Depo-Provera Lawsuits for Meningioma Brain and Spine Tumors

Thousands of women nationwide are suffering unintended health effects of a leading drug on the contraception market. Pending lawsuits allege the makers of Depo-Provera knew that the injectable contraceptive increased a patient’s risk of meningioma brain and spine tumors but failed to warn consumers or pull the drug from the market. As new cases arise, they may be consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL), so we urge any past Depo-Provera users to come forward as soon as possible.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with meningioma after using Depo-Provera, contact the medical malpractice attorneys of Wilson Kehoe Winingham. Call (317) 920-6400 or complete our online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

What Is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is an injectable birth control medication developed by Pfizer, Inc. Its active ingredient is medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. Depo-Provera is typically administered as an injection once every three months (about every 12 weeks), making it a long-acting reversible contraceptive method.

One of the main advantages of Depo-Provera is its high effectiveness. When used correctly, it prevents pregnancy over 99% of the time. Because it doesn’t require daily attention, it is convenient for people who may struggle with remembering to take a pill or use other methods of contraception consistently.

What Are Meningiomas?

Meningiomas are tumors growing in the protective membrane around the brain and spinal cord (meninges). These tumors are typically benign (non-cancerous), although in rare cases, they can become malignant. Around 30% of all primary brain tumors are meningiomas, making them the most common type of brain tumor in adults. Meningiomas are also more common in women than men.

Meningiomas often grow slowly, and many people with these tumors may not experience symptoms for years. When symptoms do appear, they may include headaches, seizures, vision problems, memory loss, and neurological deficits such as weakness or numbness in limbs.

Treatment options for meningiomas vary depending on tumor size, location, and symptoms. Small, asymptomatic tumors may be monitored with regular imaging, while larger or symptomatic tumors may require surgical removal. In cases where surgery is not feasible, radiation therapy or stereotactic radiosurgery may be used to control tumor growth.

While most meningiomas can be treated effectively, a small percentage can be aggressive, recurring, or malignant, requiring more intensive management.

What Is the Link Between Depo-Provera and Brain/SpineTumors?

New research has come to light showing a causal connection between Depo-Provera and meningiomas. Three separate studies published in 2024 uncovered similar results:

• A French study published in the British Medical Journal found that women who used Depo-Provera for at least one year had a 5.55-fold increased risk of developing meningiomas.
• Using an insurance database, researchers discovered that oral MPA use was not linked to hospital incidence of meningioma, but injection MPA use increased the likelihood of cerebral meningioma diagnosis by 53%. The study also determined that the association became stronger as the use of injection MPA continued.
• A case report found that stopping progesterone drugs like Depo-Provera can cause meningioma tumors to shrink in size, strengthening the link between the drug and the disease.

What Was the Drugmaker’s Response?

Pfizer has acknowledged the study and plans to update its product labels and patient information for US customers. As of October 14, 2024, Pfizer’s online product guide doesn’t include any information about the increased risks of developing meningiomas. Interestingly, its Canadian packaging clearly warns of the danger of meningiomas when using Depo-Provera, suggesting it has been aware of the risk for some time.

Can I Sue for My Injuries?

Indiana has a statute of limitations that requires a case be filed in a timely fashion. It is important that you act as soon as possible so that you can ensure you comply with your statute of limitations.

What Are My Next Steps?

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with meningioma after long-term use of Depo-Provera, you may be owed compensation for your suffering and medical costs. The team at WKW can work with you to try to get the compensation you deserve. Please call our office at (317) 920-6400 or fill out the form below to get answers to your questions.