Depo Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuits

Depo Provera is a contraceptive injection for women, commonly known as the “birth control shot,” that has been in use for many years. Recent scientific research has revealed a potential link between Depo-Provera use and the development of brain tumors.

Women who have used Depo Provera and later been diagnosed with a brain tumor may be eligible to file product liability lawsuits and seek financial compensation from the drug’s manufacturer, Pfizer. This new evidence is anticipated to result in a surge of Depo-Provera-related lawsuits nationwide.

Our firm is currently accepting cases from individuals who used Depo Provera at least twice and were subsequently diagnosed with a brain tumor. If you meet these conditions, reach out to our Depo-Provera attorneys today at 800-553-8082 or contact us online.

This page will provide the latest developments in the Depo Provera lawsuits, as well as our prediction on the potential settlement value of these cases.

Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuit News and Updates

October 30, 2024:  Generic Depo Provera Lawsuits

Many women assumed that they were getting Depo Provera when they were getting the generic version. Depo-Provera was distributed as an “authorized generic” under various names. But it makes no difference—they have the same chemical composition as the brand-name version.

Generic drug manufacture cases are often tougher because the duty to warn for a generic is very different.  But, in this case, Pfizer owned most of the generic Depo Provera sold in the United States.

October 28, 2024: Failure to Warn

We talked yesterday about how there is a strong Depo Provera design defect claim.  There is. But the core of this litigation is the failure to warn. The FDA’s “Changes Being Effected” (CBE) regulation allows drug companies to update their labels without pre-approval if new safety information emerges.

Plaintiffs argue that the substantial body of research linking Depo Provera to meningioma qualifies as “newly acquired information,” yet Pfizer did not utilize the CBE process.  The argument is that Pfizer could have, and should have, warned U.S. patients sooner.

October 27, 2024: A Safer Version of Depo Provera Was Available

Could Depo Provera have been made more safely?  Yes.  The crazy thing is that Pfizer is the one who made a safer product.  There is Depo-SubQ Provera 104, a lower-dose alternative. Depo-SubQ Provera 104 is a subcutaneous injection with a lower progestin dose, yet equally effective for birth control and treatment.

This fact will make for a much stronger defective design claim.

October 25, 2024: The Power of the Roland Study

What is generating the energy in the Depo Provera litigation is the Roland study. There was plenty of information out there before this study came out.  But the Roland study is a large study shows a truly staggering 555% increased risk of intracranial meningioma among long-term Depo Provera users.  This was the tippling point.

This is why you are seeing so many lawyer advertisements in recent weeks.  Depo Provera lawyers are excited about these lawsuits and the settlement amounts victims may see.

October 24, 2024:  The Science of How the Depo Provera Shot Causes Meningioma

In 2015, a literature review led by Giulia Cossu and colleagues, published in BioMed Research International, examined existing studies on mifepristone, an antiprogesterone agent, and its impact on meningioma.

The review found that mifepristone exhibited a “regressive effect” on meningiomas, suggesting it could halt or reverse tumor growth. By blocking progesterone receptors on meningioma cells, mifepristone prevents progesterone from binding, which may contribute to tumor regression. The analysis incorporated over three decades of research, including influential studies by Blankenstein and others, concluding that mifepristone could be a promising option for managing certain meningiomas due to its receptor-blocking mechanism​

​What is the point of how mifepristone impacts meningioma in the Depo Provera brain tumor lawsuits? Because it highlights the link between progesterone and meningioma growth, the central issue in these cases. Depo Provera is said to increase the risk of meningioma because the high dose of progestin in Depo Provera contributes to meningioma formation by binding to progesterone receptors on cells in the meninges, the brain’s protective membranes, promoting tumor growth.

This mifepristone study supports this theory by showing that blocking progesterone receptors can have a “regressive effect” on meningiomas, reducing or reversing tumor growth​. So the connection strengthens the plaintiffs’ argument that progestin-based drugs like Depo-Provera can stimulate meningioma development, as they rely on progesterone binding to fuel growth. The study’s findings thus underscore the argument that Depo-Provera’s design, particularly its high dose of progestin, may have contributed to the risk of meningiomas in users.

October 22, 2024: Depo Provera Class Action Lawsuit

Yesterday, we talked about the likelihood of an MDL class action lawsuit for Depo Provera.  What would that look like for victims?

First, a Depo Provera class action lawsuit will not really be a class action in the technical sense of the term.  In a class action lawsuit, one or a few plaintiffs represent the entire group, and if successful, any settlement or judgment is distributed among all class members according to a predefined formula.

This will be an MDL.  This “sort of” class action consolidates multiple individual lawsuits with common claims into a single court for pretrial proceedings and, mostly likely, a few trials.  But unlike class actions, each plaintiff in an MDL retains their own individual lawsuit and settlement. The cases can return to their original courts for trial if they do not settle during the MDL process. This allows for more individualized attention to each plaintiff’s specific injuries, leading to varied settlement amounts depending on the severity of their claims.

MDLs are always the choice in complex product liability lawsuits with varying injuries like Depo-Provera because they streamline the legal process without sacrificing the individual nature of each lawsuit. While class actions treat all plaintiffs collectively, MDLs offer more flexibility by allowing each plaintiff to negotiate a separate settlement based on their unique circumstances.

October 21, 2024: Five New Depo Provera Lawsuits Filed

Depo Provera brain tumor lawsuits are starting to get filed in increasing volume in federal courts across the country. Since the start of October, four new Depo Provera lawsuits have been filed in three different U.S. District Courts. Two new cases were filed in the Northern District of California. The other two cases were filed in the Southern District of Texas and the Southern District of Indiana. This type of new case volume should quickly lead to the creation of a new MDL.

October 14, 2024: Different Warnings in Europe

One glaring issue in this litigation is the disparity between the product’s warnings in Canada and Europe and the United States—a difference that plaintiffs’ lawyers will undoubtedly hammer Pfizer with at trial.

In Europe, Depo-Provera includes a clear and explicit warning about the potential increased risk of brain tumors, specifically meningiomas. European regulators recognized the importance of alerting patients and healthcare providers to this danger, mandating these warnings to ensure informed medical decision-making.

By contrast, in the United States, Pfizer has not provided the same level of transparency. The U.S. version of Depo-Provera does not come clean on the risk of brain tumors, leaving doctors and patients unaware of a significant hazard. If you’re a plaintiffs’ lawyer, you can’t wait to get your hands on Pfizer’s internal documents about this decision. Say what you will about Pfizer, but they have some very smart people there who must have spotted this issue. (Whether they copied a lawyer on their concerns and will try to claim the document is privileged is another matter.)

Scientific data does not change between continents—what is a risk in Europe is no less dangerous in the United States. This disparity raises serious questions about Pfizer’s intent, suggesting the company prioritized its commercial interests in the U.S. market over patient safety.

The argument almost writes itself: if Pfizer could warn European patients, why not American patients? The absence of adequate warnings in the U.S. not only deprived patients of critical information—it violated their right to informed consent.

This is exactly the kind of issue a jury could sink its teeth into for punitive damages as well.

October 2, 2024 – What Lawyers Are Saying About Settlement Compensation for Grade 1 Injuries

Right now, most of the calls our lawyers are getting about Depo Provera cases involve more serious tumors that have required or will require surgery and additional treatment.

But as the litigation progresses, our attorneys expect to get a greater percentage of calls from people who have been diagnosed with meningioma and have been told to do nothing but “wait and see.”

Lawyers have different opinions on these cases.  Some are not taking them.  Some will hold them and see how these cases shake out. But there are also attorneys who think they will be strong claims.

Put us is the latter camp. While Grade 1 meningiomas are generally classified as benign and slow-growing, the term “brain tumor” immediately raises red flags for anyone. That will impact juries and impact settlement amounts.  The idea of having a brain tumor is, to put it mildly, alarming. Juries are likely to consider the gravity of a brain tumor diagnosis when determining compensation, even if the medical prognosis is relatively favorable and this will inform settlement payouts in these lawsuits.

September 12, 2024 – Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuits Gain Momentum

Lawsuits related to Depo-Provera and meningioma brain tumors have gained widespread attention from mass tort attorneys nationwide. FDA data suggests that the pool of potential plaintiffs could be substantial, given the number of women who have used the Depo-Provera birth control shot.

August 1, 2024 – Study on Value of Menigioma Lawsuits

In 2020, a study was actually done on the outcomes of nearly 50 medical malpractice lawsuits involving failure to diagnose meningiomas (the same type of brain tumors that have now been linked to Depo Provera). This study found that the average settlement payout in these cases was just over $850,000 and the average verdict in those cases that went to trial was $3.4 million. This means that the settlement value of the Depo Provera cases involving meninigomas could be very high.

July 22, 2024 – Pfizer Changes Prescribing Information

Amid growing concerns about a potential link between Depo-Provera, a widely used contraceptive, and the development of meningioma brain tumors, Pfizer has made significant updates to the drug’s prescribing information. These updates reflect new evidence that has emerged from recent studies, which suggest an increased risk of meningioma in patients who have used Depo-Provera over an extended period.

Despite these new findings and the changes to the prescribing guidelines, Pfizer has not yet made any alterations to the official warning label on the product. This omission has raised questions among medical professionals and patients about the transparency of the potential risks. While the updated guidelines offer healthcare providers more detailed information on prescribing practices, many believe that a more prominent warning about the risk of meningioma should be included to better inform patients of the possible long-term side effects of Depo-Provera.

April 21, 2024 – Pfizer Finally Issues Statement on New Study

Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, released a statement in response to the recent BMJ study that suggests a connection between the birth control shot and meningioma brain tumors. In their statement, Pfizer acknowledged the potential risks, specifically the increased risk of meningiomas due to “long-term progestogen use.” They also indicated plans to collaborate with regulatory agencies to make necessary updates to product labels and patient information leaflets, ensuring that both patients and healthcare providers are aware of these risks.

Pfizer expressed their commitment to patient safety, stating they would “work with regulatory agencies to update product labels and patient information leaflets” to reflect these findings. The company noted that while meningiomas are rare, the risk could be heightened for individuals who have used progestogen-based birth control for extended periods.

This recognition of potential risk from Pfizer could impact the course of litigation, including any future Depo-Provera class action lawsuits or mass tort claims related to meningioma diagnoses.

March 29, 2024 – Study Links Depo-Provera to Brain Tumors

A study published in the British Medical Journal – discussed more fully below – revealed that extended use of Depo-Provera significantly increases the risk of developing meningioma brain tumors. The research showed that women using Depo-Provera were over five times more likely to be diagnosed with meningiomas compared to those who had never used the shot.

Depo Provera – the “Birth Control Shot”

Depo-Provera, formally known as medroxyprogesterone acetate, is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone and a widely used injectable contraceptive. Developed in the 1960s and approved by the FDA over thirty years ago in 1992, it offers a long-acting birth control method, requiring an injection every three months. This method of contraception has been utilized by millions of women worldwide due to its efficacy and convenience.

The convenience offered by Depo-Provera, requiring just one injection every three months, is attractive to a lot of women. This dosing schedule is particularly advantageous for those who may find daily contraceptive methods challenging to maintain. Its proven effectiveness as a contraceptive method adds to its reliability, making it a trusted choice for women across various regions. In areas where access to daily oral contraceptives is limited or non-existent, Depo-Provera provides an effective alternative, ensuring wider accessibility and helping to meet the family planning needs of a global population.

The contraceptive effectiveness of Depo-Provera is achieved through several mechanisms. Firstly, it suppresses ovulation by maintaining steady hormone levels, preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs. Additionally, it thickens the cervical mucus, creating a robust barrier that sperm cannot easily penetrate, greatly reducing the chances of fertilization. It also modifies the lining of the uterus, making it thinner and less receptive to any fertilized eggs, thereby decreasing the likelihood of implantation.

Common Side Effects of Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera, like all drugs, comes with a range of potential side effects. Some are common and mild, while others may be more serious, especially with long-term use.

1. Changes in Menstrual Cycle

• Irregular bleeding: One of the most common side effects, especially during the first 6 to 12 months of use, is irregular menstrual bleeding. Some women experience spotting, heavy bleeding, or extended periods.
• Amenorrhea: Over time, many women stop having periods altogether, which can be a relief for some but very off-putting for others who worry about getting pregnant in the future.

2. Weight Gain

• Weight gain is a frequently reported side effect. Studies suggest that women may gain 5-10 pounds in the first year of use, with continued weight gain over subsequent years. Why does this happen? Doctors think this is probably due to an increase in appetite and possible changes in metabolism.

3. Mood Changes and Depression

• Some women report mood swings, irritability, and, in rare cases, depression after starting Depo-Provera. If a woman has a history of depression, her healthcare provider may monitor her more closely for mood-related side effects.

4. Headaches

• Headaches and migraines can occur or worsen in some women using Depo-Provera,. These are usually not side-splitting headings for most women.

5. Decreased Libido

• Some users report a reduction in sexual desire, though this varies widely among individuals.

6. Delayed Return to Fertility

• After stopping Depo-Provera, there can be a delay in the return of normal fertility. For some women, it may take up to 10 months or more for ovulation to return and menstruation to normalize.

Bone Density Issues with Depo-Provera

One of the most serious long-term concerns associated with Depo-Provera is its effect on bone mineral density (BMD) and it has been the subject of some litigation, especially in Canada where there is a class action lawsuit. This side effect is especially concerning for younger women, who are in their peak years of bone development. But it is also a worry with older women, especially those at particular risk for osteoporosis.

Why does Depo-Provera cause bone loss?  Again, the drug suppresses estrogen production, which is essential for maintaining bone health by slowing bone breakdown and promoting bone regeneration. With lower estrogen levels, women using Depo-Provera experience increased bone loss, particularly in the spine and hips, areas that are most susceptible to fractures.

Research shows that women who use Depo-Provera for two years or more can experience significant reductions in bone mineral density, with the greatest impact on adolescents and young adults. Since these women have not yet reached their peak bone mass, long-term use of Depo-Provera during these crucial years may prevent them from ever achieving maximum bone density, leading to a higher risk of osteoporosis later in life.

Although some recovery of bone density may occur after stopping Depo-Provera, this recovery is often partial and may take several years. The FDA has issued a “black box warning” for Depo-Provera, cautioning that prolonged use can lead to irreversible bone loss.

To mitigate this risk, it is generally recommended that women avoid using Depo-Provera for more than two years unless other contraceptive options are not suitable. Women who use Depo-Provera long-term are advised to ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, engage in weight-bearing exercise, and undergo regular bone density tests to monitor for signs of bone loss. Women with a family history of osteoporosis or poor nutritional habits may be particularly vulnerable to these effects and should consider alternative contraceptive methods to preserve their bone health.

Research Shows the Depo-Provera Causes Brain Tumors

Now let’s turn to the focus of this new Depo-Provera litigation, the question of whether Depo-Provera causes brain tumors. In 2024, a major scientific study revealed a strong connection between the use of Depo-Provera and the development of a specific type of brain tumor known as meningioma. The study was published in the highly respected British Medical Journal.

The research involved a focus group of over 100,000 women in France between 2009 and 2018. It found that women who used the Depo-Provera birth control shot for an extended period were 5.6 times more likely to develop a meningioma brain tumor.

In the world of statistics, odds ratios, and medical studies, data showing that a drug makes something 5.6 times more likely is overwhelming proof of causation. Studies showing that a disease is 2 or 3 times more likely are considered conclusive evidence and have been the basis of billion dollar product liability settlements in the past.

Meningioma

A meningioma is a tumor that develops from the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While not classified technically as a brain tumor, a meningioma can press on nearby brain tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. It is the most common type of tumor found in the head and it is commonly referred to as a “brain tumor.”

Most meningiomas grow very slowly and may take years to cause noticeable symptoms. However, in some cases, their pressure on nearby brain structures can lead to significant health issues.

Meningiomas are more common in women and are often diagnosed later in life, although they can occur at any age. Due to their slow growth, many meningiomas do not require immediate treatment and can be monitored over time with regular checkups.

Meningiomas are grouped into three separate categories or grades based on certain characteristics. Grade I and Grade II meningiomas are non-cancerous, with Grade II growing faster and being more resistant to treatment. Grade III meningiomas are malignant (cancerous) and very dangerous.

Since most meningiomas are benign (noncancerous), surgery is the most common treatment option. Complete removal of the tumor is preferred to minimize the risk of it returning.

In some cases, radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumor. It is also an option for targeting small remnants of the tumor left after surgery or for patients who are not well enough to undergo surgery.

Depo Provera Lawsuit Timeline

Here are they key events that led us to where were are today.

October 2024

• Depo Provera lawsuits intensify as patients allege Pfizer failed to warn them about the risk of intracranial meningiomas, with plaintiffs pointing to Pfizer’s refusal to update the U.S. warning label. Lawyers argue that Pfizer’s delayed response exposed thousands of women to preventable brain injuries.

July 2024

• Pfizer updates the prescribing guidelines for Depo-Provera in the U.S. to include information on brain tumor risks, but notably does not update the official warning label, leaving physicians and patients unaware of the full danger.

March 2024

• A major French study published in the British Medical Journal concludes that women who use Depo-Provera for more than a year have 5.6 times the risk of developing intracranial meningiomas. The study triggers label updates in the European Union but no immediate changes in the U.S.

2017

• Kalamarides et al. publish research showing that discontinuing progestin-based medications, including Depo-Provera, can lead to tumor shrinkage. This further links progesterone-based contraceptives to meningiomas and raises concerns about long-term use.

2015

• Cossu et al. conduct a retrospective review showing that mifepristone—an anti-progesterone agent—can halt or reverse meningioma growth. The study highlights the connection between progesterone (used in Depo-Provera) and meningioma development.

2011

• Gil et al. publish a study in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, finding that users of high doses of progestin-based medications like Depo-Provera are at an elevated risk of developing meningiomas. This raises early concerns about long-term contraceptive use.

2004

• Depo-SubQ Provera 104 receives FDA approval, providing a lower-dose version of the original formulation. Although marketed as safer and more convenient, studies on its long-term neurological safety are limited.

1992

• The FDA approves Depo-Provera as an injectable contraceptive in the U.S. after decades of failed applications and opposition due to animal studies linking the drug to cancer risks.

1989

• Another Blankenstein study in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry showing that meningioma cells grow more rapidly when exposed to progesterone and shrink when treated with anti-progesterone agents. This suggests a link between progesterone-based therapies and meningiomas.

1983

• Another study by Blankenstein et al. reveals a high concentration of progesterone receptors in meningioma cells, indicating that progesterone-based drugs like Depo-Provera could stimulate tumor growth.

1978

• The FDA denies Upjohn’s second application to approve Depo-Provera as a contraceptive, citing concerns about…cancers observed in animal studies.

1969

• Depo-Provera launches internationally in 90 countries as a contraceptive, despite the FDA’s concerns. It becomes especially popular in lower-income and marginalized communities.

1967

• The FDA rejects Upjohn’s first attempt to get Depo-Provera approved for contraception due to findings of cancerous tumors in animal trials.

1963

• Clinical trials begin to evaluate Depo-Provera’s effectiveness as a contraceptive, with early signs of success despite unresolved safety concerns.

1960

• Depo-Provera is introduced as an injectable treatment for endometrial and renal cancer. Early usage demonstrates that it suppresses ovulation but also raises safety red flags.

1959

• Provera, the oral version of medroxyprogesterone acetate, is launched by Upjohn to treat irregular menstruation and recurrent miscarriage, laying the foundation for Depo-Provera’s development.

Birth Control Shot Lawsuits

Pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer have a legal duty to ensure their products are safe and to provide clear warnings about potential risks. If a manufacturer fails to fulfill this obligation, they can be held responsible for any harm caused by their product.

The connection between Depo-Provera and meningiomas was never included as a potential risk or side effect on its warning label. As a result, Pfizer may be held liable for failing to adequately warn users of this risk.

Who Qualifies to File a Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuit?

Individuals eligible to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit include women who received at least two injections of the Depo-Provera birth control shot and were later diagnosed with a meningioma or another type of brain tumor. These are the minimum eligibility requirements set by our firm.

Those who used Depo-Provera for longer periods are likely to have stronger claims compared to those who received only a few injections.

Proving a Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Claim

To succeed in a Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuit, individuals will need to prove two key points: (1) they used the Depo-Provera birth control shot, and (2) they were diagnosed with a meningioma or another type of brain tumor.

Depo-Provera use can be verified through medical records from the prescribing doctor or through insurance billing records. Similarly, medical records can be used to confirm a diagnosis of meningioma.

Is There a Depo Provera Class Action Lawsuit?

As of October 2024, there is not a class action or MDL (multi-district litigation) for the Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits. The research linking Depo-Provera to brain tumors was just recently published, however, and it is expected that a growing number of women will file lawsuits over the next few years.

If a significant volume of these cases get filed in federal courts, we will most likely see the Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits consolidated into a class action MDL at some point next year.

What Are Potential Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuit Settlement Amounts?

First, let’s note that it is important to take any early settlement estimates with a grain of salt, similar to trying to predict the path of a hurricane far in advance. While we can make educated guesses based on past lawsuits with similar injuries, the final outcomes will depend on how the evidence holds up in court and various other unpredictable factors. That said, if the connection between Depo-Provera and meningioma brain tumors can established convincingly to a jury, settlement payouts s could range from $100,000 to $2 million or more.  Why such a broad range of possible compensation?  

This wide range is largely due to the varying severity of meningiomas. The difference between a Grade I (non-cancerous) meningioma and a malignant Grade III meningioma is significant. A Grade III meningioma is potentially life-threatening and far more serious. Those cases could fetch over $1 million because the potential jury payouts could be in the tens of millions.

Treating a symptomatic intracranial meningioma usually requires highly invasive brain surgery, specifically a craniotomy, where a portion of the skull is removed to access the brain and meninges.  Juries will see how awful this is that will translate to Depo Provera settlement amounts when the times comes.  There are also risks that involve real pain and suffering even when they do not come to pass.

These are serious surgeries, too. Due to the tumor’s sensitive location, complete removal is often risky and technically challenging, and additional treatments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be necessary.

Grade I meningiomas are generally less harmful and rarely life-threatening. But, they may see significant settlements. Because no woman wants to live with the fear of a brain tumor that could get worse, Grade II cases would fall somewhere around the average between the two.

Here’s how potential settlement amounts could break down:

• Grade I meningiomas: These non-cancerous tumors, while less aggressive, still pose health risks and emotional distress. Settlement amounts for Grade I cases might range between $100,000 and $200,000, depending on the specific impact on the plaintiff’s life.
• Grade II meningiomas: These tumors are more serious and come with a higher risk of complications. For plaintiffs with Grade II meningiomas, settlements could range from $200,000 to $800,000.  There is a wide range of severity in these Grade II cases.
• Grade III meningiomas: The most severe cases involve malignant, life-threatening tumors. Settlements for Grade III cases could exceed $1 million, and in some instances, may reach $2 million or more, especially where the victim has died or their quality of life has been significantly impacted

These estimates are early projections and may change as more information becomes available during litigation. Just like predicting any uncertain event, actual settlement amounts could vary significantly. We will continue to update these compensation payouts predictions in this space as the litigation unfolds.

Contact Our Depo Provera Lawyers

If you used Depo-Provera and were later diagnosed with a meningioma or another type of brain tumor, reach out to our national product liability attorneys today at 800-553-8082 or connect with us online.