Depo-Provera lawsuits allege that the injectable birth control product is defective because it can cause brain and spinal tumors. If you have used Depo-Provera and developed brain or spinal tumors (termed “meningioma”), you may have a legal claim for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, among other damages. Our firm does not charge any fees unless you obtain a settlement or award. Contact us 24/7 for a free case evaluation by calling 1-800-992-6878 or by filling out an online contact form. But don’t wait! There are deadlines that may prevent you from filing a lawsuit if you wait too long.
What is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a form of birth control that is injected into a person every three (3) months. The drug was manufactured by Pfizer, Inc.
Why Are Depo-Provera Lawsuits Being Filed?
Many Depo-Provera lawsuits have already been filed. The main legal grounds for these lawsuits include:
- Failure to Warn Consumers
Depo-Provera lawsuits assert that Pfizer did not adequately warn consumers of the drug’s long-term risks. Drug manufacturers have a legal duty to inform customers of a product’s known risks. Although medical studies noted a connection between Depo-Provera and the risk of adverse health effects, the drug’s warning label did not state this danger.
- Products Liability
Lawsuits regarding Depo-Provera also argue that Pfizer should be held responsible for selling an unreasonably dangerous product, regardless of Pfizer’s intent or negligence. According to the law, drug manufacturers must guarantee that their products are reasonably safe for consumer use. The lawsuits state that the association between the drug’s use and the development of tumors made Depo-Provera inherently dangerous.
- Negligence
Plaintiffs in the Depo-Provera lawsuits also claim that Pfizer negligently sold the drug by failing to research and test the long-term effects of Depo-Provera on consumers. The lawsuits assert that Pfizer’s negligence in research and testing caused Depo-Provera’s users to develop tumors.
What Do We Know About the Depo-Provera Lawsuits?
Since October 2024, various plaintiffs have filed Depo-Provera lawsuits in several U.S. federal courts, including California, Indiana, Nevada, and Texas. The drug’s manufacturers, medical groups, insurance companies, and pharmacies are among the named defendants.
Legal experts believe that there will be many more Depo-Provera lawsuits filed in the coming months because of its widespread use. Due to the substantial number of estimated lawsuits, legal scholars predict that the cases will be consolidated into Multidistrict Litigation (MDL). An MDL is a procedure that allows a large pool of similar lawsuits to proceed more efficiently.
We will know more about the Depo-Provera lawsuits and the possibility of settlements in the next few months.
What Injuries Have Been Reported from Depo-Provera Use?
Users of Depo-Provera have reported various injuries, including:
- Brain or spine tumors (called meningiomas)
- Breast cancer
- Bone loss or weakening (known as osteoporosis)
- Blood clots and strokes
What is Meningioma?
The National Cancer Institute defines a meningioma as a type of tumor that develops in the brain or spinal cord.
John Hopkins Medicine explains that meningiomas in the brain are different than brain tumors. Meningiomas are usually located in the brain’s membrane layers (called meninges), while brain tumors appear in the brain tissue itself.
How Do Medical Professionals Grade Meningiomas?
Meningiomas have three (3) grades that depend on certain characteristics.
- Grade 1 meningiomas are slow-growing tumors, also known as “low-grade.”
- Grade 2 meningiomas, otherwise known as atypical meningiomas, are considered “mid-grade” because they are more likely to return after they have been removed. Common subtypes of Grade 2 meningiomas are chordoid and clear cell meningiomas.
- Grade 3 meningiomas, termed anaplastic meningiomas, are malignant. Malignant tumors are cancerous and grow quickly. Papillary and rhabdoid meningiomas are subtypes of Grade 3 meningiomas.
How are Meningiomas Treated?
There are many factors that medical professionals consider when treating meningioma, including the patient’s age and the tumor’s size, location, and grade.
When possible, surgery is the preferred form of treatment. During surgery, healthcare providers will remove as much of the tumor as they can.
Non-surgical forms of treatment include radiation, chemotherapy, or clinical trials of new medication or treatment. These treatment options are usually used with Grades 2 and 3 meningiomas, or when a tumor is inoperable.
Meningioma Symptoms
People diagnosed with meningioma report common symptoms, such as:
- Constant headaches
- Abnormal vision
- Decline in cognitive abilities, including memory issues
- Difficulty speaking or hearing
- Changes to motor functioning, including balance problems
- Seizures
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Decreased quality of life
Do I Have a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
You may have a Depo-Provera claim if you have taken Depo-Provera and been diagnosed with tumors or other adverse health conditions. If you believe you have a valid Depo-Provera lawsuit, you should consider taking the following steps as soon as possible:
- Visit a medical professional. If you have observed any symptoms or side effects associated with Depo-Provera, then you should seek medical advice immediately. Healthcare professionals can diagnose your symptoms, prescribe treatment, and determine whether Depo-Provera contributed to your condition. This ensures you get the necessary treatment and strengthens your case by showing that you were injured from using Depo-Provera.
- Save all documents related to your medical condition. Take note of your symptoms, treatments, and medical appointments. Preserve your medical records, test results, and any health expenses. This evidence is vital because it can prove how Depo-Provera injured you and how much compensation you may be eligible to recover.
- Seek legal advice. A legal professional will be able to evaluate your situation, explain your legal choices, help you navigate the legal system, and advocate for you. There is a deadline by which you must file a lawsuit, so it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
How Much Does It Cost to File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
Our firm uses a contingency fee arrangement, which means that you will not pay any fees or expenses unless and until our firm receives an award or settlement on your behalf.
What Compensation is Available in a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
While every case is different, there are general categories of compensation that may be available to people who have been injured by a defective product, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
Contact an Experienced Mass Tort Lawyer
If you or a loved one have used Depo-Provera and suffered adverse health conditions as a result, you may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries, including your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our firm partners with expert mass tort lawyers throughout the United States who are committed to getting you justice and the compensation you deserve. We charge nothing unless you get an award or settlement. For a free case evaluation, contact our firm 24/7 by calling 1-800-992-6878 or by completing an online contact form.