Depo Provera Lawsuit Updates
Depo-Provera MDL Expands 25% in One Month, Reaching 435 Cases
The Depo-Provera multidistrict litigation (MDL) has grown to 435 active cases before Judge M. Casey Rodgers in the Northern District of Florida. This reflects an addition of 87 new cases in the past 30 days alone—a 25% increase in filings. The accelerated growth underscores rising legal action against Pfizer and affiliates, with plaintiffs alleging the injectable contraceptive caused brain tumors. The MDL continues to consolidate federal lawsuits from across the country as more women link long-term Depo-Provera use to their diagnoses. This surge occurs as the court advances pre-trial proceedings, including critical preemption briefings scheduled through October 2025.
Court Sets Deadlines for Preemption Challenge in Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Litigation
Judge M. Casey Rodgers has established deadlines governing preemption arguments in the Depo-Provera multidistrict litigation (MDL). This MDL involves hundreds of women alleging the injectable birth control caused their brain tumors. Defendant Pfizer asserts preemption, claiming the FDA barred it from adding a brain tumor warning to the drug's label—a common defense in pharmaceutical litigation that rarely succeeds. Judge Rodgers issued a schedule update specifically to ensure all preemption briefing is completed by the court's October 2025 deadline. This procedural step focuses the litigation on resolving this threshold legal defense before proceeding further.
New Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Depo-Provera MDL Alleges Contraceptive Caused Fatal Brain Tumor
The family of Texas resident Anita Petersen has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Pfizer and affiliates within the Depo-Provera MDL. The complaint alleges the injectable contraceptive caused a fatal brain tumor. Ms. Petersen received Depo-Provera over many years, including during her Minnesota residency from 2006 to 2012. She died suddenly at age 47 in October 2024. An autopsy attributed her death to a hemorrhage from an undiagnosed intracranial meningioma brain tumor. The lawsuit contends this tumor was triggered by long-term Depo-Provera exposure. This case expands the multidistrict litigation involving hundreds of women alleging brain injuries linked to the birth control injection.
Parties Propose Amended Litigation Schedule with Key Preemption Deadlines
The parties have jointly proposed an amended scheduling order to the court. Key deadlines focus on completing preemption briefing by September 26, 2025. The schedule includes closing preemption discovery by July 25, 2025, filing summary judgment motions by August 22, 2025, and holding oral argument on September 29, 2025. General causation discovery will extend into 2026, concluding expert depositions by January 10, 2026. Motions challenging expert testimony under Rule 702 (Daubert motions) are due by February 10, 2026. This proposed order aims to align critical pre-trial phases efficiently.
About The Depo-Provera Lawsuit
Depo Provera was once a popular birth control choice for women seeking long-term contraception without the inconvenience of taking daily pills. However, disturbing claims have recently started to surface that the birth control injections can lead to the development of brain tumors.
As more women face the diagnosis of brain tumors after using Depo Provera, many are coming forward, claiming that they were never told about the risks associated with the drug.
What Is Depo Provera?
Depo Provera (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate), manufactured by Pfizer, is an injectable form of birth control that relies on progestin. It works by slowly releasing the hormone to prevent ovulation for 12 to 14 weeks between injections.
Often referred to as the “Depo Shot”, the injection is administered by a healthcare professional into the muscles of the arm or buttocks. Many women relied on this convenient option, trusting that it was safe for long-term use.
Why Is Depo Provera Dangerous?
The problem lies in the alleged connection between Depo Provera and meningiomas, which are tumors that form on the brain and spinal cord. Recent studies have suggested a link between prolonged use of Depo Provera and an increased risk of developing brain tumors.
Despite these potential dangers, Pfizer is accused of failing to warn the women using the birth control method of the possible risks. Women who took Depo Provera for extended periods may have unknowingly exposed themselves to these risks. Many are now facing serious health consequences.
What Health Issues Are Linked to Depo Provera?
The primary concern associated with Depo Provera is its link to meningioma tumors. Although meningioma brain tumors are often benign, they can still cause significant health problems due to their location.
In many cases, meningioma tumors may require surgery. They can also lead to other complications like headaches, vision problems, or even seizures.
Women who took Depo Provera for years are now dealing with these life-altering conditions, and they’re looking for answers.
What Are the Claims in the Lawsuits?
Around the world, millions of women have used Depo Provera and generic versions to prevent pregnancy since approval in 1992 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
A study released in March 2024 and carried out by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that women who used Depo Provera were 5.6 times more likely to develop a brain tumor.
Reports show that the risks associated with Depo Provera and the development of brain tumors have been submitted to the FDA for decades. The data also shows that incidences of brain tumors are continuing to increase. Despite the reports, Pfizer failed to warn women about the potential risks.
The main claims in the Depo Provera lawsuits include:
- Pfizer failed to warn users about the potential link between Depo Provera and brain tumors.
- The company was negligent in its duty to ensure the drug’s safety.
- Women were put at risk due to the lack of proper testing.
- Many women claim that the potential serious side effects associated with the Depo Shot were never disclosed.
How To Pre-Qualify For The Depo Provera Lawsuit
To pre-qualify, you must have used Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera, or an authorized generic form of medroxyprogesterone acetate at least twice after 1992.
You must have also been diagnosed with meningioma or a brain tumor at least 2 years after your first shot.
Factors like the length of Depo-Provera use, the time between the last use and your diagnosis, as well as the type of brain tumor or meningioma diagnosed, will also be considered. You will need to speak to a lawyer about the specifics of your case.
The Rise of Depo Provera Lawsuits
As more women learn about the possible dangers of Depo Provera, lawsuits are being submitted across the country. Many of these lawsuits claim that Pfizer failed to adequately warn women about the risks of developing meningiomas.
Women who used Depo Provera are seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to their diagnoses. The goal of the plaintiffs is to hold Pfizer accountable for the harm caused by their product.
What Can You Do if You Took Depo Provera?
If you took Depo Provera and later developed a brain tumor, you may be eligible to join a class action lawsuit.
Your first step should be to consult with your doctor to discuss your use of Depo Provera and determine if your health problems are linked to the use of injectable birth control.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a brain tumor, you may be able to pursue financial compensation. First, you’ll want to gather your medical records, including documentation of your Depo Provera use and your diagnosis.
What Are Your Next Steps?
If you or a loved one has been affected by Depo Provera, now is the time to take action. Thousands of women are seeking justice for the harm they’ve suffered, and you may be entitled to compensation.
Joining a class action lawsuit is about more than obtaining a settlement. It’s also about holding Pfizer accountable for the safety of the products they sell.
Join a Class Action Lawsuit
The potential dangers of Depo Provera have left many women feeling betrayed and uncertain about their future and health.
If you’ve taken Depo Provera and are now facing health issues, you’re not alone. Class action lawsuits offer a way to seek justice and compensation for the suffering and associated risks of using Depo Provera.
Don’t wait. Consult with your doctor, explore your legal options, and take steps to protect your rights. We encourage you to start the process of finding out if you may qualify for a Depo Provera class action lawsuit. We can help you stay informed and provide you with the latest updates regarding the lawsuit. Subscribe to OnlyClassActions for further details.
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