Depo-Provera Lawsuit

Depo-Provera, a contraception injection, has been linked to an increased risk for meningiomas. Munley Law is partnering with experienced leadership in the Depo-Provera class action lawsuits. These attorneys have investigated some of the most significant pharmaceutical class actions, including opioids, Vioxx, Rezulin, Accutane.

​​If you or a family member has taken Depo-Provera, please call us to find out how we can help.

What Is Depo-Provera?

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, more commonly known as Depo-Provera, is a hormonal contraceptive. The active ingredient was originally developed in the 1950s as a treatment for uterine cancer and was first introduced for medical use in the U.S. in 1959. Depo-Provera is given as an injection every three months to prevent ovulation and thickening of the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg.

In 1972, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration denied approval of Depo-Provera as a contraceptive due to safety concerns. However, it was still distributed to many countries, especially in Africa and Asia, as part of population control programs.

Depo-Provera was approved for contraceptive use in the U.S. in 1992 and is used not only as a birth control method but also for treating endometriosis, abnormal uterine bleeding, and certain types of cancer.

Study: Prolonged Use of Depo-Provera May Result in Meningioma

A recent study in the British Medical Journal by the National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety linked progestogen medications to an increased risk of brain tumors. Researchers have identified a correlation between the use of progestogen-based drugs such as Depo-Provera and a heightened risk of developing meningioma.

According to the study, the hormone found in Depo-Provera can stimulate tumor growth in some women, especially if they took the contraceptive for more than a year. The study states that the prolonged use of medroxyprogesterone acetate, the progestogen-based drug that is marketed as Depo-Provera, increased the risk of meningioma by five times.

In response to the study, the drugmaker Pfizer acknowledged its results and announced plans to update the product labels and patient information leaflets to better inform the drug’s users.

Since the study’s release, numerous lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer, alleging the drug maker had failed to warn users and healthcare providers of the potential risks adequately. Some of the lawsuits accuse Pfizer of failing to conduct sufficient testing before releasing the contraceptive to the public.

Can I Sue for Developing Meningioma?

You may qualify for a Depo-Provera lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:

• You’ve had at least four consecutive injections of Depo-Provera, Dep-SubQ Provera, or an “authorized generic” version of Depo-Provera
• You were diagnosed with meningioma after receiving one of the above shots

Munley Law would like to speak with you about whether you meet the above criteria. Contact us today to speak to someone about this case.

What Evidence is Needed to Prove My Claim?

Any information you have about your diagnosis and treatment plan, such as medical records and pharmacy or prescription records showing your history of using the contraceptive, will help with your participation in the lawsuit.

What Is Meningioma?

According to the Mayo Clinic, meningioma is a common type of tumor that grows from the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, called meninges. It is not classified as a type of brain tumor; however, it can exert pressure on the brain tissue, nerves, and blood vessels and is usually formed in the head.

Meningioma can take years to grow without ever causing symptoms. But sometimes, the tumor’s effects on nearby brain tissue and nerves may cause serious disability.

Symptoms of meningioma include:

• Changes in vision, such as seeing double or blurriness
• Headaches
• Hearing loss or a ringing in the ears
• Memory loss
• Loss of smell
• Seizures
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Trouble speaking

According to the Cleveland Clinic, other side effects that may be associated with Depo-Provera use include
osteoporosis, irregular menstrual periods, depression, changes in appetite, weight gain, and hair loss. Depo-Provera has also been linked to liver damage, breast cancer, blood clots, heart disease, and stroke.

Treatment for meningioma depends on several factors, such as the size and rate of the growth, the patient’s age and health, and where the tumor is located. If you are experiencing symptoms or the meningioma is growing, surgery is the first course of action. However, because of the fragile nature of your brain or spinal cord, surgery may not be possible. If the meningioma cannot be removed, you may receive radiation therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Depo-Provera Lawsuits

What Compensation Is Available for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?

Depending on the financial losses you may have sustained, you could receive compensation for your medical bills, loss of past and future income, and pain and suffering.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Meningioma Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations could vary, depending on your state. The time limit can range from two years in some states, such as Pennsylvania and Virginia, to three years, such as New York and Maryland. The sooner you speak to an attorney about your case, the better your chances are when filing your claim.

Speak With a Depo-Provera Attorney at Munley Law Today

At Munley Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that unexpected medical conditions can take on individuals and families. Our experienced team of medical product liability attorneys has the resources, knowledge, and determination to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Time is limited to file your claim. Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek justice. Call, chat, or complete our online contact form to speak with a Depo-Provera lawsuit attorney at Munley Law and learn more about your legal options. There are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.