When talking about women's reproductive health and contraception, it's vital to be made aware of everything there is to know before making a decision.
Women should be given the chance to make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being. This is the same for doctors and healthcare workers who prescribe medication to female patients.
Yet, to this day, manufacturers of contraceptives are not fully transparent about the risks and dangers associated with their products. The latest legal battle concerning birth control involves Pfizer's Depo-Provera. This injectable contraceptive has recently been linked to increased risks of developing meningioma.
When patients are not fully informed of the benefits and dangers of a product, they lack the information they need to make sound, informed decisions regarding their health.
Depo-Provera has been marketed as a convenient option for contraception. Many patients appreciate the idea of only needing a shot every three months to prevent pregnancy. This contraceptive injectible removed the hassle of having to remember to take birth control pills daily.
Despite this convenience, Pfizer did not add the potential risks of developing meningiomas to their warning label. In April 2024, Pfizer released a statement saying that they knew about the dangers of the long-term use of progestogens. Without full transparency and clear warnings, many women have unknowingly exposed themselves to avoidable health concerns.
In 2024, the British Medical Journal published a study linking the use of progestogens and intracranial meningioma. It revealed that long-term use of Depo-Provera may significantly increase the risk of developing meningioma.
Meningiomas are usually benign, but that doesn't mean they don't cause harm. These tumors can cause severe headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, vomiting, and even seizures. Consumers were unaware of these risks for decades, leaving irreparable damage to women who trusted the brand and its products.
For perspective, Depo-Provera already received backlash before its controversy with meningiomas. A few years ago, the contraceptive was already under scrutiny for causing bone mineral loss. A class action lawsuit was filed and settled in Canada in 2021. This begs the question, what more about Depo-Provera do we not know about?
Pfizer was aware of the risks of developing meningioma associated with using Depo-Provera. Nonetheless, their product labels were updated only after the study caused controversy.
Lawsuits against Pfizer focus on the company's failure to provide substantial warnings for patients and doctors right from the beginning. While it may be too late for those who have trusted the product for years, it's never too late to hold the company liable for damages and injuries caused by its lack of transparency.
For those who have used Depo-Provera and have been diagnosed with meningioma, you can seek justice and be rightfully compensated for your injuries. At Atraxia Law, we make it easy for you to pursue your Depo-Provera claim. We have years of experience and are prepared to assist you in finding out if you meet the eligibility criteria to file a claim. Fill out our form and we will get back to you shortly.