrict litigation (MDL) specifically for Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits. However, due to the growing number of claims across various jurisdictions, there is potential for such cases to be consolidated in the future. An MDL is a legal process that consolidates similar lawsuits to streamline pretrial proceedings, ensuring consistency and efficiency in handling widespread claims.

In an MDL, each plaintiff files their own individual Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuit, but all cases are overseen by a single federal judge who manages pretrial matters such as discovery and pretrial motions. Once the cases are consolidated, they can either be settled individually or potentially as part of a global settlement.

MDLs help reduce the chances of conflicting rulings and make the legal process more efficient for both plaintiffs and defendants when multiple cases involve similar claims.

Other Depo-Provera Side Effects

In addition to increased the risk of brain tumors (intracranial meningioma), Depo-Provera has been linked to the following less severe side effects:

• Moderate to severe headaches
• Migraine headaches
• Neck, shoulder, or back pain
• Nausea and dizziness
• Vision problems, including blurred or double vision
• Short-term memory loss
• Light sensitivity
• Ringing in the ears

Do I Qualify for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?

If you are considering pursuing a lawsuit related to Depo-Provera and brain tumors, such as meningioma, certain criteria must be met to strengthen your case:

• Use of Depo-Provera: You or your loved one must have received Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera or a generic form of these birth control shots, at least twice before meningioma or brain tumor diagnosis.
• Diagnosis of Meningioma: A confirmed meningioma diagnosis is required, typically identified through imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan, within one year after using Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera or a generic form of the birth control shot. This diagnosis is crucial as it establishes the medical condition tied to the drug.
• Documented Medical Evidence: You will need to provide detailed medical records, including a history of Depo-Provera usage and the timeline of symptoms leading to the diagnosis. Prescription records and medical documentation are essential to support the claim.

These elements are necessary to build a strong case when pursuing compensation for the potential risks associated with long-term use of Depo-Provera. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help determine eligibility and the next steps in filing a claim.

Key Steps to Take if You Believe Depo-Provera Has Affected Your Health

If you suspect that Depo-Provera has led to the development of a brain tumor, such as a meningioma, there are several crucial steps to follow:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
   If you are experiencing symptoms commonly associated with meningiomas—such as headaches, vision problems, or memory issues—consult a qualified medical professional right away. Even benign brain tumors can become life-threatening if they exert pressure on the brain, so early diagnosis and treatment are critical.
2. Collect Medical Documentation
   Gather comprehensive documentation from your physician regarding your diagnosis, treatment, and Depo-Provera usage. Having a clear timeline and medical records linking your symptoms to the contraceptive injection will help substantiate your case if you pursue compensation for your injuries.
3. Consult a Product Liability Attorney
   Contact an experienced product liability lawyer to explore your legal options. They can evaluate your case, guide you through the process of filing a claim, and help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Taking these steps promptly can help you protect your health and legal rights if you believe Depo-Provera has caused serious side effects like a brain tumor.

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Get a Free Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Medical Device Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and are currently accepting new brain tumor cases in all 50 states.

Again, if you or a loved one was diagnosed with a brain tumor (intracranial meningioma) after receiving a Depo-Provera injection, you should contact a Depo-Provera Lawyer immediately for a free case review. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and our lawyers can help.

References:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/4086-depo-provera-birth-control-shot
2. https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-078078
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560538/
4. https://www.pfizermedicalinformation.com/depo-provera/boxed-warning