A September 2025 study from Cleveland Clinic researchers is raising serious concerns about the safety of one of the most widely used injectable contraceptives in the United States. The study, published in JAMA Neurology, found a statistically significant link between Depo-Provera use and an increased risk of developing meningioma, a type of brain tumor.
For the millions of women who have relied on this birth control method over the past few decades, these findings carry significant weight. If you or someone you love was diagnosed with a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, you may have grounds to pursue legal action against Pfizer, the medication’s manufacturer.
What Is Depo-Provera, or Medroxyprogesterone Acetate?
Depo-Provera is the widely recognized brand name for depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, a long-acting injectable contraceptive. This medication works by suppressing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus to create a barrier against sperm, and thinning the uterine lining to prevent eggs from implanting. Administered as a shot once every three months, Depo-Provera has been a popular birth control choice due to its convenience and effectiveness.
A lower-dose version, called Depo-SubQ Provera 104, is also available. While the standard Depo-Provera shot is injected deep into the muscle, the SubQ version is delivered just beneath the skin. Both versions deliver the hormone in a concentrated depot that remains active in the body over a prolonged period.
Researchers Found an Increased Risk of Meningioma Among Depo-Provera Patients
The Cleveland Clinic study examined data from TriNetX, a national database spanning 68 healthcare organizations, and analyzed records from December 2004 through December 2024. More than 10 million female patients met the study’s inclusion criteria, making it one of the largest investigations into the relationship between depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and meningioma risk conducted in the United States.
The researchers found that women who used depot medroxyprogesterone acetate had a relative risk of 2.43 for a meningioma diagnosis compared with healthy patients who did not use hormonal contraceptives. That means Depo-Provera users were roughly two and a half times more likely to be diagnosed with a meningioma. This elevated risk was most pronounced in two groups: women who used the injection for longer than four years, and women who began using it after the age of 31.
The study also compared depot medroxyprogesterone acetate against other forms of birth control, including combined oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, progestin-only pills, and subdermal implants. None of these other contraceptive methods showed an increased risk of meningioma. These findings suggest that a specific aspect of how Depo-Provera is delivered and absorbed in the body may contribute to tumor development.
What Is Meningioma and Why Is It a Concern?
A meningioma is a tumor that develops in the meninges, or the thin protective layers surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. Even non-cancerous tumors in this location can cause serious, life-altering complications.
Treatment for meningioma typically involves surgery, radiation therapy, or both—each carrying its own set of risks. Surgery to remove a meningioma can lead to infection, bleeding, swelling, or damage to surrounding brain tissue, potentially worsening the very symptoms the procedure is meant to address. Radiation therapy can cause fatigue, skin irritation, hair loss at the treatment site, and, over time, may affect healthy tissue near the tumor.
For many patients, the effects of a meningioma diagnosis ripple through every aspect of daily life for years. Difficulty concentrating, memory loss, personality or mood changes, seizures, and balance and coordination problems are common among meningioma patients. Many people also experience changes in vision, hearing, or speech. Recovery often requires ongoing support from rehabilitation specialists, including physical, occupational, and speech therapists.
What Does This Study Mean for Current Depo-Provera Users?
This Cleveland Clinic study adds scientific backing to the growing wave of lawsuits filed against Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera. Plaintiffs in these cases allege that Pfizer knew or should have known about the link between depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and meningioma risk and failed to warn patients and healthcare providers. The lawsuits seek to hold Pfizer accountable for the harm caused by this alleged failure.
Through these lawsuits, plaintiffs are seeking damages for medical expenses, lost income, and the lasting impact that a meningioma diagnosis has had on their quality of life. If you’ve been using Depo-Provera and were recently diagnosed with this condition, speak to an attorney right away to learn whether you can pursue financial compensation.
Who May Be Eligible to File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit and pursue compensation if you meet the following criteria:
- You used Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera 104, or an authorized generic version of the birth control shot.
- You received at least one year of treatment.
- You were subsequently diagnosed with a cerebral meningioma brain tumor.
You will need to file your claim within the applicable statute of limitations, which sets a limit on how long you have to pursue a lawsuit after your diagnosis. These deadlines vary by state, and if you miss yours, you may lose your right to seek compensation entirely.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered in a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
If you qualify to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for a range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses, including surgery, radiation therapy, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing care related to your meningioma diagnosis
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity, if your condition has prevented you from working or reduced your ability to earn a living
- Pain and suffering, reflecting the physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the tumor and its treatment
- Future medical costs, for anticipated treatment, monitoring, and rehabilitative care you may need going forward
Every case is different, and the damages available to you will depend on the details of your situation, your diagnosis, and the laws in your state.
Talk to a Lawyer About Your Depo-Provera Claim
The Cleveland Clinic’s findings make one thing clear: the connection between Depo-Provera and meningioma risk is supported by large-scale research—and women who have been harmed deserve answers.
If you or someone you love was diagnosed with a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can help you fight back. Our Depo-Provera lawsuit attorneys are helping patients nationwide hold Pfizer accountable and pursue the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. Contact us at (800) 220-0984 for a free consultation and start building your case today.