Depo-Provera Lawsuit – Meningioma Injury Cases

What is the Depo-Provera lawsuit?

Depo-Provera (brand name for medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a birth control medication that is commonly prescribed in the United States. The medication is given via injection once every 3 months, making it an appealing option for those who struggle to remember a daily pill. However, this contraceptive option has been shown in recent studies to have serious health risks such as intracranial meningioma, a form of brain tumor. 

The Depo-Provera lawsuit against Pfizer and other pharmaceutical manufacturers alleges that physicians and patients were not adequately warned about potential side effects of the medication. The attorneys at O’Connor Law are experienced in dangerous drug and product cases. If you or a loved one has taken Depo-Provera or an authorized generic and has been diagnosed with a meningioma, our Depo-Provera lawyers are here to help.

Why is Depo-Provera used?

The Depo-Provera injection is most commonly used as a contraceptive, but it can also be used as a treatment for conditions like endometriosis, abnormal uterine bleeding, and certain cancers. The injection contains the hormone progestin rather than estrogen, making it an option for those who can not take estrogen-containing birth control pills for blood clotting or other reasons. It works by suppressing ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus to keep sperm from reaching the egg.  

The Depo-Provera shot is an appealing birth control form for those who might forget or be unable to take a daily pill. Since it only needs to be administered once every 3 months, it is a “set it and forget it” option similar to an IUD (intrauterine device) but less invasive. These benefits made the injection a favorable choice for many who met these criteria. However, the Depo-Provera lawsuit has alleged that the risks were not properly communicated to patients and physicians. 

What conditions are caused by Depo-Provera use?

Long term use of Depo-Provera or its generics has been linked to an increased risk of intracranial meningioma by five times. A meningioma is a tumor that grows from the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. 

Symptoms of a meningioma can include:

• Changes in vision, such as seeing double or blurring
• Headaches that are worse in the morning
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Memory loss
• Loss of smell
• Seizures
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Trouble speaking

Meningiomas can be benign or malignant, and the treatment will vary by the type. Benign meningiomas are non-cancerous and not likely to spread throughout the body. Approximately 90% of all meningiomas are benign. However, benign meningiomas can still be harmful and require surgical intervention depending on their location in the skull. If a meningioma grows and presses on certain parts of the brain, it can impact the senses, motor skills, and cause serious effects such as seizures. In these cases, a meningioma may require surgery to completely remove it. 

Malignant meningiomas are cancerous and able to spread throughout the body. These rare tumors require intervention such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments depending on the size and progression of the tumor. The relative five-year survival rate for a malignant meningioma is 63.5 percent, but can vary greatly based on the tumor’s size, location, and spread.

Who can file a claim?

To file a claim, you must have received at least 4 consecutive injections of any of the following:   

• Brand name (Pfizer) Depo‐Provera  
• Brand name (Pfizer) Depo‐SubQ Provera  
• An “authorized generic” version of Depo‐Provera manufactured by Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC, Greenstone LLC, A‐S Medication Solutions, Prasco Laboratories, or Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. 

Diagnosed with meningioma (will consider accepting for investigation descriptions of benign brain tumor) after use of Depo‐Provera or Depo‐SubQ Provera as described above. 

What can I do if I’ve been affected?

If you or a loved one has taken Depo-Provera or an authorized generic (at least four doses) and was diagnosed with a meningioma, contact O’Connor Law today. Call our Depo-Provera attorneys at 1-800-518-4529 or use the chat box here on our website to get started. Your initial consultation is always free.