Depo-Provera Lawsuit: Meningioma Claims & Updates
Depo-Provera lawsuits allege that manufacturer Pfizer failed to warn users about an increased risk of developing meningioma brain tumors. As of May 2026, more than 3,700 cases have been consolidated in a multidistrict litigation (MDL). The FDA added a meningioma warning to the label in December 2025, and the first bellwether trial is set for December 2026.
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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Diagnosed with a brain tumor after using Depo-Provera?
- Last update: May 29, 2026
- Est. Read Time: 4 min read
Depo Provera Lawsuit Key Takeaways
- Qualification
- You must have an image-confirmed diagnosis of a cranial or spinal meningioma after having taken Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera or an approved generic version of the injection at least twice.
- Evidence to Gather
- Pharmacy receipts, imaging reports and doctors’ notes confirming your meningioma diagnosis.
- Statute of Limitations
- Depending on the state you live in, your statute of limitations may be as little as one year.
- Court Information
- The Depo-Provera MDL 3140 is in the District Court for the Northern District of Florida. As of May 2026, 3,769 cases were pending before Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
Why Are People Filing Depo-Provera Lawsuits?
People are filing Depo-Provera lawsuits through Drugwatch because they developed meningiomas after using the birth control shot. They claim Pfizer failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about that risk. These cases also claim the drug was defectively designed because it can cause meningioma.
Pfizer argued that it could not have added a warning because the FDA rejected its 2024 proposal to add a label. They claim each Depo-Provera lawsuit is preempted by federal law. The agency ultimately approved a label change for meningioma risk in December 2025 based in part on a 2024 BMJ study. The study found that women with long-term Depo-Provera use had 5.6 times greater odds of intracranial meningioma.
Defendants named in the Depo-Provera lawsuits include Pfizer and generic manufacturers, such as Greenstone, Pharmacia & Upjohn and Viatris.
Drugwatch is currently offering free case reviews for women who developed meningioma after taking the Depo-Provera birth control shot. Complete the contact form to see if you qualify.
Meningioma Lawsuits — The Injury at the Center of the Litigation
The primary injury in Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits is meningioma. It’s a tumor that starts in the meninges, the thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord.
Meningiomas don’t form directly in brain tissue, but they’re often considered brain tumors or spinal cord tumors depending on which organ they form closer to. They grow slowly and may not cause symptoms for years. However, if they get big enough, they can cause more serious problems.
Symptoms listed in the lawsuits include seizures, lightheadedness, weakness, difficulty speaking, ear itching, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision and even death.
One of the first studies to link Depo-Provera to meningioma was a 2024 BMJ study. It found that women who used Depo-Provera long-term had 5.6 times greater odds of intracranial meningioma.
Pfizer continues to stand by Depo-Provera’s safety, even after the FDA approved a label warning for meningioma in December 2025. The updated label could strengthen plaintiffs’ arguments that the drug increases the risk of meningioma and that it was possible to add a warning sooner.
Women Who Have Filed Depo-Provera Lawsuits
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 lawsuits, and she had her case reviewed. She is one of thousands of women who have filed lawsuits. Read T.C.’s Story.
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.”
How To File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit
Filing a Depo-Provera lawsuit starts with a free case evaluation from Drugwatch. When you reach out to Drugwatch, we’ll ask a few questions about your experience using Depo-Provera and your meningioma diagnosis and explain your legal options. Whether or not you have a case depends on certain qualification criteria, and only a lawyer can determine if you qualify.
Qualification Criteria
- Used Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera 104 or an authorized generic version.
- Diagnosed with a meningioma that is confirmed by imaging (MRI or CT).
- Diagnosis occurred after Depo-Provera use.
- Meningioma required or may require surgery, radiation or ongoing treatment.
- Your state-specific statute of limitations has not expired.
Eligibility may also depend on how long ago you were diagnosed. Each state has a different deadline for filing. Our attorneys can help you gather records to prove your case.
How To Determine If You Have a Case
- Medical Diagnosis: Confirm a connection between the drug and your health issues.
- Legal Consultation: Speak with a product liability lawyer to review your case and understand your legal options.
- Documentation: Gather prescriptions, treatment notes and all relevant medical records to support your claim.
“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,” said attorney Brendan Smith, a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy in the Complex Litigation Department. “Consulting a qualified attorney can help determine if your case meets the specific legal and medical requirements for filing a claim.”
Latest Depo-Provera Lawsuit Updates
As of May 2026, more than 3,700 cases have been consolidated in a multidistrict litigation (MDL). The judge scheduled the first trial for December 2026, but we are also still waiting for a ruling on Pfizer’s preemption argument.
We are closely monitoring the Depo-Provera litigation to bring you the latest updates and news as developments happen. Check back regularly to stay informed.
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April 2, 2026: Depo-Provera MDL Reaches 3,490 Cases as Court Continues To Weigh Preemption Issue
The federal litigation over the birth control injection Depo-Provera continues to grow. There are now 3,490 lawsuits pending in the multidistrict litigation, with women alleging they developed meningioma after using the drug. Despite the rising case count, the litigation remains largely paused while the court considers Pfizer’s argument that many of the claims are preempted by federal law. Pfizer maintains it could not have added stronger meningioma warnings without approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and therefore cannot be held liable under state failure-to-warn laws. The court has not yet issued a decision on the preemption question, which could significantly affect how the litigation proceeds.
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March 3, 2026: Depo-Provera Lawsuits Grow by More Than 1,300 Cases as Parties Await Preemption Ruling
Since the beginning of 2026, more than 1,300 new Depo-Provera lawsuits have been filed in federal court, significantly increasing the size of the litigation. The rapid growth suggests continued interest in the claims as more women come forward alleging they developed meningioma after using the birth control injection.
At the same time, the litigation remains in a holding pattern on a key legal issue. The court is still considering Pfizer’s argument that many of the claims are preempted by federal law. Pfizer contends that it could not have added stronger meningioma warnings without FDA approval and therefore cannot be held liable under state failure-to-warn laws.
A ruling on the preemption issue is expected in the coming months and could play a major role in determining how the cases move forward. -
February 5, 2026: Pfizer Files Supplemental Brief Arguing Depo-Provera Claims Are Preempted
Pfizer has filed a supplemental brief saying that most Depo-Provera lawsuits should be dismissed because federal law blocks these claims. The company explains that the FDA would not let it add the warning that plaintiffs wanted, especially language saying Depo-Provera increases the risk of meningioma for everyone who uses it. Pfizer says that when federal regulators reject a stronger warning, state law failure-to-warn claims cannot go forward.
Pfizer also says that even after the FDA approved a limited meningioma warning in late 2025, the agency still would not allow language about an “increased risk” or include summaries of studies that plaintiffs used. Pfizer argues this means it could not meet both federal labeling rules and the warnings that state law would require. The company also says that claims related to Depo-Provera prescriptions before July 2024 are still preempted because the scientific evidence for the FDA warning was not available then.
Plaintiffs have not yet filed their supplemental brief in response to Pfizer’s arguments. The court has not said when it will make a final decision on the preemption issue, but a ruling is expected in the next few months and will be important for whether the case continues. -
January 22, 2026: Depo-Provera Litigation Moving Along in 2026
The first Depo bellwether trial is set for December 7th this year, which is faster than most MDLs for other torts. Both sides still need to submit their plans for a supplemental briefing on Pfizer’s preemption motion, as the judge requested last month.
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January 5, 2026: Hundreds of New Depo Lawsuits Filed
At the start of 2026, there are now 1,752 active Depo-Provera lawsuits filed in federal court. This means that around 300 new cases were filed over the course of December. That growth will likely continue throughout 2026. This year is expected to be a big one for the Depo litigation, with the first trial potentially getting underway by December.
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December 22, 2025: First Depo-Provera Trial Could Come in December 2026
The Depo-Provera lawsuits have moved at a fast pace, and now the first trial could be just a year away. The judge overseeing these lawsuits has directed both sides to work out a schedule that will get the first pilot case to trial by December 2026. These pilot cases will be critical for the thousands of active lawsuits. How those cases are handled before juries will play a big role in the direction of the litigation moving forward.
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December 19, 2025: Judge Reacts to FDA's Labeling Decision
The judge overseeing the nearly 2,000 Depo-Provera lawsuits filed in federal court has ordered both sides to come up with a plan for supplemental briefing on Pfizer's preemption motion. That decision was made now that the FDA has officially added a meningioma warning to the drug's label. Pfizer had been arguing that these cases should not be able to move forward since the FDA had previously rejected a label update. It will be interesting to see how Pfizer's strategy shifts now that the agency is warning users of a risk.
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December 17, 2025: FDA Adds Meningioma Risk to Depo-Provera Label
In a massive update, the FDA has approved a new Depo-Provera label that warns users of a potential meningioma risk. This long-anticipated decision is a key piece of the litigation, with Pfizer arguing that it can't be blamed for failing to warn its customers since the agency had rejected a past label update. But now, the Depo label officially warns that a connection may exist to brain tumors.
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December 11, 2025: What to Expect From the Depo-Provera Litigation in 2026
The past year has been fast-paced and packed with news for the Depo-Provera lawsuits. Expect more big updates in 2026. Next year, work will continue on preparing some of these lawsuits for eventual trial, with those cases and their outcomes expected to impact the wider litigation and influence potential settlement talks. We will likely also see more growth in this litigation as more women who were impacted file cases. The Depo lawsuits are already one of the 25 largest consolidated federal litigations in the nation, despite being less than a year old.
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December 2, 2025: Active Depo Cases Surpass 1,400
At the start of the month, there are 1,470 active Depo-Provera lawsuits in federal court. This is a hefty increase of nearly 250 new cases over the last month alone. This figure does not count the many other cases also pending in state courts like New York or Delaware.
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November 21, 2025: Case Management Conference Schedule for Depo-Provera Cases Set Through 2026
The schedule for the case management conferences in the Depo-Provera litigation has now been set through the end of 2026. The conferences, which generally offer updates on the progress of the litigation, will take place approximately once a month.
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November 17, 2025: Updated Look at Depo Cases Pending Across the Country
We have a new look at how many Depo-Provera cases are pending in various venues across the U.S. In addition to the more than 1,400 cases pending in federal court, many other cases are also active in state courts. There are cases involving 322 people in Delaware and 83 people in New York. There are also 24 lawsuits pending in California, with a handful of additional cases also scattered across Pennsylvania, Illinois, Connecticut and New Mexico. This highlights just how widespread the Depo-Provera litigation is and how many people may be impacted.
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November 10, 2025: How Big Will the Depo-Provera Litigation Get?
The number of Depo-Provera lawsuits continues to rise. At the time of the most recent case management conference, more than 1,400 total cases had been filed into the federal MDL. These lawsuits focus exclusively on women who say they developed a meningioma after using the popular birth control shot. The MDL screening process has identified some women with other types of brain tumors that are not included in this litigation. Despite these limitations, the number of lawsuits is likely to keep growing. Additionally, hundreds of related lawsuits are pending in Delaware and New York state courts.
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November 5, 2025: Final Word on Summary Judgment Won't Come Before FDA Decision
We have been awaiting final say on Pfizer's summary judgment motion based on federal preemption, which is key to the future of these lawsuits. The judge overseeing these cases is not planning to rule on that motion until the FDA has made a decision on a Depo-Provera label update that Pfizer submitted in June.
Pfizer's motion is based on federal preemption, with the company claiming that these lawsuits shouldn't be able to move forward since the FDA previously rejected a Depo label update that would have warned of a meningioma risk. People who have filed lawsuits claim that Pfizer's proposed label was too broad to be accepted and that the company ignored warnings of Depo's potential brain tumor link for years. -
October 30, 2025: Depo Pilot Case Deadlines Extended
The schedule for the Depo-Provera pilot cases has been pushed back by six weeks, but this is not any cause for alarm. In addition to the cases in federal court, many Depo-Provera lawsuits have been filed in state court in New York and Delaware. This new schedule will allow the progress of the cases in these three different venues to all match up.
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October 20, 2025: Number of Active Depo Lawsuits Surpasses 1,300
There are now more than 1,300 active Depo-Provera lawsuits grouped together in federal court as this litigation continues to pick up. Less than three months ago, there were only about 500 cases in the MDL. Litigation is expanding at the state level as well. More than 300 plaintiffs have active claims in Delaware, along with 78 plaintiffs in New York.
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October 15, 2025: Still Awaiting Word on Summary Judgment Decision
We are still awaiting word on Judge Rodgers' decision on Pfizer's motion for summary judgment. The hearing was held at the end of September on an issue that could have a significant impact on these cases. If Judge Rodgers rules for Pfizer, it could significantly limit the scope of the litigation. It's not unusual for a judge to take some time before making their final decision public. We will hopefully hear something soon.
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October 9, 2025: Depo Case Management Conference to be Held in New York
In a somewhat unusual move, the next Depo-Provera case management conference will be held in New York City on Oct. 24. This is despite the fact that the lawsuits filed in federal court have been placed before a judge in Florida. But the reasoning for the location change has to do with the Depo cases in state court. While much of the action is taking place in the federal MDL, there are also more than 70 cases pending in New York. This location change will allow the federal cases, along with cases in New York and Delaware, to jointly address issues that impact all Depo lawsuits.
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October 3, 2025: Update on Depo-Provera Lawsuits in State Court
Much of the attention remains on the more than 1,200 Depo-Provera lawsuits that have been grouped together in federal court. But these lawsuits are advancing at the state level as well. There are 71 cases filed in New York, with another 19 active cases progressing in California. Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois and New Mexico also have pending cases.
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October 1, 2025: More Depo Lawsuits Join MDL
At the start of October, there are now 1,222 active Depo-Provera lawsuits grouped together in federal court. That's a hefty jump of more than 400 cases over the last month as this litigation continues to grow.
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September 29, 2025: Summary Judgment Hearing
Today, Judge Rodgers heard oral arguments on Pfizer's summary judgment motion. This is a significant moment for these lawsuits. Pfizer believes that since the FDA rejected a label update for Depo that included information on meningiomas, the key claims of these cases should not be able to move forward. But lawyers representing women who have filed lawsuits claim that the FDA had no choice but to reject the label update, given how broad it is. They also say that Pfizer ignored warnings of a brain tumor risk from Depo use for decades. We are now waiting on Judge Rodgers' decision.
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September 18, 2025: Lawyers Accepting New Cases as Litigation Grows
The Depo-Provera litigation continues to expand rapidly. Nearly 30 new cases have joined the MDL in just the last week. As these lawsuits progress, lawyers are continuing to investigate and accept new cases for people who may have been impacted by these concerns. Women who used Depo-Provera or Depo-SubQ Provera at least twice and later developed a meningioma could be eligible to file a lawsuit.
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September 11, 2025: Next Case Management Conference a Few Weeks Away
The next case management conference for the hundreds of Depo-Provera lawsuits grouped together in federal court was scheduled for September 29. This litigation is moving into an important phase, with Pfizer hoping to get the key claims of these lawsuits dismissed through a summary judgment motion. Oral arguments on that motion will follow after the conference.
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September 2, 2025: Rapid Growth for Depo-Provera Lawsuits
At the start of September, there were more than 800 Depo-Provera lawsuits grouped together in federal court, in addition to lawsuits that were filed in state court. This means that more than 250 new cases were added to the MDL over the last month. Expect that growth to continue as more cases are filed and the litigation expands.
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August 29, 2025: Pfizer Pursuing Summary Judgment for Depo Cases
As expected, Pfizer has filed a motion for summary judgment in the Depo litigation. This is where Pfizer asks the court to rule in its favor without holding a trial. Pfizer claims that it cannot be blamed for not warning its customers of a meningioma risk since the FDA rejected a label update to Depo-Provera last year that would have included that information. It will still likely be a couple of months before we know the outcome of the summary judgment attempt.
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August 22, 2025: Case Management Conference Coming Up
A case management conference was scheduled for the hundreds of Depo-Provera lawsuits grouped together in federal court. This was the first conference of this kind since early July, but no massive updates are expected. This litigation continues to progress at a solid pace with few major roadblocks so far.
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August 18, 2025: Cases Grow as Preemption Discovery Moves Along
A new status report revealed that there are now 878 Depo-Provera lawsuits filed in the MDL. This is a massive jump from just a couple of weeks ago, when there were about 500 active cases. As far as progress in the MDL, discovery work is continuing. Pfizer is expected to file a motion for summary judgment this week. This is where the company asks the judge to rule in its favor on these lawsuits without holding a trial. Preemption remains the key issue. It will be a couple more months before we know the outcome of that motion.
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July 11, 2025: Case Management Conference Shows Significant Growth for Depo Lawsuits
A case management conference revealed that there are now 550 active Depo-Provera lawsuits grouped together in federal court. This means that more than 100 new cases were filed in just the last couple of weeks. Expect this momentum to continue. The judge overseeing these cases is encouraging the lawyers representing plaintiffs to file any other lawsuits into the MDL.
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July 7, 2025: Depo Lawsuits Filed in State Court
While much of the attention in this litigation is focused on the more than 400 Depo-Provera lawsuits grouped together in federal court, many other cases are advancing in state court as well. There are active cases pending in several states, including nearly 60 cases in New York. The Depo lawsuits pending in California may soon be grouped together as well.
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July 1, 2025: More Depo Lawsuits Filed
At the start of July, there are now 435 active Depo-Provera lawsuits grouped together in federal court. This does not count additional lawsuits that have been filed at the state level. This is an increase of about 90 active cases from this time a month ago and another sign of just how many women may have been impacted by these claims.
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June 21, 2025: More Defendants Dismissed From Depo Lawsuits
Greenstone and Viatris have both been dismissed from the Depo-Provera litigation. This is a similar situation to Prasco, where it simply became clear that these secondary defendants are not as directly involved with the issues that are at the center of these cases. It's important to understand that this is not a big loss for people who have filed lawsuits. It shouldn't have much of an impact on the progress or outcome of this litigation. Pfizer remains the main defendant.
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June 20, 2025: Scheduling Update for Pilot Cases
The court has released an amended schedule for the progress of the pilot cases in the Depo-Provera MDL. Since all of the Depo lawsuits are so similar, this small group of lawsuits is moving through the legal process to help both sides better understand the strength of their cases. The schedule change is fairly minor, with a few slight shifts in dates for different steps in this process.
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June 12, 2025: Prasco Dismissed From the Depo Litigation
As expected, Prasco has been dismissed as a defendant from the Depo-Provera lawsuits that are grouped together. This move had been anticipated for weeks. Prasco had distributed a generic version of Depo-Provera, which was chemically the exact same drug. But Pfizer was the manufacturer, packager and labeler of the product. This move should not impact the Depo lawsuits and is not a loss for plaintiffs. It was simply determined that it didn’t make sense for Prasco to be a part of this litigation.
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June 6, 2025: Women Report Meningiomas in Birth Control Survey
Multiple women who took part in a new Drugwatch survey on birth control reported that they developed meningiomas as a side effect. Among women who took part in the survey, seven said that they developed these tumors.
Nearly 20% of respondents who have taken birth control said that they have used an injection like Depo. -
June 5, 2025: Potential Litigation Hurdles
Pfizer has argued that plaintiffs’ failure to warn claims are invalid because the company submitted a drug label change with a warning that the FDA didn’t approve, an issue called preemption. However, plaintiffs’ lawyers are confident they have an argument against this. Plaintiffs are also in the middle of proving that there’s sufficient evidence that connects the drug to intracranial meningiomas. Discovery is also ongoing.
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June 2, 2025: MDL Continues To Grow
The number of Depo lawsuits grouped together in federal court continues to grow. At the start of this month, there were 348 active cases in the MDL. This is a jump of nearly 60 cases from this time last month. Expect that growth to continue in the coming months as more lawsuits are filed.
There has also been a slight update to the case management conference schedule in the MDL. The June conference has been canceled. The next case management conference will now be on July 11. -
May 30, 2025: Case Management Conference Approaches
The May case management conference for hundreds of Depo-Provera lawsuits grouped together in multidistrict litigation occurred. Both sides of the litigation and the court discussed outstanding issues to help keep the lawsuits moving forward. The agenda included updates on the early progress of these lawsuits. Pfizer has already produced more than 10 million pages of documents. Also on the agenda was an update on the status of Depo lawsuits outside the MDL. There were also 72 additional cases pending across several state courts, with most of these being in New York.
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May 23, 2025: Federal Judges to Consider Adding Case to Growing MDL
A panel of federal judges is scheduled to meet on May 29, 2025, at 11 a.m. to decide whether to add Vicki Daniels’ lawsuit to the MDL in Florida. The MDL currently sits at 289 cases.
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May 12, 2025: Identifying Deficiencies in Plaintiffs’ Complaints
A new order has set guidelines for finding deficiencies in plaintiffs’ complaints. According to the order, complaints have to include several key details from the plaintiffs. This includes their injuries, how those injuries 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.
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May 6, 2025: Court Outlines Documentation Process
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 the drug. 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 the drug so long ago that they may not have documentation.
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May 1, 2025: MDL Grows by 159 New Cases
Major growth continues in the MDL as new lawsuits are filed. At the start of April, 130 cases 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.
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April 21, 2025: Court Considers Who Will Be Defendants in the MDL
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.
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April 7, 2025: Judge Threatens Future Sanctions After Companies Miss Key Deadline
Some early contention in the 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.
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April 3, 2025: Judge Schedules Key Case Management Conferences Throughout 2025
The 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.
Case Management Conference Schedule
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| May 30, 2025 | 9 a.m. CST |
| June 27, 2025 | 9 a.m. CST |
| July 18, 2025 | 1 p.m. CST |
| August 22, 2025 | 9 a.m. CST |
| September 29, 2025 | 9 a.m. CST |
| October 24, 2025 | 9 a.m. CST |
| November 21, 2025 | 9 a.m. CST |
| December 19, 2025 | 9 a.m. CST |
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April 1, 2025: Number of Lawsuits Up 66% From Last Month
The newly formed 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.
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March 16, 2025: Court Chooses Drugwatch Legal Partners for MDL Leadership Roles
Leadership positions have been selected in the MDL. The team consists of three members. They are tasked with leading and coordinating the activities of all plaintiffs’ attorneys.
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March 15, 2025: Pilot Cases Can Give Insight Into Settlement Amounts and Trial Strategies
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.
Discovery Schedule
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 13, 2025 | Deadline for Pilot Case Plaintiffs to File Amended Complaints |
| March 27, 2025 | Discovery Opens |
| March 27, 2025 | Defendants 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, 2025 | Close of Preemption Discovery |
| August 24, 2025 | Motions for Summary Judgment Regarding Preemption to be Filed |
| September 23, 2025 | Opposition to Preemption MSJs to Be Filed |
| September 23, 2025 | Close of General Causation Fact Discovery |
| September 30, 2025 | Replies in Support of Preemption MSJs, if Requested by Defendants and Permitted by Court |
| October 23, 2025 | Plaintiffs’ General Causation Expert Disclosures |
| November 22, 2025 | Defendants’ General Causation Expert Disclosures |
| January 10, 2026 | Deadline for Depositions of All General Causation Experts |
| February 10, 2026 | Rule 702 Motions Regarding General Causation Experts to Be Filed |
| March 12, 2025 | Oppositions to Rule 702 Motions to be Filed |
| March 19, 2026 | Replies in Support of Rule 702 Motions to Be Filed, if Requested by Movants and Permitted by Court |
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February 2025: Fast Start to New MDL in Unexpected Florida Court
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 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. -
January 2025: Pfizer Agrees MDL Makes Sense, Disagrees on Location
January was a key month, 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. They prefer California as the state would allow generic drug users to bring cases against Pfizer.
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December 2024: MDL Panel Quickly Schedules Hearing, Signals Urgency of Claims
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 the 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 drug's 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.
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November 2024: A Push for MDL to Streamline Legal Process
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 lawsuits were pending in eight districts. Lawyers expect case numbers to rise because of the large number of people who have used the drug 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 affected women 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 the drug. 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 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.” -
October 2024: Women File First Depo-Provera Lawsuits
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 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.
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September 2024: Another Study Strengthens Evidence That Depo Causes Meningioma Tumors
A researcher from the University of Alabama at Birmingham wanted to investigate data in the United States. The previous study published in March was based on a smaller sample size of women from France. His research found that the drug increased the risk of cerebral meningioma. This study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Cancers, strengthens the evidence that the drug may be tied to the development of tumors. The association became stronger with prolonged use. Lawyers have included this study in their evidence.
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April 2024: Pfizer Addresses Study’s Findings
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.”
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March 2024: New Scientific Study Links Depo Shot to Meningioma Risk
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 lawsuits.
Depo-Provera Settlement and Compensation — What To Expect
There haven’t been any Depo-Provera settlements or jury verdicts yet, so there’s no way to predict potential compensation amounts. The judge scheduled the first bellwether trial for December 2026. The outcome will likely affect case values moving forward and could also influence any future settlements.
Factors that affect individual case value include severity of meningioma, whether surgery is required, the duration and amount of Depo-Provera use, plaintiff’s age at diagnosis, medical costs, lost wages and any impact on quality of life.
We should know more information after the initial bellwether trial resolves or if defendants settle before trial.
What Experts Say About Depo-Provera
Frequently Asked Questions About Depo-Provera Lawsuits
Who qualifies for the Depo-Provera lawsuit?
You may qualify if you received a meningioma diagnosis after taking Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera or an authorized generic version. You must have imaging proof of the meningioma and live in a state where the statute of limitations has not expired. When you submit a free case review through Drugwatch, we’ll help evaluate your claim to see if you qualify for a lawsuit.
Is there a Depo-Provera class action lawsuit?
There is no Depo-Provera class action lawsuit. Cases have been consolidated in MDL 3140 in the Northern District of Florida. An MDL is a common process that allows product liability cases to proceed efficiently without requiring plaintiffs to be in the same state.
Is Depo-Provera linked to brain tumors?
A 2024 study published in the BMJ found a significantly increased risk of intracranial meningioma, requiring surgery in women who used Depo-Provera. The FDA added a meningioma warning to the Depo-Provera label in December 2025. According to Attorney Brendan Smith, “Plaintiffs generally allege that they developed meningiomas — sometimes multiple tumors — after extended use of Depo-Provera.”
Has Depo-Provera been recalled?
Depo-Provera has not been recalled in the United States. The FDA updated the drug's label in December 2025 to include a warning about meningioma risk but did not issue a recall.
What documents do I need to start a Depo-Provera lawsuit?
You will need medical records for your Depo-Provera injections, pharmacy or prescription records and imaging results (MRI or CT scan) confirming your meningioma diagnosis. Our attorneys can help you gather any additional records needed for your case.
Are Depo-Provera lawsuits legitimate?
Yes. More than 3,700 Depo-Provera lawsuits were pending in MDL 3140 as of May 2026. The cases are based on scientific research, an FDA label change and claims that Pfizer failed to adequately warn users about meningioma risk.
What is the Depo-Provera MDL?
MDL 3140 is a multidistrict litigation in the Northern District of Florida. It is where Depo-Provera cases from across the country have been consolidated for coordinated proceedings. Consolidation does not affect where you file your case.
What is the current status of the Depo-Provera lawsuit?
More than 3,700 Depo-Provera lawsuits were pending in MDL 3140 as of May 2026. The first bellwether trial is scheduled for December 2026. A preemption ruling from the court is also pending, which could determine whether federal law blocks some claims.
What is the statute of limitations for Depo-Provera lawsuits?
The statute of limitations for Depo-Provera lawsuits in most states sets a deadline of one to three years after a brain tumor diagnosis to file a claim. However, the discovery rule may extend this deadline, while another law called the statute of repose may bar a claim altogether. You should consult with a lawyer to determine the deadline for your specific case.
How much could a Depo-Provera lawsuit pay out?
No verdicts or settlements have been reached in the Depo-Provera litigation, so no payout amounts can be confirmed. Compensation is often determined by the severity of the meningioma, whether surgery or radiation was required, lost wages, medical costs and the overall impact on quality of life. An attorney can evaluate your specific circumstances.
Please seek the advice of a medical professional before making health care decisions. Thoughts and opinions expressed in personal stories are strictly anecdotal and should not be taken as medical information or advice.
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