Millions of women have used Depo-Provera for birth control, unaware that it might increase their risk of brain tumors called meningiomas. Recent research has uncovered troubling connections between this widely prescribed contraceptive injection and the development of these potentially serious brain tumors. If you have used Depo-Provera and later developed a meningioma, you may have grounds for legal action against the manufacturer. Our experienced Depo-Provera injury attorney is prepared to assist with your case.
What Are Meningiomas?
Meningiomas develop in the protective membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. While these tumors are typically non-cancerous, they can still create significant health complications that dramatically impact your quality of life. As meningiomas grow, they can press against your brain tissue, causing debilitating symptoms including persistent headaches, seizures, vision problems, memory issues, and changes in personality or cognitive function.
To treat meningioma, you need to have brain surgery, which carries substantial risks. This procedure can result in permanent neurological damage, affecting speech, motor function, or other critical abilities controlled by the affected brain region. Even when surgery is successful, recovery can be lengthy and challenging, requiring extensive rehabilitation. The financial burden of treatment, combined with potential loss of income due to disability, can be overwhelming for you and your family.
The Link Between Depo-Provera and Meningioma Development
In March 2024, research published in The British Medical Journal revealed alarming statistics about Depo-Provera’s safety profile. The study, conducted using France’s National Health Data System, analyzed various hormonal contraceptives and their association with meningioma development. The findings were particularly concerning for Depo-Provera users.
Women who used Depo-Provera showed a 5.6 times greater risk of developing meningiomas compared to those using other hormonal contraceptives. Notably, the research found no increased risk with other forms of hormonal birth control, such as intrauterine devices containing levonorgestrel. In fact, the study identified medroxyprogesterone acetate—the active ingredient in Depo-Provera—as one of the progestins that increased meningioma risk with prolonged use.
Seeking Justice After a Meningioma Diagnosis
If you have been diagnosed with a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, you are not alone in your struggle. Lawsuits are being filed across the country against Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, alleging that the company failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about the increased risk of brain tumors. These lawsuits claim that Pfizer knew or should have known about the connection between their product and meningioma development but failed to provide sufficient warnings.
You may be eligible for compensation if you used Depo-Provera for an extended period and subsequently developed a meningioma. By pursuing a lawsuit, you can recover compensation to help pay for:
- Past and future medical expenses associated with your meningioma
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity due to your condition
- Rehabilitation expenses and physical therapy
- Pain and suffering caused by your brain tumor
- Adaptive equipment or home modifications that you now require
Begin Your Legal Journey with Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC
You trusted Depo-Provera to help you, not harm you. If you were diagnosed with a meningioma after taking this medication, Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can help you pursue legal action against the manufacturer. Contact us at (212) 485-9899 to discuss your rights and potential compensation with a Depo-Provera lawsuit attorney.