Depo-Provera and Brain Tumors: What You Need to Know
On October 1, 2024, a woman filed suit against Pfizer Inc. and affiliated companies in federal court. Her lawsuit alleges the defendants knew or should have known for decades that the contraceptive it markets as Depo-Provera increased the risk of meningioma development but failed to warn users, marking the first lawsuit of its kind. She alleges she developed a brain tumor due to Depo-Provera.
What Is Meningioma?
Meningioma is a type of tumor that forms in tissues around the brain. While usually noncancerous, a meningioma can grow and put pressure on the brain, which requires surgical removal of the tumor. Researchers state that this surgery can have “severe neurological consequences due to the immediate proximity of highly functional cortical area and critical neurovascular structures.” Patients’ brain structures can be damaged, seizures can result, and patients can experience postoperative anxiety and depression.
Is Depo-Provera Linked to Brain Tumors?
In a national case control study, researchers found an association between the prolonged use of certain contraceptives and a risk of intracranial meningioma requiring surgery in the over 100,000 women who were part of the study. Researchers identified 18,061 women who had surgery within a decade’s time to remove intracranial meningiomas and compared them to a controlled group who had not taken the contraceptives being studied. They found that medroxyprogesterone acetate (sold as Depo-Provera) was linked to a 5.6 greater risk of an intracranial meningioma requiring surgery.
Current Lawsuits Concerning Depo-Provera and Brain Tumors
The October 1 filing marked the first Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuit against Pfizer. The plaintiff in that case says that she took regularly-prescribed injections of Depo-Provera, supplied by the defendants, from 2005 to 2021. She was diagnosed with an intracranial meningioma, a condition she believes is a Depo Provera-related meningioma tumor because the location of the tumor is in the exact location where researchers have found most progesterone-mediated meningiomas develop. She charges the defendants with breach of express and implied warranty, negligence, negligent design defect, negligent failure to warn, and negligent and fraudulent misrepresentation.
Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. is actively investigating similar claims. If you believe that you may have a Depo Prover-related brain tumor or would like more information about how to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit, contact our legal team today.
Do I Have a Depo-Provera Meningioma Case?
If you used Depo-Provera for at least three years before you developed a brain tumor, you may have a legal claim for compensation. An experienced lawyer from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can meet with you to discuss your legal options. We may ask the following to determine if you have a viable claim:
- How many years have you used Depo-Provera?
- When was your brain tumor diagnosed?
- Did you have any recurrence of brain tumors?
- What type of medical treatment did you receive?
- Did you complete surgery to remove the tumor?
- How many years of treatment have you gone through?
- Did you suffer complications from your brain tumor or medical treatment?
- Do you have memory issues or vision issues because of the tumor or treatment?
- Did you lose your job because of the condition or treatment?
Why Choose Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for Your Dangerous Drug Case?
To bring a successful claim, you will need detailed medical records, expert testimony, and an established link between your use of Depo-Provera and your diagnosis of meningioma. The seasoned trial attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can help you meet your evidentiary burden and call upon our network of medical experts to assist. We have extensive experience handling dangerous drug cases, medical malpractice claims, and pharmaceutical litigation. We have recovered over $2.7 billion in life-changing verdicts and settlements through our relentless pursuit of justice. Contact us today to speak to an experienced lawyer during your free and confidential consultation.
