Recent studies have linked the use of contraceptive Depo-Provera with an increased risk of developing brain tumors. Also known as the birth control shot or “the shot,” Depo-Provera is widely used for long-term prevention of pregnancy across the U.S. Now, a growing group of plaintiffs is suing the drug’s manufacturers for the harm they allege the shot has caused.

Timeline

January 30, 2025 — The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation will hold a hearing to determine whether to consolidate Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits. This process allows many similar cases against the same defendants to be tried more efficiently.

October 2024 — The first injectable contraception lawsuit is filed by a California woman who used the contraceptive for 17 years and alleges Depo-Provera caused her meningioma.

September 2024 — A study from Swedish journal Cancers finds a 53% increase in the risk of developing brain tumors in those who used Depo-Provera.

March 2024 — A study from the BMJ identifies a heightened risk of brain tumors associated with the chemical in Depo-Provera.

1992 — Depo-Provera is initially approved for contraceptive use by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

What is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is a contraceptive injection, or an injection designed for birth control. Also known as the birth control shot and prescribed in variations including Depo-SubQ Provera, it’s most commonly used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be prescribed by a doctor for anemia, seizures, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, sickle cell disease, and other conditions.

The primary ingredient in Depo-Provera, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), works by suppressing ovulation, preventing ovaries from releasing eggs, and thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm reaching the egg. Usually administered every three months, Depo-Provera is effective and widely used in the U.S. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 25% of women surveyed had ever used Depo-Provera. Black and Hispanic women were more likely to use the injection, at 41% and 27% respectively.

Depo-Provera injections linked to brain tumors

Lawsuits from plaintiffs across the country allege that the chemical MPA is linked to increased risk of intracranial meningiomas, or noncancerous brain tumors. These tumors can cause neurological issues typical of issues with the brain and spinal cord, including seizures, headaches, and vision problems. Some patients may require brain surgery or radiation treatment.

Plaintiffs are basing their lawsuits on a number of recent scientific studies investigating the side effects of Depo-Provera use. A March 2024 report from the BMJ found a heightened risk of brain tumors after MPA use, while a study published in Cancers in September 2024 found that individuals had a 53% higher chance of developing meningioma brain tumors after prolonged Depo-Provera use.

What is the Depo-Provera lawsuit?

Plaintiffs are bringing litigation against the manufacturers of the contraceptive, including Pfizer, Viatris, and Greenstone. They allege that the manufacturers should have known about the risk of meningiomas and failed to warn patients or doctors of the potential harm.

The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation will hold a hearing at the end of January 2025 to decide whether to consolidate the lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation. Similar to class actions, multidistrict litigations (MDLs) allow many cases against the same defendants to be resolved fairly and efficiently.

The Depo-Provera MDL is likely to move forward, after which plaintiffs and defendants will begin the process of gathering information and preparing for initial trials.

Who is eligible for the Depo-Provera lawsuit?

You may be eligible to participate in the Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuits if you:

Used injectable Depo-Provera birth control or a generic alternative;

Continued use for at least a year; and

Received an MRI and were diagnosed with an intracranial meningioma.

Our team of mass tort attorneys are dedicated to standing up for individual consumers against the harmful actions of corporations. We are currently investigating the allegations against Pfizer and other manufacturers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Depo-Provera lawsuit?

Yes, there are a number of Depo-Provera lawsuits filed across the country. We anticipate that these cases will be consolidated in a multi-district litigation at the end of January.

Do I qualify for the Depo-Provera litigation?

You may qualify for the Depo-Provera litigation if you have used the product for at least a year, received a diagnostic MRI, and been diagnosed with an intracranial meningioma.

What are the symptoms of a noncancerous brain tumor?

A meningioma may lead to a variety of neurological symptoms, including seizures, headaches, vision problems, memory loss, seizures, and loss of smell.

How much will the Depo-Provera settlement be?

The Depo-Provera litigation is in its early stages. If the individual cases are grouped together in a federal multidistrict litigation, plaintiffs and defendants will begin the discovery process and conduct bellwether trials. The outcomes of these trials may give a better sense of the estimated settlement amounts.