The Link Between Depo-Provera and Meningioma Tumors
Depo-Provera is a popular form of birth control that involves injections once every three months. Many women have opted for the convenience of this drug over a once-daily pill, which is likely why 25% of sexually active women have used Depo-Provera at some point in their lives, according to the CDC.
Unfortunately, studies now suggest that this form of birth control may drastically increase a woman’s risk of developing meningioma tumors. These often benign tumors can cause serious health complications. Lawsuits from women impacted by this drug and its dangerous side effects are now making their way through the courts. If you suffered from meningiomas and previously used Depo-Provera, you need to speak to an attorney about your options for a legal remedy.
How we can help
- Understanding meningiomas
- How Depo-Provera use may increase tumor risk
- How many people may be affected?
- Legal options if you developed a meningioma
- The Depo-Provera cases are an MDL, what does that mean?
- What steps to take if you have symptoms
- Do you have an attorney near me who can handle my Depo-Provera injury case?
- Why work with Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers
Understanding meningiomas
Meningiomas are tumors that develop around the brain and spinal cord. Although they are typically benign, the size and location of these tumors can lead to complications and may require treatments that include invasive procedures like surgery. Depending on the size and location of a meningioma tumor, the consequences can be severe. Meningiomas can put pressure on the brain, vessels, and nerves. When they do, they can create severe disabilities.
About one in three brain tumors are meningiomas, and they are more common in women over 40. Additionally, about one percent of the population may have an undiagnosed meningioma. These tumors tend to grow slowly and may be present for years before they cause any symptoms.
How Depo-Provera use may increase tumor risk
Studies that link Depo-Provera to the risk of tumors found a higher risk in women who used this form of birth control for at least one year. For women in that category, the risk can be as much as 5.6 times as high.
Meningiomas contain progesterone receptors, and it’s possible that the synthetic progesterone used in Depo-Provera could be stimulating the formation and growth of these tumors.
How many people may be affected?
Thousands of women could have been impacted; some might not even know about the connection to Depo-Provera. Symptoms of meningiomas include:
- Chronic headaches (especially if worse in the morning)
- Memory issues
- Vision problems
- Seizures
- Loss of smell
- Weakness in the arms and legs
- Neurological impairments
Diagnosing meningioma tumors may require MRIs, CT scans, and neurological evaluations. For those with meningiomas, treatments may include brain surgery and radiation, which carry risks and financial burdens for patients.
Legal options if you developed a meningioma
Drug manufacturers have a duty to produce safe and effective medications. When unavoidable side effects occur, they must provide adequate warnings. In the case of Depo-Provera, many women were not informed about the increased risk of tumors.
To make matters worse, there is decades-old evidence suggesting a link between meningiomas and the use of synthetic progesterone. Some of these studies date back to the early 1980s. In early 2024, a published study provided the shocking discovery that Depo-Provera may increase the risks by as much as 5.6 times. That result has led to a rise in litigation against Pfizer, which manufactures Depo-Provera.
Legal remedies may be available for those who:
- Used Depo-Provera;
- Were diagnosed with a meningioma;
- Required treatment, including surgery or other medical interventions, because of the meningioma, and
- Experienced severe health consequences.
In a successful claim, you might be able to recover for your injuries. The compensation you might collect includes:
- Medical expenses like surgical costs
- Lost wages or income
- Pain and suffering
It’s important to recover for these losses, which can be financially burdensome and emotionally devastating.
The Depo-Provera cases are an MDL, what does that mean?
The federal court system uses multi-district litigation (MDL) when facing a large number of similar claims. These are often used in product liability cases where many people suffer injuries from the same product or defective drug. The extent of the injuries does not need to be the same for cases to become a part of the MDL – people who suffered varying degrees of harm can be a part of the litigation and have their individual losses acknowledged by the courts. The primary purpose is to avoid allowing a large number of claims to create a massive backlog in the court system.
In the case of Depo-Provera, the MDL status is a response by the courts because they are likely to see thousands of claims related to this drug. There are advantages to MDLs, including for those who were injured. For instance, an MDL means that:
- Litigation will be more cost-effective because there is no need to have duplicate expert witnesses or discovery requests
- The court will make more consistent rulings so that the parties receive fair, equitable treatment
- The discovery process is streamlined, making it easier to access important information
If you have more questions about the Depo-Provera MDL, and how it might impact your ability to pursue a claim, reach out to Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers. We are prepared to answer your questions.
What steps to take if you have symptoms
If you believe you might have a meningioma tumor, you should seek medical attention. Here are a few steps to take if you are experiencing symptoms:
- See a doctor: If you experience headaches, seizures, vision loss, or other meningioma symptoms, you should see a doctor. Your provider can diagnose your condition and help you determine the best forms of treatment.
- Keep records: It is important that you keep detailed records of your Depo-Provera use, any medical symptoms you are experiencing, and treatments you require. If you will consider filing a claim, you will need this documentation as evidence.
- Consult an attorney: If you were diagnosed with meningioma and used Depo-Provera, you should contact an attorney to discuss whether you have a legal claim for compensation. Your attorney can review your records and suggest a path forward.
Do you have an attorney near me who can handle my Depo-Provera injury case?
Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers is located at 3315 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA. If you are unable to make it to our office, give us a call. We can often schedule video conferences or can find another way to meet with you for your case evaluation.
Why work with Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers
At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, our team of dedicated attorneys has the experience it takes to go head-to-head with major drug manufacturers. While we can’t guarantee or predict the outcome of any case, we have secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for individuals who have suffered injuries because of defective drugs, medical malpractice, and other personal injury cases.
Our trial team is recognized nationwide for our aggressive representation of injury victims. If you hire us to represent you in your Depo-Provera injury claim, we will not back down.
Contact Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers
Meningiomas can have life-altering impacts. If you used Depo-Provera and suffer from one of these tumors, you need to explore all of the possible legal options available to you. At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we’re ready to listen, and to provide you guidance throughout your legal claim. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
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