Depo-SubQ Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuit Attorney (2024 Update)

What is Depo-SubQ Provera?

Depo-SubQ Provera is a contraceptive injection containing the hormone progestin, administered every 12 to 14 weeks, according to Pfizer [1].

It works by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg and by altering the cervical mucus to block sperm from reaching the egg, thereby preventing pregnancy. Additionally, Depo-SubQ Provera can be used to help alleviate pain related to endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, causing discomfort.

Limitations on Long-Term Use
Use of depo-subQ provera 104 is not recommended as a long-term (i.e., longer than 2 years) birth control method or medical therapy for endometriosis-associated pain unless other options are considered inadequate.

Prolonged use may result in bone density loss, and other health risks, making it essential to consult with a healthcare provider to evaluate long-term options if needed.

It’s important to regularly review contraceptive methods with your doctor, especially if using Depo-SubQ Provera for an extended period, to minimize any potential health risks and ensure its continued effectiveness.

What’s the Difference Between Depo-Provera and Depo-SubQ Provera?

Both Depo-Provera and Depo-SubQ Provera are contraceptive injections that offer similar benefits, including pregnancy prevention and hormone regulation, but they differ in their administration methods and dosage. The main distinction lies in how and where they are injected:

• Depo-Provera is injected deep into the muscle, typically in the buttocks or deltoid.
• Depo-SubQ Provera is injected just beneath the skin, usually in the thigh or abdomen, and uses a smaller needle.

Key Differences at a Glance:

• Needle Size: Depo-Provera uses a larger needle, while Depo-SubQ Provera uses a smaller needle.
• Progestin Dose: Depo-Provera delivers 150 mg of progestin, while Depo-SubQ Provera delivers 104 mg, making it a lower dose option.
• Injection Frequency: Depo-Provera is administered every 12–13 weeks, while Depo-SubQ Provera is given every 12–14 weeks.
• Administration: Depo-Provera is typically administered by a medical professional, while Depo-SubQ Provera can be self-administered at home using a pre-filled syringe.

Additional Benefits of Depo-SubQ Provera
Depo-SubQ Provera is also used “off-label” for managing pain related to endometriosis, pelvic pain, menstrual cramps, painful intercourse, and endometrial tissue thickening.

Both options are considered safe and effective forms of long-term contraception, but patients should consult with their healthcare provider to determine which option best suits their needs, especially if considering treatment for conditions like endometriosis.

Increased Risk of Brain Tumors from Depo-Provera Use

A report published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that using Depo-Provera for more than one year may increase the risk of developing intracranial meningioma—a type of benign brain tumor—by 5.6 times [2]. This potential risk becomes particularly concerning for long-term users of the contraceptive injection.

Similarly, other hormone therapy drugs, including medrogestone and promegestone, were also linked to an elevated risk of meningiomas. These tumors form in the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord, and while benign, they can still cause significant health issues if they press on vital brain structures.

Given the seriousness of the potential link between Depo-Provera and brain tumors, patients should be made fully aware of all possible risks. If it is found that Pfizer, the manufacturer, did not adequately warn users about these dangers, there may be grounds for legal action.

It’s critical for individuals taking Depo-Provera to understand the possible long-term side effects and make informed decisions about their health.

In countries for which the use of medroxyprogesterone acetate for birth control is frequent [74 million users worldwide], the number of attributable meningiomas may be potentially high,” the BMJ study’s authors concluded, We are aware of this potential risk associated with long-term use of progestogens and, in collaboration with regulatory agencies, are in the process of updating product labels and patient information leaflets with appropriate wording,” Pfizer said in response to the study’s findings

Understanding Intracranial Meningiomas

According to Johns Hopkins Medical, an intracranial meningioma is a type of benign brain tumor that develops from the meninges, the protective layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord [3]. Meningiomas are the most common form of primary brain tumors, accounting for approximately 30% of all brain tumor cases.

These tumors typically grow slowly from the arachnoid layer, which is the middle layer of the meninges. They may also attach to the dura mater, the outermost layer of the meninges, or form in the cerebral ventricles. Meningiomas can remain undetected for long periods due to their slow growth and are often discovered incidentally during routine MRI scans.

While benign, they can still cause significant issues if they grow large enough to press on nearby brain structures, leading to symptoms such as headaches, vision problems, or neurological deficits.

Intracranial Meningioma Symptoms

• 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
• Overactive or overresponsive reflexes (hyperreflexia)
• Muscle weakness in certain areas of your body
• Paralysis in certain areas of your body

The incidence of meningiomas increases with age and affects women more than men. Ionizing radiation and head trauma are the most promising risk factors.

Other Depo-SubQ Provera Side Effects

In addition to potentially causing brain tumors (intracranial meningioma), the use of Depo-SubQ Provera can increase the risk for a variety of other side effects. Some women report experiencing issues like breakthrough bleeding and weight gain while using the shot. Additionally, long-term use may result in decreased bone mineral density, potentially increasing the risk of osteoporosis over time.

More serious side effects have also been reported by some users. These include vision problems, memory loss, and in rare cases, the progestin hormone in Depo-Provera has been linked to certain neurological issues. These side effects may pose significant health risks, making it important for users to be aware and consult a healthcare professional if any concerning symptoms arise.

If you believe you have suffered serious side effects from using Depo-Provera or Depo-SubQ Provera, it’s essential to seek medical advice promptly. Additionally, the law offices of Schmidt & Clark, LLP, offer free case evaluations to help individuals understand their legal rights and options regarding potential claims related to adverse effects of the contraceptive.

Being proactive about monitoring your health and consulting with your doctor can help address any potential risks associated with Depo-Provera.

Depo-Provera Timeline of Key Events and Studies

• August 2024: Lawsuits related to Depo-Provera continue to be filed across the United States. Individuals who believe they have been affected are encouraged to contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP, for a free case review to explore potential claims and compensation.
• March 2024: A study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) revealed that using an injectable form of medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) for over a year may increase the risk of developing meningioma, a type of brain tumor. This finding raised concerns among long-term users of the contraceptive.
• May 2008: The Superior Court of Quebec certified a class action lawsuit against Pfizer on behalf of a national class. This lawsuit was centered around the risks associated with Depo-Provera, particularly the long-term health complications [4].
• November 2004: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated that a black box warning be added to the Depo-Provera label. This warning highlights the potential for significant and potentially irreversible bone density loss with prolonged use of the contraceptive [5].

These events underscore the importance of understanding the risks associated with long-term use of Depo-Provera and the legal options available for affected individuals.

Criteria to Qualify for a Depo-SubQ Provera Lawsuit

To qualify for a Depo-Provera lawsuit with Schmidt & Clark, LLP, several specific criteria must be met:

• Duration of Use: 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.
• Recent Use: To strengthen your claim, you need to have used Depo-Provera or its generic at least once within the 12 months before your diagnosis. This helps establish a timely link between the medication and the onset of symptoms.
• Diagnosis: 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.
• Administration Details: 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.

If you meet these criteria, contacting an experienced attorney can help you evaluate your options and pursue compensation for any adverse health effects associated with Depo-Provera.

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

The Dangerous Drugs Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Depo-SubQ 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-SubQ Provera injection, you should contact a Depo-SubQ 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://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=549
2. https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-078078
3. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/meningioma
4. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/settlement-agreement
5. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2014/06/depot-medroxyprogesterone