Diagnosed With a Brain Tumor After Depo-Provera?
Find out if you qualify for a birth control shot lawsuit
Depo-Provera is a widely used birth control shot often chosen for its convenience and long-acting protection. But growing evidence suggests that long-term use of Depo-Provera and similar medroxyprogesterone injections may be linked to serious brain tumors, including intracranial meningiomas.
Across the country, people are filing Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits against Pfizer and related drug manufacturers, alleging that patients were not adequately warned about the risk of these life-altering complications.
On this page, you’ll learn:
- Who may qualify for a Depo-Provera birth control shot lawsuit
- What current research says about Depo-Provera and brain tumors
- How Depo-Provera lawsuits and multidistrict litigation (MDL) are progressing
- What to expect if you move forward with filing a claim
Do You Qualify For A Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuit?
While every case is unique, most qualifying cases share several medical and usage factors. Use this simple checklist to see whether your situation may fit the current lawsuit criteria:
1. You received Depo-Provera birth control injections
This includes:
- Depo-Provera
- Depo-SubQ Provera 104
- An authorized generic manufactured by companies such as Pharmacia & Upjohn, Greenstone, Prasco, A-S Medication Solutions, or Preferred Pharmaceuticals
Not sure which one you used? Pharmacy records, OBGYN records, insurance statements, and even patient portals often confirm the exact product and injection dates.
2. You had multiple injections over time
The risk appears to increase with dose accumulation and duration of exposure, which is why current lawsuits commonly involve people who received either:
- 4 or more consecutive injections
- Multiple years of continuous Depo-Provera shots
- A combination of Depo-Provera and Depo-SubQ over time.
If Depo-Provera was your primary birth control method, you likely meet this factor.
3. You were diagnosed with a brain tumor (even a benign one)
You may qualify if you were diagnosed with:
- Intracranial meningioma
- Multiple meningiomas
- A benign brain tumor that required treatment (such as surgery or radiation) or caused significant neurological symptoms, including:
- Vision loss or double vision
- Severe headaches or migraines
- Memory issues or cognitive decline
- Hearing changes
- Seizures
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Speech difficulties
4. The tumor was discovered after your Depo-Provera use
Timing plays a major role in case evaluation. Attorneys typically look for tumors diagnosed during ongoing Depo-Provera use or months or years after long-term use ended.
Because meningiomas can grow slowly, a tumor diagnosed long after your last injection can still fall within the expected pattern.
5. You have documentation supporting your diagnosis
You don’t need every record right now, but the following will eventually be helpful:
- MRI or CT scans confirming the tumor
- Pathology reports (if surgery was performed)
- Treatment records (surgery, radiation, follow-up appointments)
- Notes from neurologists, neurosurgeons, or oncologists
- Pharmacy/OBGYN records showing Depo-Provera injections
If you’re missing pieces, Slater & Zurz can help retrieve them during the investigation phase.
Signs and impacts of meningioma and other brain tumors
Meningiomas are tumors that develop in the meninges, which are the protective layers that surround the brain and spinal cord. Although many meningiomas are technically “benign,” they can still cause serious, life-changing symptoms as they grow and press against nearby brain structures.
Common signs and symptoms
People affected by meningiomas or similar brain tumors often experience:
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- Vision changes, such as blurred or double vision
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Balance problems, dizziness, or unsteadiness
- Cognitive or memory difficulties
- Speech problems or word-finding issues
- Numbness or weakness in parts of the face or body
- Seizures or new-onset neurological episodes
- Fatigue and personality changes
Many people assume a brain tumor would cause sudden, dramatic symptoms. But because meningiomas can develop over years, individuals may notice symptoms that come and go or are mistaken for migraines, stress, or aging. This slow progression is one reason meningiomas linked to long-term Depo-Provera use are sometimes identified years after the last injection.
How these tumors impact daily life
Depending on the severity, meningiomas can require:
- Brain surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible
- Radiation therapy (when full removal is not possible or if the tumor returns)
- Lifelong neurological monitoring
- Rehabilitation therapy for ongoing vision, speech, or cognitive challenges
Even after treatment, some people experience lasting effects such as chronic headaches, sensory loss, cognitive changes, or emotional difficulties.
How Depo-Provera may be linked to brain tumors
Depo-Provera and its related injections contain medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. Although the exact mechanism is still being studied, several clinical and epidemiological findings help explain the possible connection between this medication and the risk of developing hormone-sensitive tumors.
Evidence from recent studies
A significant turning point occurred in March 2024, when a landmark study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that women who used Depo-Provera for more than a year had a 5.6-fold increased risk of developing an intracranial meningioma compared to non-users.
Meanwhile, between November 2000 and June 2024, the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) recorded 46 cases of meningioma where Depo-Provera’s active ingredient, medroxyprogesterone, was suspected to play a role. The cases included seven benign, one malignant, and 38 unspecified meningiomas, alongside reports of other brain and central nervous system tumors. While FAERS does not prove causation, it reinforces growing concerns about the potential long-term effects of hormonal exposure.
Pfizer’s response
In response to the BMJ study and mounting pressure, Pfizer has acknowledged the risks associated with long-term use. The company is working with regulatory agencies to update product labels and patient information to provide clearer warnings about potential side effects.
Current Depo-Provera lawsuits and what they mean for your case
Hundreds of people across the United States are now pursuing legal action after developing meningiomas and other brain tumors following long-term use of Depo-Provera birth control shots.
Because so many similar claims have been filed, Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits have been grouped into a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL). An MDL allows one judge to oversee the early stages of the cases, including:
- Coordinating discovery
- Evaluating expert scientific testimony
- Selecting a small group of “bellwether” cases that may go to trial
MDLs help ensure that complex, nationwide allegations are handled efficiently and consistently.
What the lawsuits are alleging
While each case is unique, most lawsuits involve similar claims:
- Failure to warn: Plaintiffs argue that Pfizer and other manufacturers did not adequately warn users about the risk of developing meningiomas after long-term use.
- Hormonal sensitivity: Many plaintiffs’ tumors have progesterone receptors, suggesting that prolonged progestin exposure may accelerate tumor growth.
- Rising safety signals: Research published in recent years has found a significantly increased risk of intracranial meningioma among long-term Depo-Provera users.
- International discrepancy: Some countries updated warning labels sooner, raising questions about whether U.S. warnings should have been strengthened earlier.
The momentum of these cases represents a powerful movement to ensure that women’s voices are heard and that drug companies are held responsible for the safety of their products. Now is the time to add your voice and explore your legal options — contact us at 330-762-0700 or fill out this form.
What compensation might cover in a Depo-Provera brain tumor case
Compensation in a Depo-Provera lawsuit depends on the severity of the brain tumor, the treatment required, and the long-term effects on your health and daily life. While every case is evaluated individually, you may be able to pursue compensation for:
- Wrongful death damages: If a loved one passed away due to a meningioma or treatment complications, families may pursue compensation for funeral and burial expenses, medical bills before death, and emotional and financial impact on surviving family members.
- Medical treatment and ongoing care: Brain tumor treatment can be extensive and expensive. Compensation may help cover surgery, radiation therapy, hospital stays, emergency care, neurology and oncology appointments, rehabilitation therapy, and follow-up imaging needed for long-term monitoring.
- Lost income and reduced earning ability: A brain tumor can interfere with work for months or even permanently. Damages may include lost wages during treatment and recovery, reduced earning capacity if symptoms limit employment, and loss of future income in cases of long-term impairment or disability.
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress: You may also be able to recover damages for pain from the tumor or surgery, or loss of enjoyment of life due to neurological challenges.
Don’t Wait. Act Now.
Learning that Depo-Provera may be linked to your brain tumor diagnosis can be unsettling. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and taking action to protect your rights is essential.
At Slater & Zurz, we’re dedicated to providing guidance and support during this difficult time. Our team will review your Depo-Provera injection history, your diagnosis, and your symptoms, then explain whether your situation may qualify for a Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuit. If your case meets the criteria, we’ll make sure you receive the representation you deserve.
We believe that everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why there are no upfront costs to get started. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if compensation is recovered on your behalf.
Take the first step today by calling us at 330-762-0700 or filling out our form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuits
- What types of brain tumors qualify for a Depo-Provera lawsuit?
- Most qualifying cases involve intracranial meningiomas, including single tumors or multiple tumors. Some individuals with other benign brain tumors linked to hormone exposure may also qualify depending if the tumor required surgery, radiation, or caused significant symptoms.
- Does a “benign” meningioma still count?
- Yes, a benign meningioma can still be serious. Many cause vision problems, headaches, cognitive changes, seizures, or other neurological symptoms. Cases involving surgery, radiation, long-term monitoring, or permanent impairment are typically strong candidates for review.
- How long do I need to have used Depo-Provera?
- Most cases involve long-term or repeated use, generally four or more consecutive injections or several years of regular Depo-Provera or Depo-SubQ shots. However, our attorneys will review any documented pattern of repeated injections and cumulative hormone exposure.
- Do I need to know the exact product I received?
- Not necessarily. If you received a “birth control shot,” your pharmacy or OBGYN records can usually confirm whether it was Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera, or an authorized generic. Our attorneys can help request these records if you’re unsure.
- How much could I receive in a Depo-Provera lawsuit settlement?
- The potential settlement amount depends depending on several factors, including the severity of your health complications, how long you used Depo-Provera, and the strength of the evidence connecting your condition to the drug. We’ll work closely with you to understand your individual circumstances and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Do I need to go to court for my Depo-Provera lawsuit?
- Most people do not have to appear in court. MDL cases typically settle or resolve through negotiated outcomes. Our attorneys have extensive experience negotiating favorable outcomes through mediation and settlement discussions. However, we are fully prepared to advocate for you in court if it’s the best path to securing the compensation you deserve.
- How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?
- There are no upfront costs to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit with Slater & Zurz. We handle cases on a contingency fee, meaning you only pay if we win.
- What should I do if I think my tumor is related to Depo-Provera?
- A free case evaluation is the fastest way to determine whether you may qualify. Our attorneys will review your injection history, medical diagnosis, and symptom timeline, and advise you on next steps.