Depo-Provera and Depo-SubQ Provera 104 are prescription birth control injections given every three months. They work by releasing the progestin hormone DMPA (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate), which suppresses ovulation. Depo-Provera was first approved by the FDA as a contraceptive in 1992, with the SubQ variant following in 2004, and Pfizer has held the product’s NDA since acquiring Pharmacia & Upjohn in 2002.
The meningioma connection
A meningioma is a tumor that grows from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. These tumors are generally slow-growing and can exist for years undetected, but as they grow they can press on the brain, nerves, and blood vessels, causing serious problems including vision loss and seizures.
A study published in the British Medical Journal found that prolonged use (a year or more) of certain progestogens, including medroxyprogesterone, the active hormone in Depo-Provera, may increase the risk of intracranial meningioma. Litigation is developing on behalf of Depo-Provera users who developed meningiomas.
Who may have a claim
Individuals who were prescribed and injected with Depo-Provera or Depo-SubQ Provera 104 for at least a full year (typically four or more injections), and who were then diagnosed with a meningioma or non-cancerous brain tumor along with a related serious injury, such as vision loss, seizures, surgery to remove the tumor, surgical complications, or in the most tragic cases, death, may have a claim. Timing matters as well, particularly diagnosis within a few years of last use.
Whether brand-name versus generic use qualifies can depend on the state where you were prescribed and injected, which is exactly the kind of detail a free case review sorts out.
Talk to us, at no cost
If you used Depo-Provera long-term and were later diagnosed with a meningioma, Pisanchyn Law Firm offers a free, confidential case review, and we do not charge a fee unless we win. Call 1-800-444-5309. This page is part of our mass tort litigation practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the link between Depo-Provera and brain tumors? Published research, including a British Medical Journal study, found that prolonged use of certain progestogens including medroxyprogesterone may increase the risk of intracranial meningioma.
How long did I need to use Depo-Provera to potentially qualify? The litigation generally involves at least a full year of use, typically meaning four or more injections.
Does a benign tumor still qualify? Yes. Meningiomas are typically non-cancerous, and the litigation centers on benign brain tumors and the serious harm they cause, including vision loss, seizures, and surgery.
Does it matter if I received generic injections? It can, depending on the state where you were prescribed and injected. This is a detail worth reviewing rather than assuming either way.
This page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Do not stop any medication without talking to your doctor. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
