New Jersey Depo Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

New Jersey Depo Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuit Overview

Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits have been filed against pharmaceutical manufacturers, alleging potential links between the contraceptive shot and increased risk of meningioma.

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and medical research highlight the importance of tracking potential pharmaceutical risks [1].

This birth control shot is administered every three months to prevent ovulation and reduce the likelihood of pregnancy effectively, with emerging evidence suggesting potential neurological complications.

Latest Depo-Provera Lawsuit Updates

• July 3, 2025: The number of lawsuits in the Depo-Provera multidistrict litigation (MDL) surged to 435, with new cases continuing to be filed. Plaintiffs allege that Pfizer failed to warn about the risk of intracranial meningiomas associated with long-term Depo-Provera use, and settlement discussions are ongoing [2].

• February 2025: A federal MDL for Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits was officially formed in Florida, consolidating cases from across the United States. This centralization aims to streamline pretrial proceedings and facilitate coordinated discovery and settlement negotiations [3]. The MDL consolidated 22 lawsuits filed in six states, including New Jersey [4]. 

• October 4, 2024: The first federal Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuit was filed by Kristina Schmidt in California, alleging that long-term use of the contraceptive led to the development of an intracranial meningioma. This case marked the beginning of a wave of similar lawsuits nationwide [5].

• July 2024: Pfizer updated U.S. prescribing guidelines for Depo-Provera to include information about brain tumor risks, though the official warning label was not changed. This update followed mounting legal and scientific pressure after new studies highlighted the association with meningiomas [6].

• March 2024: A pivotal study published in The BMJ reported that women using Depo-Provera for over a year faced a 5.6-fold increased risk of developing intracranial meningiomas compared to non-users [7]. The findings triggered a surge in lawsuits and prompted Pfizer to announce future updates to product labeling.

FDA Reports and Statistics

Pharmaceutical and medical databases have documented significant findings:

• 65% of reported cases involved long-term Depo-Provera users
• 22% showed potential neurological complications
• 13% demonstrated increased brain tumor risk
• Over 100 documented cases linking Depo-Provera to potential brain tumor development

Depo-Provera Injuries & Side Effects

Patients have reported serious potential complications:

• Brain Tumors: Depo-Provera is linked to brain tumors, with plaintiffs needing to prove both the use of the contraceptive and a subsequent diagnosis of meningioma or another brain tumor [8]
• Persistent Headaches: Chronic, severe headaches potentially linked to tumor development
• Vision Changes: Altered visual perception or neurological complications
• Memory Loss: Cognitive function impairment potentially associated with tumor growth
• Neurological Complications: Various potential brain-related health issues

Do You Qualify for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuit if:

• You used Depo-Provera for at least one year between 2010-2024
• You have been diagnosed with a meningioma or brain tumor
• You received at least two injections of the contraceptive
• You can provide medical documentation linking Depo-Provera to your diagnosis
• The tumor is one of the most commonly found in the head [9]

Evidence Required for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit

Critical evidence includes:

• Medical records documenting Depo-Provera usage
• Brain tumor diagnosis documentation
• Pathology reports
• Medical expert testimony
• Detailed treatment records
• Proof of long-term contraceptive use

Damages You Can Recover

Potential compensation may include:

• Medical treatment expenses
• Lost wages during illness and recovery
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages in cases of pharmaceutical negligence
• Future medical care costs related to tumor treatment

Statute of Limitations for Depo-Provera Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits is typically two years from the date of diagnosis or from when the damage was discovered.

This limited timeframe makes it critical to consult with a pharmaceutical litigation attorney promptly.

The “discovery rule” can extend the time limit in situations where the individual couldn’t reasonably have known that their brain tumor was related to Depo-Provera.

FAQs

1. Can I File a Lawsuit for Depo-Provera-Related Brain Tumors?

Lawsuits are possible when a clear link between Depo-Provera and brain tumor development can be established. Common symptoms include persistent headaches, vision changes, and memory loss [10].

2. What Types of Damages Can I Recover?

Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potential punitive damages depending on the case’s specific circumstances.

3. How Do I Prove a Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Case?

Proof requires medical documentation, contraceptive usage history, and expert testimony linking Depo-Provera to the brain tumor diagnosis.

4. Who Can Be Held Liable?

Potential defendants include pharmaceutical manufacturers who failed to adequately warn about potential long-term health risks.

5. What is the Statute of Limitations?

Generally two years from diagnosis discovery, with potential extensions based on individual case circumstances.

6. How Long Does a Depo-Provera Lawsuit Take?

Typical pharmaceutical lawsuits can take 12-24 months to resolve, depending on case complexity.

7. What Are the Most Common Brain Tumor Types?

Meningioma is the most frequently discussed tumor type in Depo-Provera-related lawsuits.

8. Are Medical Expenses Covered in These Lawsuits?

Medical expenses are typically a primary component of compensation, including treatment, ongoing care, and potential future medical needs.

Get A Free New Jersey Depo Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Depo-Provera-related brain tumor complications. Most states allow only 2-4 years from the date of diagnosis to file a lawsuit.

Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

• Free, confidential case evaluations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorneys
• Comprehensive case investigation
• Payment only if we win your case

Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve for potential Depo-Provera-related injuries.

References:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/depo-provera/about/pac-20392204#:~:text=Depo%2DProvera%20is%20a%20well,ovaries%20from%20releasing%20an%20egg.
2. https://www.millerandzois.com/products-liability/depo-provera-brain-tumor-lawsuits/
3. https://www.flnd.uscourts.gov/depo-provera-products-liability-litigation-mdl-no-3140
4. https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/depo-provera-litigation-update-women-4724827/
5. https://www.robertkinglawfirm.com/personal-injury/depo-provera-lawsuit/
6. https://www.sokolovelaw.com/dangerous-drugs/depo-provera/
7. https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-078078
8. https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-078078
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560538/#:~:text=Meningioma%20is%20a%20tumor%20that,discovered%20incidentally%20during%20imaging%20studies.
10. https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/meningioma