Depo Provera Lawsuit Updates
Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Litigation Grows, Nears 1,500 Cases
Between November and December 2025, 245 new lawsuits were added to the multidistrict litigation (MDL) against Pfizer concerning its Depo-Provera contraceptive injection. The total now stands at 1,470 active cases filed by women and families who allege the injection caused the development of pituitary brain tumors. While typically non-cancerous, these tumors can result in severe complications including vision loss, debilitating migraines, and seizures. A central allegation is that Pfizer provided warnings about this risk to doctors and patients in Europe and Canada but failed to issue the same warnings in the United States.
UCSF Warns of Potential Brain Tumor Risks Linked to Depo-Provera
Medical advocates at the University of California, San Francisco continue to caution women about possible brain tumor risks associated with Depo-Provera use. The injectable contraceptive introduces medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of progesterone, into the body. Intracranial meningiomas are known to respond to hormones such as progesterone and may develop or enlarge with elevated hormone exposure. While patients in Canada and other countries received warnings about this potential risk, women in the United States did not. As a result, affected patients have initiated legal actions against pharmaceutical manufacturers over inadequate disclosure of safety information.
Federal Court Considers Preemption Defense in Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Litigation
In November 2025, the judge overseeing the Depo-Provera multidistrict litigation heard arguments from Pfizer asserting federal preemption. The manufacturer contends that the FDA's regulatory authority prevented it from unilaterally adding a brain tumor warning to the drug's label. A ruling in Pfizer's favor would dismiss the core failure-to-warn claims. Plaintiffs now await the court's decision, which will determine whether their lawsuits alleging the birth control shot caused meningiomas can proceed to trial or are barred by federal law.
Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Litigation Continues to Expand
Hundreds of women have filed lawsuits alleging that Depo-Provera injections caused them to develop intracranial meningiomas, severely impacting their quality of life. The plaintiffs contend that Pfizer and other manufacturers failed to warn about this risk or develop a safer product. Currently, 1,225 cases are pending in the federal multidistrict litigation, with new claims being added monthly as women seek to hold the pharmaceutical companies accountable.
About The Depo-Provera Lawsuit
Depo-Provera was marketed for years as a convenient “set-it-and-forget-it” birth control option for women who didn’t want to take a pill every day. The injectable contraceptive is given once every 12 weeks and has been widely prescribed since the 1990s.
Now, emerging research and patient reports are raising urgent questions about its safety. A growing number of women say they developed brain tumors called meningiomas after years of Depo-Provera use and that they were never warned of this risk. These women are now filing Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits against Pfizer, alleging the company failed to properly disclose serious dangers.
What Is Depo-Provera and How Does It Work?
Depo-Provera (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a progestin-only injectable contraceptive manufactured by Pfizer. It works by:
- Suppressing ovulation so no egg is released
- Thickening cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach an egg
- Thinning the uterine lining to prevent implantation
Often referred to as the “Depo Shot”, The shot is typically injected into the upper arm or buttocks every 12–13 weeks by a healthcare professional. Many patients chose Depo-Provera for its convenience and high effectiveness when used on schedule.
Depo-Provera already carries an FDA boxed warning for loss of bone mineral density, especially with long-term use, an early signal that this drug comes with significant risks.
Why Are Women Claiming Depo-Provera Is Dangerous?
The central allegation is that long-term use of Depo-Provera may significantly increase the risk of meningioma, a tumor that forms on the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- A 2024 study referenced in The BMJ found women who used injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) for at least one year were around 5–6 times more likely to develop intracranial meningioma than non-users.
- Earlier French research also suggested a higher meningioma risk with certain progestin-based drugs, including medroxyprogesterone.
Meningiomas are often non-cancerous, but because they grow inside the skull, they can still be dangerous and may require brain surgery or radiation. Symptoms can include:
- Persistent headaches
- Vision changes or double vision
- Seizures
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Weakness, balance problems, or cognitive changes
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.
Who May Qualify for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
You may qualify to join a Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuit if:
- You received Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera 104, or an approved generic medroxyprogesterone acetate injection at least two times after 1992; and
- You were later diagnosed with meningioma or another brain tumor at least two years after your first injection; and
- You are not currently represented by another attorney for the same claim.
Other factors an attorney may review include:
- How long you were on Depo-Provera (many cases involve multi-year use)
- Whether you needed surgery, radiation, or ongoing neurological care
- The impact of the tumor on your ability to work and enjoy daily life
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. Sign up at the top of this page and we'll reach out to see if you may be eligible for compensation from the depo provera class action lawsuit.
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.
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