Depo-Provera and Brain Tumor Risk
For decades, many women have relied on Depo-Provera as a convenient, effective birth control option. Depo-Provera is a progestin-only contraceptive, making it suitable for people who cannot take estrogen. It is administered by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection and provides long-lasting pregnancy protection.
Unfortunately, a shocking new medical study reveals a possible but significant association between the use of the Depo-Provera birth control shot and an increased risk of developing a very specific type of brain tumor called a meningioma. The research found that women who used Depo-Provera or its generic versions were at a much higher risk of developing meningiomas. This possible risk increases with long-term use, making it important for women using this form of birth control to be aware of the potential dangers.
The increased risk is thought to be linked to medroxyprogesterone acetate, a hormone in Depo-Provera that may stimulate brain tumor growth in sensitive brain tissues. Brain tumors can be classified as primary or secondary tumors (primary brain tumors begin in the brain, while secondary brain tumors spread to the brain from other parts of the body).If you or a loved one has used Depo-Provera and been diagnosed with a meningioma, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us today for a free, confidential case evaluation to learn about your legal rights and options.
We are ONLY Representing Meningioma Brain Tumor Injuries
We are NOT reviewing ANY other types of Depo-Provera injuries or side effects at this time.
Do I Qualify for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
Mctlaw is investigating Depo-Provera claims for people who meet the following criteria:
- You were prescribed and had at least 4 injections of Depo-Provera or a generic version (medroxyprogesterone acetate).
- You got Depo-Provera birth control shots AFTER 1992.
- A doctor diagnosed you with a meningioma brain tumor (malignant or benign).
Don’t let time run out on your potential claim. If you meet these criteria, contact our legal team now for a free, no-obligation consultation. Filing deadlines are strict, and acting quickly protects your right to seek compensation.
What Is Depo-Provera Birth Control?
Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive shot manufactured by Pfizer that provides long-lasting pregnancy prevention. The brand name for the synthetic hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), Depo-Provera has been used by millions of women worldwide as a convenient alternative to daily birth control pills.
Depo-Provera users receive an injection once every three months (12-13 weeks) administered either intramuscularly or subcutaneously. If users consistently receive their injections on a three-month schedule, the shot is very effective at preventing pregnancy, making it one of the most reliable contraceptive methods available.
Depo-Provera is also sold under generic names including Depo-SubQ Provera 104 and other medroxyprogesterone acetate formulations. While highly effective as a contraceptive, recent research has raised serious concerns about potential health risks associated with long-term use of this injectable birth control method.
Side Effects of Depo-Provera Birth Control Shot
Beyond the major health warnings, many people experience birth control shot side effects such as:
- Bone density loss
- Menstrual disruptions from spotting or complete stopping of period after use,
- Significant weight gain
- Increased fatigue, “brain fog,” or bouts of depression and nervousness,
- Breast tenderness, a decrease in sex drive, or persistent headaches and dizziness.
Because the hormone stays in the system, it can take a long time (sometimes over a year) for these side effects to wear off and for your natural cycle to return once you stop the injections.
What Are Meningioma Tumors?
Meningiomas are typically non-cancerous tumors that develop in the meninges, i.e. the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While most meningiomas grow slowly, they can cause serious complications as they expand and press against the brain or spinal cord. Brain tumor symptoms can include serious health problems such as persistent headaches, seizures, vision issues, and neurological deficits. Some meningiomas cause no symptoms at all and are discovered only during imaging tests for other conditions.
In many cases, doctors must perform brain surgery to remove the tumor. This surgery carries risks, including potential damage to surrounding brain tissue and the neurological functions it controls, such as movement, speech, memory, or sensation. Even benign meningiomas can require complex surgical procedures, and some tumors in difficult-to-reach locations may be impossible to remove completely.
For tumors that cannot be surgically removed or recur after surgery, doctors may recommend radiation therapy or careful monitoring with regular brain scans. The prognosis generally depends on the tumor’s size, location, growth rate, and whether it can be completely removed.
Get a Depo-Provera injury case review now
Don’t wait for time to run out on a potential claim.
Is there a Lawsuit Against Depo-Provera Birth Control Shot?
A study published in The British Medical Journal in March 2024 found that women who used Depo-Provera have a 5.6 times greater meningioma risk compared to women who used other hormonal contraceptives. This elevated risk is particularly concerning for long-term users. Plaintiffs in these lawsuits argue that if Pfizer had disclosed this information, many women would have chosen different contraceptive options, and healthcare providers would have been more careful when prescribing the drug. The FDA has since approved a new safety warning for Depo-Provera regarding the risk of meningioma.
The lawsuits currently being filed against Pfizer argue that the developers knew, or should have known, about the serious side effects of Depo-Provera, including meningioma risk. If Pfizer was aware of this information, they had a responsibility to inform users about the risk so they can seek a diagnosis.
In response to the growing number of lawsuits, Pfizer has filed motions asking courts to dismiss these claims, arguing that their “hands were tied” by federal law. It has claimed that the FDA had reviewed the available data and did not find the evidence sufficient to mandate a warning. Therefore, Pfizer did not add such a warning to the product.
Timeline of Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Litigation
- March 2024: A study published in The British Medical Journal linked Depo-Provera to a higher risk of meningioma. The study was merely observational – it did not draw a cause-and-effect relationship. However, it noted the importance of further research given their findings.
- March 2024: Pfizer acknowledged the publication and stated: “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.”
- August 2024: Lawyers began filing individual lawsuits and investigating claims.
- November 2024: Multidistrict litigation was filed. The plaintiffs request that the court combine 22 Depo-Provera claims in a California court.
- January 2025: A class action lawsuit was filed. The proposed remedy is to establish a proactive medical monitoring program to help those at high risk of developing a meningioma.
- February 2025: A Multidistrict litigation has been established in the Northern District of Florida.
What Evidence Do I Need to File a Depo-Provera Meningioma Lawsuit?
To file a successful Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuit, the evidence must bridge the gap between your use of the medication and your subsequent brain tumor diagnosis. Our attorneys will review your case thoroughly and require evidence, such as pharmacy records, prescription history, any “Explanation of Benefits” statements from your insurer, imaging scans and reports, neurological records, and other medical bills. We might also want to collate a record of your daily struggles or if available, documentation of lost wages or a decreased ability to work due to neurological symptoms or post-op recovery.If you believe you have a claim related to Depo-Provera use, contact our product recall attorneys at mctlaw for a free consultation. We will review your case based on your medical history, length of Depo-Provera use, and your diagnosis to determine if you qualify for compensation.
Depo-Provera & Brain Tumor Risk: FAQs
What Is Medroxyprogesterone Acetate?
Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, which is something that your body naturally produces. Progesterone is found in hormonal birth control pills and other medications. This synthetic hormone can also be used to treat conditions like endometriosis and hormonal imbalances.
How Effective Is Depo Provera Birth Control?
Depo-Provera is claimed to be over 99% effective with perfect use (getting your shot every 12–13 weeks), though typical use effectiveness might drop if shots are late or missed. At the same time, Depo-Provera users should be aware of significant recent health concerns, particularly in relation to increased risk of meningioma. If you are considering or currently using Depo-Provera, it is vital to discuss these specific risks and your medical history with a healthcare provider to decide if it remains the right choice for you.
Is Depo Provera a Long-term Birth Control?
No, Depo-Provera is not classified as a long-term birth control solution. The FDA has recommended it should not be used for longer than 2 years due to bone density concerns, unless other methods are inadequate. The ongoing lawsuits also make it a poor choice for long-term usage.
Do Other Forms of Birth Control Put Me at Risk for Developing Brain Cancer?
No. Right now, the only type of birth control that has been shown to have a link to meningioma risk is Depo-Provera. Based on the available evidence, attorneys at mctlaw are currently only litigating Depo-Provera meningioma cases.
Can I Sue If I Used a Generic Brand?
Yes, you may be able to sue if you used an “authorized generic” (such as those made by Greenstone or Viatris), which is chemically identical to Pfizer’s brand-name version and often distributed under Pfizer’s own corporate umbrella. At mctlaw, we have experience navigating these technical “generic vs. brand” hurdles, which means even if you aren’t sure which version you received, our team can work to uncover those records to determine your eligibility.
Can I Sue If I Stopped Using Depo-Provera Years Ago?
Yes, you can still pursue a lawsuit even if you stopped using the Depo-Provera shot years ago. The link between Depo-Provera and meningioma is a “latent” injury, meaning the damage can develop slowly over time and may not be discovered until long after the medication has left your system. Also, the Depo-Provera litigation is based on the cumulative effect of the hormone on the body, and many women who used the birth control shot years ago and are only now dealing with the neurological consequences, might be eligible.
Speak To mctlaw To Discuss Your Depo-Provera Birth Control Shot Lawsuit
Choosing the right birth control is a deeply personal decision, and for years, many women chose Depo-Provera because it offered a sense of freedom and reliability. Now, with over a thousand women now coming forward to hold manufacturers accountable for undisclosed risks, the Depo-Provera litigation has reached a critical turning point.
At mctlaw, we are at the forefront of medical product liability recall lawsuits. Our attorneys have decades of experience in high-stakes product liability and pharmaceutical litigation. We are uniquely positioned to handle the complexities of the Depo-Provera brain tumor claims. If you believe you have a case, don’t hesitate to contact us. We take cases across the United States.
Latest News
- Depo-Provera Lawsuits: mctlaw Attorney Tamara Spires Attends First MDL ConferenceOn Friday, mctlaw attorney Tamara Spires attended the initial case management conference for the Depo-Provera litigation (MDL 3140) in Pensacola, Florida. This… Read more: Depo-Provera Lawsuits: mctlaw Attorney Tamara Spires Attends First MDL Conference
- Depo-Provera Lawsuits Move Forward in Northern District of Florida MDLDepo-Provera lawsuits are finally moving forward. On February 7, 2025, the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued a transfer order… Read more: Depo-Provera Lawsuits Move Forward in Northern District of Florida MDL
Meet Our Team
Honors & Awards:
Featured on:
Content Reviewed by Michele Stephan-Arsenault – Product Liability Lawyer
Michele Stephan-Arsenault handles product liability cases in state and federal courts throughout the country. Ms. Stephan-Arsenault has represented clients in civil litigation for over 25 years. At mctlaw she litigates cases for clients with defective hip replacements and defective drug and pharmaceutical lawsuits. Ms. Stephan-Arsenault is a member of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee and a Director of the Sarasota County Bar Association.
This page was last updated:
Contact Us Now
As an experienced leader in these types of lawsuits, we were confident the firm would have the expertise. However, what surprised us most was the high level of excellent customer service from the firm’s staff!
Pat R.
I can’t recommend this firm enough. They have an outstanding team that truly care for their clients…I have been awarded a fair six figure settlement.
Nate M.
When I say “they went to bat” for me…this Law Firm literally did just that. They persevered to bring the hard-nosed Manufacturer to settle and provide me some recompense for everything I had to endure which led to this suit.
Me’Chelle