Virginia Woman Files Depo-Provera Lawsuit After Undergoing Brain Surgery to Remove Tumor
Doctors discovered a brain tumor in woman who used Depo-Provera for birth control for just one year; she underwent extensive brain surgery and need continual medical monitoring. Now, she has filed a lawsuit against manufacturers of the drug.
A Virginia woman has filed a lawsuit in Pennsylvania district court alleging that she developed a brain tumor after taking Depo-Provera, a birth control shot she received for one year. She underwent brain surgery in 2023 to remove a tumor, known as a meningioma, and will require follow-up MRIs every year. She may also require radiation to prevent future occurrence of the meningioma.
The woman’s lawsuit names Pfizer, Pharmacia & Upjohn Co. LLC and Pharmacia LLC as defendants. She claims that the manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings to Depo-Provera shot recipients about the risks of brain tumors.
What is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera was first introduced by Pfizer, Inc. in the 1990s. It is an injectable form of a contraceptive for women to suppress ovulation, and is taken every 90 days. Depo-Provera contains a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, known as medroxyprogesterone. Millions of women have received the shot over the past 30 years believing Depo-Provera was a safe means for preventing pregnancy.
However, studies published in outlets such as the British Medical Journal have raised concerns about the birth control method’s safety. Published in March 2024, one study concluded that “Prolonged use of medrogestone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and promegestone was found to increase the risk of intracranial meningioma.”
Why Are People Filing Depo-Provera Meningioma Lawsuits?
Women across the country have filed lawsuits against Depo-Provera drugmakers, alleging they were aware of the shot’s risks, but never informed patients. These risks include development of brain or spinal tumors known as meningiomas after taking the shot for one year or more. These kinds of tumors are slow-growing, and may grow for years before being detected.
Women who received the Depo-Provera shot four or more times (equal to one year of use) may be at risk for developing meningiomas. Women who received Depo-SubQ Provera, or authorized generic versions of Depo-Provera, may also be at risk.
Plaintiffs are suing manufacturers of these products to seek compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, future medical monitoring costs, lost income, and impacts on quality of life.
Did You Develop a Brain or Spine Meningioma After Getting the Depo-Provera Birth Control Shot?
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with a brain or spine meningioma after receiving the Depo-Provera birth control shot for one year or more, you may have a claim. Contact Grant & Eisenhofer today to learn about your rights and what potential recoveries may be available for you to pursue.
Grant & Eisenhofer’s mass tort attorneys are experienced in investigating women’s health claims, including representing thousands of women in the Essure contraceptive device, power morcellators, CooperSurgical embryo solution, and talcum powder litigations, as well as families whose premature infants were injured or died after ingesting certain baby formulas. We are a team of dedicated attorneys here for you during this difficult time in your life.
