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Table Of Contents
What is Medroxyprogesterone?
Medroxyprogesterone injections, available in both intramuscular (administered into the muscle) and subcutaneous (administered under the skin) forms, are commonly used for birth control, according to Medline plus [1.].
The subcutaneous form is also prescribed to manage endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain, irregular periods, and other symptoms.
Medroxyprogesterone belongs to the class of medications known as progestins. It prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation (the release of eggs from the ovaries) and thinning the uterine lining. This dual action helps prevent pregnancy and, in women with endometriosis, reduces the spread of uterine tissue to other parts of the body.
Medroxyprogesterone is available under the following different brand names: DepoProvera, Depo-SubQ Provera 104, MPA, and Provera.
“Medroxyprogesterone injection is a very effective method of birth control but does not prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]) or other sexually transmitted diseases.”
Medroxyprogesterone Brain Tumor Risk
A March 2024 study published in BMJ has linked medroxyprogesterone, commonly used in birth control shots like Depo-Provera, to an increased risk of developing meningioma, a noncancerous brain tumor [2.]. Researchers found that long-term medroxyprogesterone users face a 5.6-fold higher risk of meningioma compared to other contraceptive methods.
While this observational study revealed a significant association between medroxyprogesterone and meningioma, it did not definitively prove that the drug causes brain tumors.
“This recent BMJ study is the first to assess the risk of progestogens, widely used for contraception and other medical purposes. It highlights an association between prolonged use of medrogestone, medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera), and promegestone, with an increased risk of intracranial meningioma requiring surgery,” said Dazhi Liu, an oncology clinical pharmacy specialist.
Following these findings, lawyers began investigating claims from women who used Depo-Provera and later developed meningioma. Although Depo-Provera has been available since the early 1990s, it currently lacks warnings about brain tumor risks. Fortunately, meningiomas are usually non-malignant, and the study found no cases of malignant tumors among medroxyprogesterone users.
However, meningiomas can cause significant health problems by impacting surrounding brain tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. In some cases, the tumors must be surgically removed, which carries risks associated with brain surgery.
Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, acknowledged the study’s findings and stated, “We are aware of this potential risk with long-term progestogen use and are working with regulatory agencies to update product labels and patient information.”
Understanding Meningiomas: Key Information You Should Know
A meningioma is a tumor that develops in the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) [3.]. Meningiomas are the most common type of primary brain tumor, making up approximately 30% of all brain tumors.
Key Facts About Meningiomas
Symptoms
Meningioma symptoms often develop slowly and can be subtle. Common symptoms include persistent headaches, changes in vision, hearing loss, memory difficulties, and seizures.
Causes
The exact cause of meningiomas remains unclear, but several factors can increase the risk. These include childhood exposure to radiation and having a genetic condition known as Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).
Treatment Options
Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the tumor and may also include radiation therapy, depending on the tumor’s size, location, and type.
Benign vs. Malignant Meningiomas
Most meningiomas are benign (noncancerous), but some can be atypical or malignant, posing a greater risk to health.
Survival Rates
The prognosis for meningioma patients is generally positive, with over 80% of individuals surviving more than 5 years after diagnosis, and approximately 70% surviving beyond 15 years.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a meningioma, doctors will conduct a neurological examination followed by brain imaging tests such as an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
Medroxyprogesterone Lawsuit Allegations
Legal actions have been filed against Pfizer, Inc., a leading pharmaceutical company behind the production of medroxyprogesterone brand name Depo-Provera, alleging that the company was aware or should have been aware of the heightened risk of meningiomas, particularly with extended use. Meningiomas can lead to severe health issues, including permanent disabilities, life-threatening conditions, and lasting impairments.
The lawsuits claim that Pfizer failed to adequately inform healthcare providers and patients about these risks and hurried the drug to market without conducting sufficient long-term safety studies. The company is accused of downplaying or ignoring reports of adverse events. Despite mounting evidence, Pfizer allegedly did not update the drug’s label with necessary warnings, prioritizing profit and market dominance over patient safety.
Patients who have developed serious health problems, such as neurological damage, may be eligible for compensation to cover the costs of extensive medical treatments, long-term care, emotional suffering, and decreased quality of life. Individuals who used Medroxyprogesterone and developed brain tumors are urged to consult legal professionals to explore filing a claim. Given the drug’s widespread use, the possibility of consolidating cases in federal court remains strong.
Do You Qualify for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
If you received Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera, or a generic version of these contraceptive shots and were later diagnosed with meningioma, you may be eligible to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit.
To qualify for a lawsuit with our legal partners, certain criteria must be met, such as the duration and frequency of Depo-Provera use and receiving a specific diagnosis related to your injury.
While these are general guidelines, it’s essential to consult with a Depo-Provera attorney for a free case evaluation to determine your eligibility based on your specific situation.
Criteria for Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuits:
- Products: Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera, or the generic version (medroxyprogesterone acetate)
- Usage Frequency: At least two injections
- Time Frame: Use of the product any time after 1992
- Diagnosis: Meningioma diagnosis following the use of Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera, or medroxyprogesterone acetate
It’s important to note that every state has a statute of limitations, meaning there is a time limit to file a claim. Your eligibility may depend on the state you reside in, so it’s crucial to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible to protect your right to file a claim.
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Get a Free Medroxyprogesterone 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 Medroxyprogesterone 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 Medroxyprogesterone injection, you should contact a Medroxyprogesterone 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://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604039.html#why
2. https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-078078.long
3. https://www.cancer.gov/rare-brain-spine-tumor/tumors/meningioma#:~:text=What%20Causes%20Atypical%20and%20Anaplastic,are%20also%20at%20increased%20risk
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