Depo-Provera is one of the most effective contraceptive options, which makes it highly sought after, with millions of women globally using it.
Its active ingredient, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), was found to lead to a 5 times higher chance of brain tumors, as per a study published by the British Medical Journal. This brain tumor is called meningioma and is the most common type of tumor that forms in the brain.
The company behind Depo-Provera, Pfizer, failed to include warnings about the higher risk for brain tumors like meningioma. Although the contraceptive had warnings and precautions, it did not talk about any neurological problems aside from possible convulsions and headaches. Despite this, Pfizer admitted to knowing the potential risk of the active ingredient in their contraceptive. They committed to updating their labels with the proper wordings.
Although Pfizer changed their prescribing information and guidelines for Depo-Provera, they never updated the warning labels for the drug. With the widespread use of the contraceptive and Pfizer's failure to provide the public with the appropriate warnings, multiple lawsuits have been filed, and a class action or multidistrict litigation (MDL) is being looked at to consolidate and streamline the process.
With all the Depo-Provera lawsuits coming out, a group of attorneys has moved forward with a motion to transfer all existing lawsuits into multidistrict litigation. If these lawsuits are transferred, the process will be more efficient, and the six defendants named in the latest lawsuit will all be held accountable for manufacturing and marketing a contraceptive drug that caused brain tumors and neurological injuries in numerous women.
The latest lawsuit filed is from a Californian woman who claims that Pfizer, Viatris, Greenstone, Prasco, Pharmacia & Upjohn, and Pharmacia are all liable for the injuries she experienced due to the contraceptive shots. The plaintiff said that the additional defendants, which are manufacturers and distributors, knew or should have known about the risk of brain tumors. She stated that her long-term use of the drug was the reason for two intracranial meningiomas to develop in her brain. These required invasive brain surgery to remove.
This newest lawsuit alleges that the defendants were negligent in investigating the risks and alerting the people of the possible outcomes of long-term use of the drug.
Pfizer did change their prescribing information, but they still did not add any warnings related to neurological injuries that Depo-Provera may cause. However, it was discovered that in Canada, women who use Depo-Provera have been told to avoid it if they have a history of meningioma. Pfizer Canada also warned that symptoms of meningioma are possible side effects of the drug.
Women in the United States, however, are only learning about the connection between the contraceptive and brain tumors now.
Anjanna Lawson, a Californian woman, adds to the list of women who have allegedly suffered because of the use of Depo-Provera.
In 2023, Anjanna was diagnosed with an intracranial meningioma and underwent surgery to remove it. However, she had to have stereotactic radiosurgery because of a residual tumor. The tumor was not removed which led her to suffer vision loss and facial spasms.
After Lesley filed her lawsuit, two more were filed in California in the same month. Both cases were similar to that of the first two cases filed. Both claimed that Pfizer and the associated companies were liable for their neurological injuries because the labels and marketing of Depo-Provera did not hint at any possible risks of brain tumors.
Most cases for the lawsuit are filed in California because of its strong state laws wherein the original manufacturer of a generic can be held liable for the injuries it inflicts on its consumers.
The first few cases of Depo-Provera lawsuits have started talks about a motion for multidistrict litigation, which will consolidate the cases. Instead of being tried individually, all Depo-Provera cases will be handled by a group of lawyers.
Kristina Schmidt wasn't the first and last case of its kind. Just 2 weeks later, another lawsuit was filed. The nature of the second lawsuit was similar to that of the first. The plaintiff, Lesley Noble, used Depo-Provera for around 23 years. She claimed that after using the injection for years, she experienced constant dizziness and fatigue. Doctors later found an intracranial meningioma in her brain, which prompted her to have it surgically removed.
She continued using Depo-Provera, not knowing that it was most likely causing her tumor to grow back. She eventually had to get 36 rounds of radiation treatment.
The first lawsuit that linked Depo-Provera to the risk of developing brain tumors was filed on October 1, 2024. The plaintiff was Kristina Schmidt, and she claimed that Pfizer, as well as other affiliated companies, knew about the heightened risk of brain tumors but failed to warn against it. She took 64 injections between 2005 and 2021 and was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2022.
However, in a statement, Pfizer said that the lawsuit "lacked merit".
Our team of professionals has the necessary experience to help you determine whether you're eligible to file a Depo-Provera case. If you are entitled to compensation, we will put you in touch with an attorney who will handle your case.