LOS ANGELES — A series of U.S. lawsuits claim that Depo-Provera, a birth control injection, is linked to the development of meningioma brain tumors, with litigations pointing fingers at pharmaceutical giants for not adequately warning users of the possible risks. The first such lawsuit was launched in October 2024 by a California woman who had used the contraceptive from 2005 to 2021 and then required surgery to remove a brain tumor.
As litigation intensifies, approximately 70 related claims were filed as of February 2025. These cases are likely to burgeon with many consolidated into a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL), given the vast number of Depo-Provera users over the years.
The legal actions are directed against Pfizer Inc., alongside its former Pharmacia & Upjohn unit, as well as generic drug distributors Viatris, Greenstone, and Prasco. Accusations highlight that these companies manufactured and sold Depo-Provera while allegedly concealing its serious side effects.
Eligibility for joining the lawsuit includes having used Depo-Provera or its authorized generics—Depo-SubQ Provera 104 and similar products—consistently for at least a year. Plaintiffs must also have a diagnosis of meningioma, a tumor typically slow-growing and emerging in the protective layers of the brain and spinal cord. Alarmingly, prolonged exposure to the drug’s active ingredient, medroxyprogesterone acetate, has been linked to a significant increase in the risk of developing these tumors.
Research underscores the gravity of the danger, suggesting that the risk of meningioma increases dramatically with extended use of the drug. Most meningioma tumors contain receptors for hormones like progesterone, with the synthetic version in the contraceptive potentially accelerating tumor growth.
The statute of limitations for filing a claim may vary by state, underlining the urgency for those affected to consult legal counsel without delay. Failure to act within the designated timeframe could forfeit an individual’s right to pursue compensation through legal channels.
For those moving forward with legal action, the procedural journey typically involves several key phases. Initially, attorneys representing the claimants will engage in a discovery process to gather robust evidence, followed by settlement negotiations. If a settlement is not reached, the case could escalate to trial.
The ongoing Depo-Provera litigation not only seeks compensation for affected individuals but also pushes for medical monitoring of long-term users who have not yet experienced adverse health effects.
Amid this unfolding situation, Sokolove Law has emerged as a critical resource for potential claimants, offering guidance on whether individuals qualify for the lawsuit based on specified criteria.
As these cases proceed, they underscore a pressing conversation about patient safety and the responsibilities of pharmaceutical companies to fully disclose drug side effects.
This article was generated by Open AI technology, and details regarding the people, facts, and circumstances described may be subject to inaccuracies. Requests for removal, retraction, or correction of content can be addressed via email to [email protected].