Depo-Provera Lawsuit: Updates, Settlement Amounts and More

Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a popular injectable birth control administered every three months. The contraceptive injection contains the hormone progestin and is widely used to suppress the menstrual cycle along with several types of negative menstrual conditions and side effects. However, recent Depo-Provera lawsuits have revealed a connection between the medication and the development of brain and spinal tumors. It also comes with an increased risk of breast cancer. Pharmaceutical company Pfizer failed to properly advise both doctors and patients about the risk. As an increasing number of tumor cases arise, it becomes clear that sufficient warning and long-term health studies were not pursued. 

If you have developed brain or spinal tumors after taking Depo-Provera, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for the harm and suffering you have experienced. Our Depo-Provera lawyers can help you.

What Is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is a progestin injection used for birth control, menstrual suppression, and management of negative menstrual symptoms. It prevents pregnancy by preventing eggs from developing and increases cervical mucus to prevent sperm from traveling toward an egg. 

“Depo” is a popular birth control alternative administered once every three months. Many women prefer the solution because it does not require pills or a patch. However, long-term use is not advised due to risks of permanent bone density loss and increased risk of breast cancer associated with most progestin-based hormonal birth control. Depo Provera is also known to cause typical birth control issues like weight changes and depression.

Depo-Provera Linked to Brain Tumors

Unfortunately, one of the side effects of Depo-Provera birth control considered “too minor to mention” is an increased risk of tumors of the brain and spinal cord. The British Medical Journal reports that Depo-Provera increases the risk of intracranial meningiomas by 5.6 times if the birth control medication is used for over a year. Considering that many women choose it as their primary form of birth control and hormone management, the risk of meningiomas can continue to increase over time.

Progestin-related drugs, along with other hormone therapy medications like medrogestone and Promegestone, also increase the risk of intracranial meningiomas. Pfizer is aware of the risks of long-term progestogens, but women and their doctors are not warned about the risks before Depo-Provera is prescribed.

Side Effects of Depo-Provera

Like any medication, Depo-Provera has a number of known side effects at varying risk levels. Risks of spot bleeding, mood swings, depression, and weight gain are par for the course when it comes to birth control. Most women choose birth control that provides the fewest personal negative side-effects. But you can’t sense a tumor growing like you can feel a mood swing.

Side effects of Depo-Provera include:

• Decreased bone density – Depo-Provera and other progestogens can cause significant and permanent loss of bone density, especially with prolonged use.
• Breast cancer – Depo-Provera poses a slightly increased risk of breast cancer.
• Brain tumors – Benign (non-cancerous) brain and spine tumors are directly related to Depo-Provera and can even shrink when patients stop taking Depo.
• Pseudotumor cerebri – The risk of benign tumors forming in the brain and spine is an alarming new introduction to Depo’s otherwise well-rounded set of features.
• Depression – Depo-Provera can cause considerable mood changes and depression.
• Liver function – There may be a potential for liver function increase, including jaundice.
• Vision problems – Possible vision changes due to serious conditions like blood clots in the eye.

Depo-Provera Lawsuit Updates

What to Do If You’ve Been Affected

Symptoms of brain and spinal tumors include severe headaches, vision changes, hearing loss, memory loss, and loss of smell. Fatigue and seizures may also occur. If you’ve experienced these symptoms or been diagnosed with meningiomas after using Depo-Provera, take steps to protect your health. You may also have a valid claim against the manufacturer.

Here’s what you should do:

• Seek medical attention – Get your condition diagnosed and seek treatment. Take care of yourself and put your health first.
• Document everything – Ask your doctor for full health records and copies of any scan. Include records of your Depo-Provera use and when your symptoms began.
• Talk to a Depo-Provera attorney – Discuss the potential of your case to make medical claims if you believe that Depo-Provera may have been the source of your spine and brain tumors, for which you were not properly warned.

Am I Eligible to File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?

Eligibility for a Depo-Provera lawsuit is determined by three key factors: Usage, diagnosis, and other considerations.

• Usage – Must have used Depo-Provera or an authorized generic version at least twice.
• Diagnosis – Must have been diagnosed with meningioma or a brain tumor after using Depo-Provera
• Other factors – Other elements that may influence your eligibility include the duration of Depo-Provera use, the time between the last use and the diagnosis, and the exact nature of your diagnosis.

Filing a Depo-Provera Lawsuit

The first step to filing a Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuit or spinal tumor lawsuit is to work with a personal injury attorney. Look for someone who specializes in medical cases, as fighting a pharmaceutical manufacturer is a complex and critical task, especially concerning a case type which will probably involve a multidistrict litigation in the future like this one. Together, you will build a case of medical evidence regarding how your birth control shot use likely caused your current medical condition, the severity of your condition, and the compensation that could be reached as a settlement if your case succeeds.

Gathering Evidence for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit

Collecting the evidence needed to prove your claim is vital. Evidence which might strengthen your case includes prescription records, comprehensive medical records, financial records which prove damages, witness and personal testimony, as well as proof that the medication you took was Depo-Provera or a generic which is authorized.

Evidence needed for Depo-Provera lawsuits includes:

• Documentation of use of Depo-Provera: Medical records, such as doctor’s notes and prescription records, which demonstrate you received Depo-Provera, an authorized generic or depo-SubQ at least twice.
• Records of diagnosis: Proof that you were diagnosed with a brain tumor or meningioma, including CT or MRI scan results, pathology reports, and oncologist or neurologist records which show your diagnosis happened after you started Depo-Provera.
• Records of treatment: Documentation that you received treatment for your tumor, like medication, radiation therapy or surgery.
• Prescription and pharmacy records: Records which show that Depo-Provera or an authorized generic was dispensed, and which establish frequency of use and a timeline of use.
• Witness testimony: Statements from coworkers, friends or family explaining how your life has been impacted.
• Your testimony: Your personal account of your use of Depo-Provera, your symptoms’ onset, and how the tumor has affected your life, including loss of income, pain and suffering.
• Financial records: These document your economic losses relating to lost wages, medical bills and additional expenses which relate to your tumor.
• Impact upon your quality of life: This involves evidence which shows how your quality of life has been affected by your tumor, including psychological trauma, loss of enjoyment or work incapacity.
• Event timeline: A clear timeline which links you starting Depo-Provera, the diagnosis of the tumor, and the progression of the condition.
• Verification of the involvement of a defendant: Evidence that the drug you used was Depo-Provera made by Pfizer, or, alternately, an authorized generic is important to establish who the defendant is in your lawsuit.

How Much Is a Depo-Provera Settlement Worth?

The total amount that you might receive as a Depo-Provera settlement varies from case to case. However, certain conditions will be considered, including both your financial losses and the emotional impact that the loss has caused.

The following factors will impact your settlement value:

• Medical expenses – The cost of doctor’s visits, scans, and medical treatments.
• Long-term recovery costs – The cost of future treatments and medical care during recovery.
• Lost wages – Wages lost due to the illness taking you away from work.
• Lost earning potential – Loss of the ability to earn at your full capacity.
• Pain and suffering – The suffering and harm you experienced as a result of the illness.
• Loss of consortium – Loss of the ability to participate as a full member of your household.

In addition to the amount of money you lost to the illness, your lawyer may also seek punitive damages on your behalf as part of a Depo-Provera shot lawsuit.

Who Isn’t Eligible for a Lawsuit?

Not every individual who has taken injectable birth control is going to qualify to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit. As an example, patients who only took unauthorized generic or non-brand versions, did not use the drug sufficiently, received tumor diagnoses prior to use of Depo-Provera, or have been diagnosed with pre-existing neurological problems may not qualify to recover compensation.

Exclusions for eligibility for a lawsuit include:

• Unauthorized generic or non-brand use: Those who have only used unauthorized generic or non-brand (meaning non-Pfizer) versions of the drug might fail to qualify.
• Insufficient use: Those who have used depo-SubQ Provera, Depo-Provera or a generic version which is authorized less than two times might get excluded.
• Diagnosis prior to use: Those diagnosed with a brain tumor or meningioma before using the drug might not qualify.
• No diagnosed tumor: Those who haven’t been diagnosed with a brain or spinal tumor might not qualify despite other symptoms.
• Usage of additional contraceptives: Those whose tumor diagnosis might be explained by other hormonal medications or contraceptives might get excluded.
• Conditions which are pre-existing: Those with a history of meningiomas, brain tumors or additional neurological conditions which predate their Depo-Provera use might not qualify.
• Other diagnoses: Those diagnosed with neurological conditions or brain tumors which are not related to Depo-Provera or progestin might get excluded.
• Restrictions related to timeframe: A time limit may exist regarding how long after your last usage of the drug a diagnosis needs to be made in order to qualify. Diagnoses made after this timeframe might result in you getting excluded from a lawsuit.

Depo-Provera Statute of Limitations to File a Claim

The statute of limitations in a dangerous drug lawsuit will vary from state to state and will usually range between one year and six years. This timeline may start from the date of discovery or injury but can be extended by a discovery rule or when the plaintiff is incapacitated or a minor. Since the statute of limitations can vary significant in these cases, it’s essential to contact an attorney.

A lawyer can help make sure your lawsuit is filed on time and help with gathering the right documentation. Individuals affected should begin collecting the needed documentation as soon as possible, since collecting Depo-Provera usage proof and medical records can take time.

These lawsuits will typically be based upon product liability or personal injury claims. Regarding personal injury claims, the majority of states have two to three year statutes of limitations from date of discovery or injury. The time frame is similar for product liability claims – the time limit begins when the harm or injury gets discovered.

The statute might start when the meningioma or brain tumor gets diagnosed, or when your condition gets linked with Depo-Provera, which extends the time limit when the injury isn’t immediately apparent. The statute could get paused when the plaintiff is incapacitated or a minor, starting after they regain capacity or turn 18.

In addition, wrongful death claims see different deadlines apply, typically beginning at the date of death. Lawyers with a lot of experience in dangerous drug cases can determine your case’s statute of limitations as well as any exceptions which are applicable.

Who Manufactures Depo-Provera?

Pfizer is a pharmaceutical company based in New York. The company is known for medications such as Zoloft, Xanax, Viagra and Advil, as well as its COVID-19 vaccine. Pfizer saw the second largest revenue of any pharmaceutical company in 2020.

Pfizer was founded over 150 years ago and its triumphs include discovery of citric acid as well as mass production of vitamin C and penicillin.

However, the company has also been the subject of numerous lawsuits alleging they sold defective medications. The company has also been charged with healthcare fraud by the United States government.

In May 2024, it was reported that Pfizer would pay as much as $250 million to settle lawsuits which allege that the company failed to warn the public that Zantac could cause cancer.

In 2013, the company paid out a $273 settlement over lawsuits which alleged that Chantix provoked homicidal and suicidal thoughts, severe psychological disorders and self-harm.

In 2012, Pfizer paid out about $1 billion in order to settle lawsuits which claimed that Prempro caused patients to develop breast cancer.

In 2011, Pfizer had to compensate families of children who were killed in a drug trial in Africa. This drug trial involved giving one group of children their new drug and another group of children a conventional antibiotic. It was alleged that Pfizer intentionally gave the control group less of the conventional antibiotic than recommended to make their new drug appear more effective, and it was alleged that six children died because of this.

In 2009, Pfizer paid out a $2.3 billion settlement over falsely promoting Zyvox, Lyrica Pregabalin, Geodon capsules and Bextra valdecoxib tablets.

In 2004, Pfizer paid out a $430 million settlement over the off-label promotion of Neurontin.

In 1986, Pfizer needed to withdraw from the market their artificial heart valve because its defects caused it to be implicated in excess of 300 deaths. The company ended up paying out hundreds of millions of dollars due to lawsuits.

Contact a Depo-Provera Lawsuit Attorney Today

If you have been affected by the Depo-Provera brain tumor risk, don’t hesitate to call Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers for help exploring your options. We’ll help you put together a case based on your eligibility and the total impact that the illness has had on your life as a result of poor information on birth control medication. Fill out our form for a free case consultation today.