Depo-Provera Lawsuit: Birth Control Shot Linked to Brain Tumors

Depo-Provera contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic progestogen. Research has shown that prolonged exposure to certain progestogens can stimulate the growth of meningioma tumors, which have progesterone receptors. A 2024 study in the BMJ analyzed over 100,000 women and found that those with prolonged medroxyprogesterone acetate use had up to a 5.6x increased risk of developing meningioma compared to women who never used the drug. Earlier French studies had identified similar associations with related progestogens, leading to regulatory action in Europe years before the U.S. took notice.

Meningioma is a tumor that develops in the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. While most meningiomas are classified as benign (non-cancerous), that label is misleading because the tumor's location inside the skull means it can press against the brain and cause serious problems. Symptoms include chronic headaches, vision loss or double vision, hearing loss, seizures, memory problems, and weakness in the limbs. Treatment often requires brain surgery (craniotomy), radiation therapy, or both. Even with successful treatment, many patients experience lasting neurological effects that impact their ability to work and function normally.

Yes. Both current and former users of Depo-Provera may qualify. Meningiomas can develop years or even decades after progestogen exposure. What matters for the lawsuit is that you received Depo-Provera injections and were subsequently diagnosed with meningioma. The statute of limitations for filing typically begins when you discover (or reasonably should have discovered) the connection between the drug and your diagnosis, not when you stopped using it. Because the BMJ study was only published in 2024, many women are just now learning about this link.

No. Mass tort attorneys handle these cases on a contingency fee basis. That means they only get paid if you receive compensation. There are no upfront costs, no retainer fees, and no hourly bills. The attorney's fee, typically 33–40% of the settlement, comes out of the award. If your case does not result in compensation, you owe nothing. The eligibility check on this page is also completely free.

The Depo-Provera litigation is still in its early stages. Based on comparable pharmaceutical MDLs, the overall process typically takes 2–5 years from consolidation to settlement. The timeline depends on when the MDL is formally established, how long discovery takes, and the outcome of bellwether trials. However, filing early is often advantageous. Early filers are more likely to be selected for bellwether trials (which can result in faster resolution) and tend to have the strongest negotiating position.

Pfizer acquired Upjohn (the original manufacturer of Depo-Provera) and is responsible for the product today. The lawsuits allege that Pfizer and its predecessors knew or should have known about the elevated meningioma risk associated with prolonged medroxyprogesterone acetate use and failed to adequately warn patients or healthcare providers. Despite studies in Europe identifying the progestogen-meningioma link, Depo-Provera's U.S. labeling did not include meningioma as a warned risk. Plaintiffs argue this constitutes a failure to warn under product liability law.

The current litigation is specifically focused on meningioma, which is the tumor type the scientific research has linked to progestogen use. If you used Depo-Provera and were diagnosed with a different type of brain tumor, your situation may still be worth discussing with a legal advocate, as the science is evolving. Call (888) 555-0199 to discuss your specific situation at no cost.