Depo-Provera Lawsuit
Depo-Provera Lawsuit: Get Justice for Brain Tumor and Bone Density Injuries
Understanding Depo-Provera Litigation
A Houston woman visited her doctor in early 2024 with persistent headaches she'd been ignoring for months. The MRI revealed a meningioma, a type of brain tumor. During her medical history review, one detail stood out: she'd been receiving Depo-Provera injections for over seven years. Her neurologist asked a question that changed everything: "Did anyone warn you about the tumor risk?" They hadn't. Now, research published in the British Medical Journal has raised serious questions about whether long-term users of this birth control method received adequate warnings about potential health consequences.
Depo-Provera lawsuits center on allegations that the manufacturer failed to properly warn patients and healthcare providers about serious health risks associated with prolonged use of this injectable contraceptive. Published research has linked extended Depo-Provera use to increased risks of intracranial meningiomas and severe bone density loss. Plaintiffs allege that adequate warnings could have influenced their contraceptive choices or prompted closer medical monitoring.
This isn't about demonizing birth control. It's about informed consent. Women deserve complete information when making healthcare decisions that affect their bodies for years. When that information gets buried, minimized, or withheld, legal accountability becomes the path toward transparency and prevention.
Medical Concerns Linked to Depo-Provera
Research published in the British Medical Journal in 2024 identified statistical associations between long-term Depo-Provera use and specific health complications. These findings have prompted legal questions about warning adequacy and patient safety protocols.
Intracranial Meningiomas
Studies indicate that women using Depo-Provera for extended periods may face an increased risk of developing meningiomas, which are typically benign brain tumors that form in the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While most meningiomas grow slowly, they can cause serious symptoms depending on their size and location:
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Persistent headaches that don't respond to typical treatments
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Vision changes or loss, particularly if the tumor presses on the optic nerves
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Seizures occur in cases where tumors affect specific brain regions
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Cognitive changes, including memory problems or difficulty concentrating
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Balance issues or coordination problems
Research suggests the risk may increase with duration of use, particularly beyond one year of continuous treatment.
Severe Bone Density Loss
Depo-Provera has been associated with decreased bone mineral density, a concern that intensifies with prolonged use. The FDA added a black box warning about this issue in 2004, but questions remain about whether patients fully understood the long-term implications:
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Increased fracture risk, particularly in weight-bearing bones
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Early-onset osteoporosis, especially concerning for younger users
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Potentially irreversible bone loss even after discontinuing use
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Heightened vulnerability for women with existing risk factors
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Long-term skeletal health consequences that may not manifest for years
Here's what catches people off guard: bone density loss doesn't announce itself with symptoms. A woman in her twenties using Depo-Provera might not discover the damage until a routine scan decades later, or worse, after an unexpected fracture from minor trauma.
Additional Health Concerns
Litigation has also raised questions about other potential complications associated with Depo-Provera use, though research continues to evolve in these areas. Plaintiffs have alleged connections to cardiovascular complications, prolonged infertility after discontinuation, and metabolic changes, including significant weight gain and insulin resistance.
The pattern that emerges isn't about any single side effect. It's about the accumulation of risks over years of use, often without the depth of counseling that would allow truly informed decision-making.
Depo-Provera has been used by hundreds of thousands of women across the country, yet for many, this once-trusted contraceptive’s promise of convenience turned into a nightmare of severe health problems.
Now, these women are fighting back in court. Lawsuits nationwide allege that Pfizer, Depo-Provera’s manufacturer, put profits before patient safety by failing to warn about life-altering side effects like dangerous brain tumors and irreversible bone loss. If you or a loved one was harmed by this dangerous drug, you have the right to seek justice and substantial compensation for your suffering.
Our experienced legal team is ready to stand with you to hold Pfizer accountable because no company should get away with putting profits over patient safety.
Have You Experienced Adverse Effects from Depo-Provera?
What Is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is a prescription birth control injection containing medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of the hormone progestin. Approved by the FDA in 1992, it is administered every three months and has become popular for its convenience and long-term effectiveness.
However, recent medical studies have linked long-term use of Depo-Provera to a heightened risk of developing intracranial meningioma brain tumors — slow-growing tumors that can lead to serious neurological harm, including cognitive decline, vision or hearing loss, and the need for invasive brain surgery.
These findings have sparked a wave of lawsuits against Pfizer Inc., the drug’s manufacturer, with plaintiffs alleging that Pfizer failed to warn U.S. patients and healthcare providers about these risks, despite updating warnings in Europe.
Common Health Risks Reported by Plaintiffs
Allegations Include:
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Meningioma Brain Tumors: Long-term use of Depo-Provera has been linked to the development of intracranial meningiomas — non-cancerous brain tumors that can lead to serious neurological complications, including permanent cognitive impairment and the need for invasive brain surgery.
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Neurological Damage: Plaintiffs report vision problems, hearing loss, memory issues, and neurological symptoms caused by the growth of meningioma tumors pressing on critical areas of the brain.
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Permanent Health Risks: Many women have faced lifelong medical consequences following meningioma diagnoses, including repeated surgeries, radiation treatments, and long-term cognitive or neurological decline.
Plaintiffs allege that Pfizer failed to update Depo-Provera’s U.S. warning labels to reflect the severe and permanent risk of brain tumors, despite adding such warnings in Europe. They claim Pfizer downplayed or ignored emerging scientific evidence of this serious risk.
Recent Legal Developments in 2025
As of 2025, Depo-Provera lawsuits have been consolidated into Multidistrict Litigation (MDL No. 3140), centralized in the Northern District of Florida. This MDL allows hundreds of similar cases to be managed efficiently in one federal court, streamlining pre-trial proceedings such as discovery, expert testimony, and motions. While no settlements have been finalized, MDLs often serve as a pathway toward large-scale resolutions once bellwether trials begin.
Notable Updates on the Depo-Provera MDL (July 2025)
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The MDL is now centered on claims of intracranial meningioma brain tumors caused by long-term Depo-Provera use.
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Expert witnesses have presented scientific studies linking Depo-Provera’s active ingredient (medroxyprogesterone acetate) to a significantly increased risk of brain tumors after prolonged exposure.
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Plaintiffs include women of all ages — from younger adults to postmenopausal women — who received multiple injections over the years and later developed meningiomas requiring surgery, radiation, or ongoing neurological care.
Who Qualifies for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit
Not every woman who used Depo-Provera has grounds for legal action. Qualification depends on specific medical outcomes, duration of use, and timing of diagnosis. Based on current litigation patterns, potential claimants typically meet these criteria:
Primary Qualifying Conditions
For Brain Tumor Claims:
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Diagnosed with intracranial meningioma after using Depo-Provera
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Used the contraceptive for one year or longer
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Diagnosis occurred during use or within a reasonable timeframe after discontinuation
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Medical records documenting both Depo-Provera administration and tumor diagnosis
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No other clear risk factors that would explain the meningioma development
For Bone Density Claims:
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Diagnosed with osteoporosis, osteopenia, or suffered fractures linked to bone loss
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Used Depo-Provera for multiple years
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Bone density testing shows significant deterioration
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Age and circumstances suggest the bone loss was premature or unexpected
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Documentation connecting the timeline of use to bone health decline
Timing Considerations
Most product liability cases operate under statutes of limitations, typically two years from the date of discovery in Texas, though this varies by jurisdiction. The discovery date often means when you learned, or reasonably should have learned, that your injury might be connected to Depo-Provera use.
A woman diagnosed with a meningioma in 2023 might not have connected it to her birth control until seeing news coverage of the research in 2024. That's when her statute of limitations clock likely started, not when she first received the diagnosis.
Disqualifying Factors
Be careful here. Certain circumstances may complicate or prevent a claim:
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Very short-term use (a few months) typically doesn't establish the pattern linked to serious complications
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Alternative explanations, such as genetic conditions, other medications, or lifestyle factor,s that clearly caused the injury
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Lack of medical documentation proving both Depo-Provera use and the alleged injury
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Expired statute of limitations, though exceptions exist in certain circumstances
Documentation You'll Need
If you're considering legal action, start gathering these records now:
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Complete medical history showing Depo-Provera administration dates
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Diagnostic imaging reports (MRIs, bone density scans)
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Treatment records for meningiomas, fractures, or bone loss
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Prescription records or pharmacy documentation
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Any warnings or educational materials you received about Depo-Provera
The strength of a case often comes down to documentation. Without clear medical records connecting your use of Depo-Provera to your injury, even legitimate cases become harder to prove.
The Legal Process: What to Expect
Here's the truth about pharmaceutical litigation: it's nothing like what you see on television. There's no dramatic courtroom confrontation three weeks after filing. These cases typically unfold over months or years, following established procedural patterns.
Initial Case Evaluation
The process starts with a detailed review of your medical history and circumstances. During this phase, attorneys examine:
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Whether your diagnosis and timeline align with known patterns in Depo-Provera litigation
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The strength of medical documentation connecting your injury to the drug
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Jurisdictional questions about where the case should be filed
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Whether your case fits into existing multidistrict litigation or requires independent filing
Most reputable firms offer this evaluation at no cost. You'll typically spend 30 to 60 minutes discussing your medical history, reviewing documentation, and getting straight answers about whether you have a viable claim.
Multidistrict Litigation Explained
When hundreds or thousands of plaintiffs file similar claims against the same defendant, federal courts often consolidate these cases into multidistrict litigation (MDL) for pretrial proceedings. As of late 2024, Depo-Provera cases are being monitored for potential MDL consolidation.
What this means practically:
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Efficiency: Shared discovery, expert witnesses, and pretrial motions reduce duplication
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Individual treatment: Despite consolidation, each case maintains its unique facts and damages
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Bellwether trials: Early test cases help establish settlement values for the broader litigation
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Coordination: Your attorney works within a larger legal team handling the overall litigation strategy
You're not lost in a crowd. Your case remains yours, with individual attention to your specific injuries and circumstances.
Timeline Realities
A manufacturing plant supervisor came to us in early 2024 asking how long her case would take. The honest answer? Probably 18 to 36 months, possibly longer. She wasn't thrilled, but she appreciated the candor.
Pharmaceutical litigation moves through predictable phases:
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Case filing and initial responses (months 1-6)
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Discovery and document exchange (months 6-18)
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Expert witness reports and depositions (months 12-24)
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Motion practice and legal arguments (months 18-30)
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Trial preparation or settlement negotiations (months 24-36+)
Delays happen. Courts have crowded dockets. Defendants file motions. Discovery disputes arise. Settlement negotiations stall and restart. Anyone promising a quick resolution either doesn't understand mass tort litigation or isn't being straight with you.
What Active Participation Means
This isn't a passive process. You'll need to:
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Attend medical examinations with defense experts
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Provide deposition testimony under oath
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Stay current with medical treatment and documentation
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Respond to attorney requests for information
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Make yourself available for settlement discussions or trial preparation
Your attorney handles the legal heavy lifting, but you remain the center of your case. Your story, your injuries, and your life disruption drive everything.
Health Guidance and Next Steps
If you've used Depo-Provera:
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Talk to a doctor about alternative contraception options
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Reach out to a licensed attorney to explore your legal rights
References & Author
Last Updated: December 2025
Author: Legal Writers & Researchers at The Spencer Law Firm
Health Guidance and Next Steps
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Depo-Provera lawsuit about?
A: The lawsuit claims that Pfizer failed to warn patients about the increased risk of meningioma brain tumors from long-term Depo-Provera use.
Q: Is Depo-Provera still on the market in 2025?Yes, it's still A: FDA-approved, but now includes stronger warnings on prolonged use and bone health monitoring.
Q: What is meningioma?
A: Meningioma is a tumor that forms in the lining of the brain. It can cause serious neurological symptoms and may require surgery or radiation.
Q: Do I have to be currently experiencing symptoms to file?
A: No. If you've been diagnosed with a brain tumor and used Depo-Provera long term, you may still qualify—even if your symptoms have stabilized.
Q: Is there a time limit to file a claim?
A: Yes. Most states have a 2–3 year statute of limitations from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury. Don't delay.
Q: Can I sue even if I stopped using Depo-Provera years ago?
A: Possibly. The timeline starts from when you became aware of the injury, not your last injection—check your state’s statute of limitations.
Q: How long do these lawsuits take?
A: MDL cases often take 1–3 years. Early bellwether trials may shape future settlement talks.
Q: How much does it cost to file?
A: Most law firms — including ours — work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.
Q: Do I need to pay upfront to file a lawsuit?
A: Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case.
Why Choose The Spencer Law Firm
Houston has no shortage of law firms handling mass tort cases. Some advertise heavily, promising big payouts and quick resolutions. Others treat pharmaceutical litigation like an assembly line, signing up hundreds of clients with minimal individual attention.
We take a different approach.
Deep Pharmaceutical Litigation Experience
The Spencer Law Firm has successfully represented clients in major pharmaceutical and medical device litigation for over two decades. We've handled cases involving defective drugs, inadequate warnings, and corporate decisions that prioritized profits over patient safety.
That experience matters when you're facing teams of corporate defense attorneys with unlimited resources. We know their playbook because we've defeated it before.
Personalized Client Relationships
A paralegal won't handle your case while an attorney's name appears on the paperwork. You'll work directly with experienced lawyers who know your medical history, understand your specific injuries, and can explain developments in terms that make sense.
We limit our caseload intentionally. Quality representation requires time, attention, and genuine investment in outcomes. You deserve more than a case number in a database.
Resources for Complex Litigation
Depo-Provera cases require significant upfront investment:
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Medical expert witnesses who can testify about causation
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Neurologists and endocrinologists to explain meningiomas and bone density loss
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Pharmacologists to address warning adequacy
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Economists to calculate lifetime damages
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Litigation costs for discovery, depositions, and trial preparation
We advance these costs without requiring payment from clients. If we don't win your case, you don't owe us for these expenses.
Texas Roots, National Reach
We're based in Houston, but we represent Depo-Provera victims nationwide. Federal court consolidation often means cases get transferred to a single jurisdiction, regardless of where you live. We're equipped to handle litigation wherever it proceeds, while maintaining the accessibility and responsiveness of a local firm.
No Recovery, No Fee Structure
You shouldn't need money to access justice. We work on contingency, meaning our fee comes from your settlement or verdict, not your bank account. Initial consultations cost nothing. Case investigation costs nothing. You pay only if we secure compensation for you.
Compensation in Depo-Provera Cases
Let's address this directly: we can't predict your specific settlement value. Anyone who promises a number before reviewing your medical records and understanding your case is either guessing or misleading you.
What we can explain is how damages get calculated in pharmaceutical injury cases.
Economic Damages
These are quantifiable financial losses with documentation:
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Medical expenses: Surgery, radiation, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, medications
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Future medical costs: Long-term monitoring, additional procedures, chronic care needs
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Lost wages: Income lost during treatment and recovery
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Reduced earning capacity: If your injuries prevent returning to your previous career
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Out-of-pocket costs: Travel to specialists, home modifications, assistive devices