Depo-Provera Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Depo-Provera Lawsuit Overview

Depo-Provera lawsuits are being filed against manufacturers due to evidence linking the birth control injection to increased risk of intracranial meningioma, a type of brain tumor.

Primary allegations focus on the failure to warn users about this serious risk. According to recent studies, 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.

The FDA has previously issued a Black Box Warning for Depo-Provera, though it was related to bone mineral density loss rather than brain tumor risk.

Latest Depo-Provera Lawsuit Updates

• June 2025: As of June 1, 2025, the Depo Provera MDL has seen significant growth, with 348 active cases pending, up from 289 the previous month. This marks a 20.4% increase in filings within just one month, a notable surge for litigation still in its early stages [1].
• March 2024 – A 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. The research utilized data from 18,061 women in the French national health system who underwent surgery for meningioma between 2009 and 2018 [2].
• 2004 – The FDA added a Black Box Warning to Depo-Provera’s labeling, highlighting the risk of significant bone mineral density (BMD) loss with prolonged use [3].

FDA Reports and Statistics

While there are no specific FDA adverse event reports focused on Depo-Provera and brain tumors yet, the medication has been under FDA scrutiny for other serious side effects.

In 2004, the FDA required a Black Box Warning for Depo-Provera related to bone mineral density loss, stating:

“Women who use Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection may lose significant bone mineral density. Bone loss is greater with increasing duration of use and may not be completely reversible.”

According to recent research published in the BMJ, women who used Depo-Provera for more than a year were 5.6 times more likely to develop intracranial meningioma.

The study analyzed data from 18,061 women who underwent surgery for meningioma between 2009 and 2018, finding that 92.3% of these meningiomas were benign but still caused significant health complications.

Depo-Provera Injuries & Side Effects

Depo-Provera has been linked to several serious side effects, with brain tumors being the most severe complication prompting legal action.

• Brain Tumors (Intracranial Meningioma): Benign tumors that grow in the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord
• Bone Mineral Density Loss: Potentially irreversible loss of bone density, increasing risk of osteoporosis
• Neurological Issues: Headaches, migraines, vision problems, and memory loss
• Pain Symptoms: Neck, shoulder, and back pain that may be linked to neurological effects

Do You Qualify for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Depo-Provera lawsuit if:

• You received Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera, or a generic form of these birth control shots at least twice
• You were diagnosed with a meningioma (brain tumor) within one year after using the medication
• Your medical condition required treatment or surgery
• You can provide medical documentation linking your diagnosis to Depo-Provera use

Evidence Required for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit

To strengthen your Depo-Provera case, you’ll need comprehensive documentation including:

• Medical records showing Depo-Provera administration dates and frequency
• Diagnostic imaging results (MRI, CT scan) confirming meningioma
• Treatment records for the brain tumor
• Documentation of symptoms and their timeline following Depo-Provera use

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of Depo-Provera-related injuries may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including surgery, medication, and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering related to the brain tumor and treatment
• Punitive damages against the manufacturer in cases of gross negligence

Depo-Provera Recall Information

As of 2025, there has been no official recall of Depo-Provera specifically related to brain tumor risks.

However, Pfizer is collaborating with regulatory authorities to update product labels and patient information regarding the potential risk of intracranial meningioma based on recent research findings.

Statute of Limitations for Depo-Provera Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a Depo-Provera lawsuit varies by state but typically ranges from 1-6 years from the date of injury or discovery of injury.

It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after diagnosis to ensure your legal rights are protected and deadlines are met.

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FAQs

1. What is Depo-Provera and how does it work?

Depo-Provera is an injectable form of contraception containing the hormone progestin [4]. Administered every 12 weeks, it prevents pregnancy by stopping ovaries from releasing eggs and thickening cervical mucus to block sperm. It’s 96% effective when used correctly but doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections.

2. How can Depo-Provera cause brain tumors?

While the exact causal mechanism isn’t fully understood, research shows that more than 60% of intracranial meningiomas express progesterone receptors. This could explain the link between progestogen-containing medications like Depo-Provera and tumor growth, as demonstrated in the BMJ study showing 5.6 times higher risk with prolonged use.

3. What is an intracranial meningioma?

An intracranial meningioma is a tumor that grows in the meninges, the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord [5]. Meningiomas comprise about 30% of all brain tumors and grow slowly, often going undetected for years. They’re classified into three grades by the WHO, with most being benign (Grade 1).

4. What are the symptoms of a meningioma?

Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vision changes, hearing loss, seizures, behavioral changes, memory problems, hyperreflexia, and muscle weakness. Even benign meningiomas can cause serious disability if they affect brain tissue, nerves, or blood vessels.

5. How many times do I need to have used Depo-Provera to qualify for a lawsuit?

To qualify for a Depo-Provera lawsuit, you generally need to have received the injection at least twice before being diagnosed with a meningioma. The diagnosis should typically occur within one year after using the birth control shot.

6. What is the Black Box Warning on Depo-Provera?

The FDA added a Black Box Warning to Depo-Provera in 2004 regarding bone mineral density loss, stating that prolonged use may cause irreversible bone loss. The warning emphasizes that this effect could potentially increase the risk for osteoporotic fractures later in life.

7. Is there a class action lawsuit for Depo-Provera?

As of September 2024, there is no established multidistrict litigation (MDL) specifically for Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits. However, individual lawsuits are being filed, and with the growing number of claims, consolidation into an MDL is possible in the future.

8. What steps should I take if I suspect Depo-Provera caused my health issues?

If you suspect Depo-Provera led to health issues, seek immediate medical attention, collect comprehensive medical documentation linking your symptoms to the injection, and consult an experienced product liability attorney to explore your legal options for compensation.

Get A Free Depo-Provera Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Depo-Provera-related injuries. Depending on your state, the statute of limitations may only allow 1-6 years from the date of injury to file a claim. Don’t risk losing your right to compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or attorney fees
• Payment only if we win your case

References

1. https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/depo-provera-lawsuit.html
2. https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-078078
3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2004/20246s025lbl.pdf
4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/4086-depo-provera-birth-control-shot
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560538/