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Depo-Provera Lawsuit

New Depo-Provera lawsuits claim the birth control shot caused meningiomas. Women suing Pfizer say the company didn't warn of this potentially life-threatening brain tumor.

See if you qualify for a Depo-Provera lawsuit.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with meningioma after use of Depo-Provera or Depo-SubQ Provera, you may be eligible for compensation. Fill out the form to get a free case review.

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UPDATE May 1, 2025: The Depo-Provera litigation grew by 122% over this time last month. The total number of active cases rose from 130 to 289. Expect that growth to continue, with the litigation still in its infancy. The next case management conference is set for May 30.

This article is for women considering filing a Depo-Provera lawsuit. We explain what’s happening with brain tumor lawsuits and answer payout questions.

WHY TRUST DRUGWATCH?
  • Drugwatch has helped more than 4,600 people connect with Depo-Provera lawyers. Read stories of women who were diagnosed with brain tumors after using Depo-Provera.
  • Drugwatch’s legal partner Weitz & Luxenberg filed the first federal Depo-Provera lawsuit. The law firm successfully petitioned for multidistrict litigation (MDL). MDLs reduce legal costs and raise the chance of fair settlements.
  • Brendan A. McDonough, a member of the Science and Experts Subcommittee, provides insight.

A new study revealed a link between Depo-Provera and brain tumors. People who used Depo and developed a meningioma can sue for compensation. This new evidence is leading hundreds of women to file Depo-Provera lawsuits.

Our partners represent those diagnosed with meningioma after at least two Depo shots.

We are particularly focused on cases involving:

  • Brand-name Depo-Provera manufactured by Pfizer
  • 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.
  • Depo-SubQ Provera

If you meet these criteria, call our Depo-Provera legal partners today at (866) 590-2452. Or fill out our online form.

Common Questions About Depo-Provera Lawsuits

Our legal partners spoke to more than 350 people last month alone about Depo-Provera lawsuits. We’ve answered the top three questions we get most often here.

Is there a lawsuit against the Depo shot?

Yes, there are lawsuits against Depo-Provera. The lawsuits focus on long-term Depo-Provera use and side effects. They claim Pfizer failed to warn users about an increased risk of meningioma tumors.

How do you know if you qualify for the Depo-Provera lawsuit?

You must have a meningioma brain tumor diagnosis and have had two or more Depo shots to qualify for a lawsuit.

How much can you get from the Depo lawsuit?

Lawyers estimate that settlements in similar pharmaceutical cases have ranged between $100,000 to $500,000, but outcomes in Depo-Provera cases will vary based on the circumstances of each case.

Attorney Brendan Smith answered questions about Depo-Provera lawsuits in a Q&A with Drugwatch. Smith is a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy in the Complex Litigation Department. We work with the firm to connect people injured by defective products with legal help.

We asked Smith what advice he would give to women considering filing a Depo lawsuit.

“Gather all medical records that you can, including Depo-Provera prescriptions and diagnosis of meningioma,” Smith said. “Consult an attorney experienced in pharmaceutical litigation to evaluate your case and guide you through the process.”

Read the full interview.

What Is the Depo-Provera Lawsuit?

Depo-Provera cases are primarily product liability lawsuits against Pfizer. These lawsuits claim Depo-Provera causes meningiomas. The legal case is based on Pfizer’s failure to warn about this risk.

The lawsuits have been centralized together into a multidistrict litigation (MDL). Depo-Provera lawsuits filed in federal court have been transferred to Florida. Judge M. Casey Rodgers is overseeing the cases.

Women are seeking financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits are ongoing. The litigation doubled in size in April as new cases were filed. The MDL is proceeding with the next case management conference, set for May 30.

How To Qualify for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit

To possibly qualify for a Depo-Provera lawsuit, you must prove you used Depo and then developed a meningioma.

You may not qualify if you took the Depo shot only once. You’re not eligible for a lawsuit if you developed a meningioma before taking the shot.

Our partner law firms also represent women who took Depo-SubQ Provera. The litigation includes authorized generic versions of the drugs.

Eligibility may also depend on how long ago you were diagnosed. Each state has a different deadline for filing.

“If you’ve been diagnosed with a meningioma after using Depo-Provera or Depo-SubQ Provera or their generic equivalents, you may qualify for a lawsuit,” Smith said. “Consulting a qualified attorney can help determine if your case meets the specific legal and medical requirements for filing a claim.”

Proof Needed for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit
  • Prescriptions or medical records that show you used Depo-Provera, an authorized generic version of the drug, or Depo-SubQ Provera at least twice.
  • A meningioma diagnosis after using Depo-Provera or Depo-SubQ Provera.
  • A lawyer can help you find and collect medical documentation.

If you meet these criteria and are 70 or younger, contact our legal partners for a free case consultation.

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Potential Settlement Amounts for Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuits

It’s too early to predict what the average Depo-Provera lawsuit settlement could be. Some lawyers may make estimations based on past litigation.

Pharmaceutical product liability cases can reach five- to six-figure settlements. Exact settlement amounts can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case. The claims listed in lawsuits play a big role.

Depo-Provera is not the only birth control to be the subject of lawsuits. Some past cases have resulted in big payouts.

In 2020, Bayer settled 90% of 39,000 Essure claims for $1.6 billion.

Yaz and Yasmin lawsuits ended in sizable settlements for women. Bayer agreed to pay $2.04 billion to settle about 10,300 claims for blood clot injuries. The company also agreed to pay $21.5 million to settle 7,200 claims for gallbladder injuries and $56.9 million to settle about 1,200 claims involving strokes and heart attacks.

Note: Settlement figures and outcomes can vary greatly from one case to another. Always consult with a qualified attorney for the most accurate, up-to-date information.

Has Anyone Won a Depo-Provera Settlement or Verdict?

No, none of the recent Depo-Provera tumor lawsuits have gone to trial. A settlement to end meningioma lawsuits hasn’t been announced.

In the early 2000s, some women filed lawsuits over concerns that Depo-Provera led to bone loss. But there were no notable settlements or jury verdicts in the U.S. for those cases.

What Depo-Provera Compensation Can You Seek?

Depo lawsuits seek compensation for “severe physical pain, mental suffering, inconvenience, and loss of the enjoyment of life.” You can also seek a payout to cover costs like medical expenses or lost earnings.

“Meningioma symptoms often significantly disrupt plaintiffs’ lives, leading to chronic pain, vision impairment, fatigue and cognitive difficulties,” Smith said. “These challenges can hinder work, relationships and daily activities.”

How Would a Depo-Provera Settlement Work?

Depo-Provera lawsuits are being handled as an MDL, not a class action. The distinction is important to understand how a Depo-Provera settlement would work.

When a class action ends, the settlement applies to all class members. But with an MDL, each case is considered separately. The individual payouts are based on the severity of the injuries in each case.

Key factors that could influence a Depo-Provera settlement include:
  • The number of times you received a Depo shot
  • The size and location of your tumor
  • Your medical expenses
  • Lost wages from missing work
  • Pain and suffering

Number of Injections

The new research links long-term Depo-Provera use to a higher risk of developing meningioma. Our legal partners are accepting cases of women who received at least two injections. But the longer someone used the drug, the easier it may be to demonstrate a link between their tumor and the shot. A stronger link could allow lawyers to negotiate a larger payout.

Type of Tumor

In a Depo case, a tumor that forms in the head is more likely to result in a larger settlement because it strengthens the claim that Depo-Provera caused it. The meningioma’s size and how it affects brain function can also impact the payout. Legal and medical experts may use tumor pathology, treatment records and scientific studies to support the link.

Medical Expenses

A portion of the payout from a product liability lawsuit is usually meant to cover medical expenses. Routine brain scans, surgery and radiation are common treatments for meningioma. And the medical expenses can amount to tens of thousands of dollars.

Lost Wages

A Depo-Provera payout may be higher if you’ve missed work because of your tumor. A lost wages settlement can also account for future lost income if you’re permanently disabled from the tumor.

“I tried to go back to work after my surgery,” Edie R., who filed a Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuit, told Drugwatch. “I started with temp jobs, and I went backwards. It was too hard on me. It drained me.”

Pain and Suffering

How much pain your tumor has caused you can play a role in the payout you receive.

Meningioma symptoms can range from manageable to life-altering. Some women whom Drugwatch has spoken to had catastrophic complications from their condition. These issues heavily impacted day-to-day life.

“My life has become overwhelming,” T.C., who filed a Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuit, told Drugwatch. “This diagnosis has only added to the burden, and it’s not something I can escape or ignore. It’s made everything harder.”

Those who have experienced the most serious and debilitating impacts may receive larger payouts.

Note: Settlement figures and outcomes can vary greatly from one case to another. Always consult with a qualified attorney for the most accurate, up-to-date information.

How To File a Depo-Provera Shot Lawsuit

Drugwatch can connect you with an experienced product liability lawyer. All you have to do is sign up for a free case review.

Our legal partners have spent decades taking on companies like Johnson & Johnson, Bayer and Pfizer.

After you fill out a form, our legal partners will contact you to ask a few questions about your Depo use. Then, they will let you know how they can help.

Questions a lawyer may ask to see if you qualify for a Depo-Provera lawsuit include:
  • Did you use Depo-Provera, an authorized generic version of the drug or Depo-SubQ Provera 104?
  • When did you first use the drug and for how long?
  • When were you diagnosed with a meningioma?
  • What treatment have you undergone related to your meningioma?
  • Do you have a history of pregnancy?
  • Have you used other hormonal contraceptives?

If you’re interested in filing a lawsuit, gather any relevant medical records.

“People should expect to provide their medical history, including their usage of Depo-Provera and any history of pregnancy and other hormonal contraceptive use, as well as diagnosis and treatment information related to their meningioma,” Smith said.

The time limit for filing a legal claim will vary depending on where you live. So, it’s important to speak with a Depo attorney about a potential claim as soon as possible.

What Are the Statutes of Limitation for Depo-Provera Lawsuits?

The statute of limitations for Depo-Provera lawsuits is typically two to three years from the time you’re diagnosed with a brain tumor. But, in some states, you may have only one year to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit.

By definition, the statute of limitations is a deadline. It determines how long you have to file a lawsuit for a meningioma brain tumor caused by the birth control shot.

Other factors, such as the discovery rule, innovator liability, pharmaceutical immunity statute and statute of repose, could also affect whether you can file a lawsuit in your state.

Some states are considered more consumer-friendly than others.

Discovery Rule

The discovery rule may apply in some states. It could extend your deadline to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit.

The countdown to file a lawsuit usually starts from the date you’re diagnosed with the tumor. But under the discovery rule, the clock starts ticking at the point where you could reasonably connect the tumor to your Depo-Provera use.

Lawyers may argue that their clients couldn’t reasonably connect Depo to their tumor without a warning on the drug’s label. Pfizer has yet to add a meningioma warning to Depo labels in the United States.

Innovator Liability

California and Massachusetts provide a way for people to sue a brand-name drug company if a generic version of the drug harms them. This is a legal concept known as innovator liability.

One reason for innovator liability is the “duty of sameness.” Under this law, generic drugs have to have the same labels as their brand-name counterparts, with few exceptions. So, if a label causes someone harm, then the brand-name company is responsible even if the person used a generic version.

Pharmaceutical Immunity Statute

Some states have immunity laws that could make it harder for you to file a Depo lawsuit. These are sometimes called pharmaceutical immunity statutes.

Our partners sometimes do not accept cases from Texas, for example, because of its pharmaceutical immunity statute.

In Texas, the drug’s FDA-approved label plays a big role. Drug makers aren’t liable for claims that they didn’t warn of a side effect if the drug’s warnings are FDA-approved.

So, since the FDA-approved Depo label doesn’t mention tumors, it may be difficult to claim in Texas that Pfizer legally failed to warn customers.

Statute of Repose

Some states have a statute of repose. These laws set a deadline for filing a lawsuit that is not based on when your injury occurred or was discovered, but from a specific event like the initial sale of the product.

Depending on where you live, statutes of repose could affect your ability to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit. Texas, for example, has a statute of repose that is 15 years from the date of sale. So, this could bar you from filing a lawsuit in Texas if you used Depo decades ago.

Depo-Provera Lawsuit Status Updates

We are closely monitoring the Depo-Provera litigation to bring you the latest updates and news as developments happen.

Identifying Deficiencies in Plaintiffs’ Complaints

May 12, 2025: A new order has set guidelines for finding deficiencies in plaintiffs’ complaints. According to the order, complaints have to include several key details from plaintiffs. This includes their injury, how that injury resulted from Depo and the citizenship of both the plaintiff and defendant. All complaints filed in the MDL so far will be evaluated to see if they include all these factors.

Court Outlines Documentation Process

May 6, 2025: Work continues in the MDL. A new court order has outlined the plaintiff documentation process. Plaintiffs must submit proof of use information, such as documentation that they used Depo-Provera. They also have to show documentation of their injuries and diagnoses. The court said that it will speak with the parties in the MDL to discuss concerns involving plaintiffs who used Depo so long ago that they may not have documentation.

Depo MDL Grows By 159 New Cases

May 1, 2025: Major growth continues in the Depo-Provera MDL as new lawsuits continue to be filed. At the start of April, 130 Depo lawsuits were consolidated in federal court. That number jumped to 289 at the beginning of May, more than doubling the size of the litigation. Expect that number to continue to rise in the coming months.

Court Considers Which Depo Shot Companies Will Be Defendants in the MDL

April 21, 2025: A new order has provided some clarity on where some of the defendants stand. Greenstone, Viatris and Prasco have all been named as defendants in lawsuits. But the court noted “some confusion” over whether they had enough involvement with the drug. It now looks like Prasco will likely be dismissed from the litigation. Greenstone and Viatris will remain part of the MDL.

Judge Threatens Future Sanctions After Companies Miss Key Deadline

April 7, 2025: Some early contention in the Depo MDL has been resolved. The court had set a deadline for generic manufacturers to declare they were not involved. Defendants Greenstone and Viatris failed to do so by the set date. The court ordered them to show cause for their failure to do so. The companies have since submitted those documents. The court also cautioned that they may be sanctioned if they continue to fail to respond to court orders.

Judge Schedules Key Case Management Conferences Throughout 2025

April 3, 2025: The Depo-Provera MDL continues to move at a solid pace. Case management conferences have been scheduled throughout 2025. These conferences are a key part of the MDL process. They set times for the parties to meet and check in on the litigation’s progress.

Depo-Provera Case Management Conference Schedule
DateTime
May 30, 20259 a.m. CST
June 27, 20259 a.m. CST
July 18, 20251 p.m. CST
August 22, 20259 a.m. CST
September 26, 20259 a.m. CST
October 24, 20259 a.m. CST
November 21, 20259 a.m. CST
December 19, 20259 a.m. CST

Number of Depo-Provera Lawsuits Up 66% From Last Month

April 1, 2025: The newly formed Depo-Provera MDL has seen some solid growth in its first full month. At the start of March, 78 lawsuits had been consolidated into the MDL. As of April 1, the number of active cases has ballooned to 130 as dozens of new lawsuits were added. That growth may continue as the litigation gets underway.

Court Chooses Drugwatch Legal Partners for Depo MDL Leadership Roles

March 16, 2025: Leadership positions have been selected in the Depo MDL. The team consists of three members. They are tasked with leading and coordinating the activities of all plaintiffs’ attorneys.

Pilot Cases Can Give Insight Into Settlement Amounts and Trial Strategies

March 15, 2025: The court approved a schedule that sets discovery for five pilot cases. The schedule begins on March 27 and runs through March 2026.

During discovery, both sides exchange evidence and information to prepare for trial.

Pilot cases are a select group of cases chosen early in the legal process to serve as test cases for the entire MDL. Judge M. Casey Rodgers chose five pilot cases to address key legal questions. The decisions can then be applied to the remaining cases. The result is a faster process and resolution.

Pilot cases can weigh heavily on settlement negotiations and trial strategies. But the results of the pilot cases don’t apply to all cases in the MDL. Each case still needs to be considered individually.

Depo-Provera Discovery Schedule
DateEvent
March 13, 2025Deadline for Pilot Case Plaintiffs to File Amended Complaints
March 27, 2025Discovery Opens
March 27, 2025Defendants to Answer and Serve 26(a)(1) Disclosures in Pilot Cases
May 11, 2025 Defendants’ Certification of Completion of Document Production on Preemption and General Causation
July 25, 2025Close of Preemption Discovery
August 24, 2025Motions for Summary Judgment Regarding Preemption to be Filed
September 23, 2025Opposition to Preemption MSJs to be Filed
September 23, 2025Close of General Causation Fact Discovery
September 30, 2025Replies in Support of Preemption MSJs, if Requested by Defendants and Permitted by Court
October 23, 2025Plaintiffs’ General Causation Expert Disclosures
November 22, 2025Defendants’ General Causation Expert Disclosures
January 10, 2026Deadline for Depositions of All General Causation Experts
February 10, 2026Rule 702 Motions Regarding General Causation Experts to be Filed
March 12, 2025Oppositions to Rule 702 Motions to be Filed
March 19, 2026Replies in Support of Rule 702 Motions to be Filed, if Requested by Movants and Permitted by Court

Fast Start to New Depo-Provera MDL in Unexpected Florida Court

February 2025: A federal judicial panel transferred 27 cases from eight districts to the Northern District of Florida. The panel assigned them to Judge M. Casey Rodgers. These cases are now consolidated for pretrial proceedings. Another 41 related cases were also pending in fifteen districts.

“The Northern District of Florida is an appropriate transferee district for this litigation,” the panel wrote in its order. “Two related actions are pending in this district, which offers the necessary judicial resources and expertise to manage this nationwide litigation in an efficient and convenient manner. Judge M. Casey Rodgers, to whom we assign this MDL, is an able jurist with extensive and exceptional experience presiding over large product liability MDLs. We are confident that she will steer this litigation on a prudent and expeditious course.”

The newly formed Depo-Provera MDL got off to a fast start. Judge Rodgers took a somewhat unusual and expedient approach to the litigation. She immediately selected five “pilot” cases from the group of lawsuits.

The five cases will proceed through discovery and trial. They essentially serve to represent the MDL. “The work of the MDL will be accomplished through the Pilot cases,” Judge Rodgers said in her order.

Pfizer Agrees MDL Makes Sense, Disagrees on Location

January 2025: January was a key month for Depo-Provera lawsuits, with a hearing on the creation of an MDL held on Jan. 30. Pfizer agreed that an MDL makes sense. But it disagreed with lawyers representing Depo users on where the MDL should be located. Drugwatch’s legal partners prefer California as the state would allow generic drug users to bring cases against Pfizer.

MDL Panel Quickly Schedules Hearing on Depo-Provera Lawsuits, Signals Urgency of Claims

December 2024: The MDL panel set a hearing for the end of January on whether to centralize Depo-Provera lawsuits in an MDL. The panel announced the hearing less than a month after the motion to create an MDL was filed.

“In this instance, the quick scheduling could indicate that the panel recognizes the urgency and importance of the claims at hand, which is a positive sign for plaintiffs seeking coordination,” Smith told Drugwatch in a recent article on where Depo litigation is headed in 2025. “In 2025, we will likely see the development of an MDL, a consolidation of cases and initial rounds of discovery exchanged between the parties.”

In an opposition response, Pfizer claims that it decided to change the Depo label to mention the possible tumor risk after it learned of the new study. But the company says that the FDA rejected this label change.

Drugwatch’s Legal Partners Push for Depo MDL to Streamline Legal Process

November 2024: Drugwatch’s legal partner Weitz & Luxenberg filed a motion to group Depo-Provera lawsuits into multidistrict litigation.

“Consolidation into an MDL involves transferring related cases to a single federal court,” Smith said. “This process can make litigation more efficient, as discovery and pretrial rulings apply to all cases. For individuals, it means streamlined case handling and a strong likelihood of reduced case costs.”

A November court document showed Depo-Provera lawsuits were pending in eight districts. Lawyers expect case numbers to rise because of the large number of people who have used Depo over the years.

An MDL is a way for the federal courts to handle these related cases. With an MDL, cases are centralized in one court, under a single judge for pretrial proceedings.

Lawyers representing Depo users want the cases transferred to California or Massachusetts. The laws in these states allow people to sue generic manufacturers. It would open the door for lawsuits involving authorized generic versions of Depo-Provera. Generic manufacturers include:

  • Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC
  • Greenstone LLC
  • A-S Medication Solutions
  • Prasco Laboratories
  • Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Unlike in a class action lawsuit, each case in an MDL remains separate. If there’s a Depo-Provera settlement, each individual will receive a payout based on the extent and nature of their injuries.

According to the motion, “most of the plaintiffs who have filed suit underwent intracranial surgery, with many women being left with seizure disorders, vision loss, and other permanent neurological injuries.”

Women File First Depo-Provera Lawsuits

October 2024: Monique Jones became one of the first women to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit.
“Ms. Jones is seeking compensation for her injuries relating to the development of a cerebral meningioma which was caused by her usage of Depo-Provera,” Brendan McDonough, an attorney named to the Depo-Provera litigation’s Science and Experts Subcommittee, told Drugwatch. “We believe Pfizer and others knew for many years about the risk of developing meningioma associated with Depo-Provera.”

Jones’ doctors are unwilling to perform surgery. Her lawsuit says it would be highly invasive and risky given how calcified her tumor is and where it is located in her brain. She will continue to live with the symptoms and side effects of the tumor. Her symptoms include headaches, blurred vision and vertigo, according to the complaint.

Another Study Strengthens Evidence That Depo Causes Meningioma Tumors

September 2024: Another study links Depo to an increased meningioma risk. A researcher from the University of Alabama at Birmingham wanted to investigate U.S. data. The previous study published in March was based on a smaller sample size of women from France.

His research found that Depo-Provera increased the risk of cerebral meningioma. This study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Cancers, strengthens the evidence that Depo may be tied to the development of tumors. The association became stronger with prolonged use.

Lawyers have included this study in their evidence.

Pfizer Addresses Study’s Findings

April 2024: Pfizer has responded to the new study that shows a link between Depo-Provera and tumors. The drug manufacturer said in a statement that “We are aware of this potential risk associated with long-term use of progestogens and, in collaboration with regulatory agencies, are in the process of updating product labels and patient information leaflets with appropriate wording.”

New Scientific Study Links Depo Shot to Meningioma Risk

March 2024: A new study found that women who got the Depo shot had a 5.6-fold higher risk of developing a meningioma. French researchers published their findings in The BMJ. Soon after the study was published, lawyers began investigating Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuits.

Women Who Have Filed Depo-Provera Lawsuits

Tina Thomas

Tina Thomas was diagnosed with a meningioma after using Depo-Provera.

T.C. received Depo-Provera shots for three years and was diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor. She said she lives in a constant state of worry that the tumor might grow. “I was told how great Depo-Provera was, and I thought it would be more reliable and convenient since I wouldn’t have to take it daily,” she said. “I had no idea it would lead to such serious health problems.” T.C. learned lawyers were filing Depo-Provera lawsuits, and she had her case reviewed. She is one of the hundreds of women who have filed a lawsuit. Read T.C.’s Story.

Depo-Provera user Tina Thomas needed surgeries and radiation treatments for her meningioma. She couldn’t work for months. When she learned a connection may exist between the birth control shot and her tumors, she was angry. “You mean to tell me that they knew about this and they’re still giving these shots to women?” Thomas said. “They just did not value our lives at all.”

Edie R. started Depo shots decades ago to help manage scar tissue that formed inside her uterus. She suffered from meningioma symptoms and constant seizures. She had a craniotomy to remove her tumor. But nearly every other symptom that she had worsened after the procedure. “I had to quit my job. I couldn’t do it anymore,” she said. “The financial devastation has been enormous in lost earnings.”

Depo-Provera birth control risks

Depo-Provera:
A Convenient Shot, But at
What Cost to Women’s Health?

Depo-Provera, marketed as a safe and convenient birth control option, is used by millions of women. But alarming personal stories and growing research suggest it may have come with severe hidden costs.

Depo-Provera Is an Injectable Birth Control; Depo-SubQ Provera 104 Is Also an Endometriosis Treatment

Depo-Provera hit the U.S. market more than 30 years ago. It was the first female birth control option to be advertised on TV. It became a popular choice for women as it was marketed as a safe and effective drug.

About 1 in 4 sexually experienced women have used Depo at some point, according to a CDC report. The report cited data from 2015 to 2019.

Did You Know?
  • Depo-Provera is a birth control injection that contains the progestin hormone.
  • Depo-SubQ Provera 104 is used for birth control and to treat endometriosis.
  • Endometriosis typically affects your ovaries, fallopian tubes and tissue lining your pelvis. Tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pelvic pain and other symptoms.

But recent research found that alarming health issues may be tied to the shot. A March 2024 study published in the BMJ found that Depo users are at a much higher risk of developing a meningioma.

Women are filing Depo lawsuits because they developed tumors after using the shot. They argue that Pfizer knew or should have known about the risk and did not adequately warn them.

“I was told how great Depo-Provera was, and I thought it would be more reliable and convenient since I wouldn’t have to take it daily,” T.C. said. “I had no idea it would lead to such serious health problems.”

Pfizer Did Not Warn Women of Brain Tumor Risk

Lawsuits argue that Pfizer’s negligence exposed women to significant health risks. Women who took Depo say that they would have chosen a different birth control if they had known of the tumor risk.

“Defendants ignored reports from patients and health care providers throughout the United States which indicated that Depo-Provera failed to perform as intended,” lawsuits state. “…Defendants continued to falsely and misleadingly market Depo-Provera as a safe and effective prescription drug for contraception and other indications.”

The U.S. label includes information on Depo-Provera side effects. It also features a black box warning related to bone density. But lawsuits say that it does not mention the risk of meningioma.

This isn’t the case in other parts of the world.

Lawsuits say Depo labels in the United Kingdom and European Union now mention the tumors. The EU label even warns patients to tell their doctor if they have a history of meningioma.

Labels for the drug in Canada have also referenced meningiomas since at least 2015.

“Defendants knew or should have known for decades that Depo-Provera, when administered and prescribed as intended, can cause or substantially contribute to the development of meningiomas,” lawsuits state.

The study published in the BMJ in 2024 found that the Depo shot raised the risk of meningiomas by more than five times. That risk increased with one year or more of use.

These lawsuits stem from that new study. But evidence has existed for decades that Depo’s ingredients could be tied to tumors.

“We believe Pfizer and others knew for many years about the risk of developing meningioma associated with Depo-Provera,” McDonough said.

Dazhi Liu, Pharm.D., BCOP and medical expert for Drugwatch.com
“The [study] recently published in BMJ is the first to assess the risk associated with progestogens that are much more widely used for multiple indications, such as contraception.”
Dazhi Liu, PharmD, BCOP

Depo-Provera is known chemically as medroxyprogesterone acetate. It contains the hormone progestin, a synthetic version of naturally occurring progesterone. Past research has linked this type of hormone to meningiomas.

A 1986 study found that meningiomas contain a high number of progestin receptors. This suggests a potential connection between hormone levels and the development of these tumors.

A later study built on those concerns. It found that antiprogesterone can help treat the tumors.

Progestogen Medications and Brain Tumors: What You Need to Know

“The signature injury is cerebral meningioma, which is a tumor of the meningeal lining of the brain that can press on sensitive brain structures and cause severe problems including seizures, headaches, vision loss, and even death,” Smith said.

Meningiomas are not true brain tumors because they don’t start in brain tissue. They form in the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. But they’re often referred to as brain tumors in the medical community.

Meningiomas are the most common tumors that form in the head and are often benign. But they can still cause serious health problems.

They can grow and put pressure on nearby brain tissue and structures. Patients often need invasive surgery or radiation treatment, which can cause brain injury.

Brendan Smith, Esquire. Partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy in the Complex Litigation Department.
“The signature injury is cerebral meningioma, which is a tumor of the meningeal lining of the brain that can press on sensitive brain structures and cause severe problems including seizures, headaches, vision loss, and even death.”
Brendan Smith, Partner Simmons Hanly Conroy

One Depo lawsuit said that Kathleen Fazio had surgery to remove a tumor after taking the drug for years. Complications from that surgery left her with blurred and double vision. Her senses of taste and smell diminished as well.

Patients Describe Life-Altering Meningioma Symptoms in Lawsuits

Meningiomas can grow unnoticed until they are large enough to press on your brain. Symptoms of meningiomas mentioned in lawsuits include headaches and vision issues.

Meningioma Symptoms Include
  • Changes in behavior or personality
  • Headaches that may get worse over time
  • Loss of smell
  • Nausea
  • Seizures
  • Trouble thinking clearly or brain fog
  • Trouble walking
  • Vision or hearing loss, including ringing in the ears
  • Weakness in a leg or arm

Our legal partners say other symptoms include aphasia, memory loss and trouble speaking.

T.C. told Drugwatch that “dealing with the side effects was brutal.”

“Don’t ignore what’s happening to you,” T.C. said. “These side effects aren’t just something to push through — they can be life-changing. Make sure you’re getting checked and take action now. If I’d known what I was facing, I would have sought help sooner.”

Drugwatch Helping Women Connect with a Trusted Depo-Provera Lawyer Today

Our partners are investigating product liability cases that claim Depo-Provera causes brain tumors. If you were diagnosed with a meningioma after at least two Depo shots, call (866) 590-2452. Or request a free case review online.

Lawyers we partner with have won more than $19 billion in verdicts and settlements. They’ve handled lawsuits against DES, the Ortho Evra patch, Yaz and Yasmin. They can explain your legal options to you.

Please seek the advice of a medical professional before making health care decisions.