Are You Experiencing Health Issues from Depo-Provera?
Here’s what you need to know about Depo-Provera lawsuits
74 million women around the world place their trust in Depo-Provera, a convenient and popular choice for birth control. However, growing concerns are emerging about the drug’s long-term effects, with thousands of women now facing life-altering side effects: bone density loss, osteoporosis, and even brain tumors.
If you’re struggling with health challenges after using Depo-Provera, know that you’re not alone. Across the country, women are stepping forward to seek justice from Pfizer for the pain and suffering they’re experiencing.
On this page, you’ll find:
- Potential Depo-Provera side long-term effects and health risks
- The state of Depo-Provera lawsuits in the U.S.
- The legal options you have to pursue compensation and justice
What is Depo-Provera?
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), more commonly known as Depo-Provera, was marketed as a simple solution for women seeking reliable contraception. Millions embraced its promise of convenience — one injection every three months and no daily pills to remember.
But Depo-Provera’s journey has been marked by controversy from the start. Developed in the 1950s, it wasn’t initially intended as a contraceptive. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressed serious concerns about its safety and initially denied its approval for birth control in 1972.
It wasn’t until 1992 that Depo-Provera finally gained FDA approval for contraceptive use in the U.S. It quickly became a popular option, and today, it’s prescribed not only for preventing pregnancy but also for managing conditions like endometriosis and abnormal uterine bleeding.
However, the early concerns about Depo-Provera’s safety are resurfacing, with recent studies linking it to an increased risk of significant long-term health problems, like brain tumors. These troubling findings have fueled lawsuits against Pfizer for failing to adequately warn women about the potential risks.
How Does Depo-Provera Work?
Unlike other birth control methods, Depo-Provera can have lasting side effects that may persist even after you stop using it. This is because its active ingredient, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), is a synthetic hormone that disrupts the body’s natural processes to prevent pregnancy. Here’s how it works:
- Stopping ovulation: Suppressing the ovaries’ release of an egg each month.
- Thickening cervical mucus: Creating a barrier that makes it difficult for sperm to reach an egg.
- Thinning the uterine lining: Reducing the chances of a fertilized egg implanting.
Potential Health Risks Associated with Depo-Provera
While Depo-Provera may prevent pregnancy, its effects on the body can come at a high cost. Across the country, women are bravely sharing their stories of serious, sometimes irreversible, Depo-Provera side effects, especially with long-term use.
Here are some of the most serious health risks associated with Depo-Provera:
- Increased risk of brain tumors: A recent study has raised alarming concerns about a potential link between long-term Depo-Provera use and an increased risk of meningiomas, a type of brain tumor.
- Bone loss: Depo-Provera can significantly reduce bone mineral density, making you more vulnerable to osteoporosis and fractures.
- Delayed return to fertility: For those who stop using Depo-Provera, fertility may not return for several months, adding stress and uncertainty to family planning.
These health risks are not isolated incidents; they are part of a broader pattern affecting thousands of women, sparking concerns and a wave of legal actions across the country.If Depo-Provera has impacted your health, you’re not alone. We’re here to provide support, information, and legal options to help you seek justice and accountability. Contact us at 330-762-0700 or fill out the form on this page.
What’s Happening with Depo-Provera Lawsuit Settlements in 2024 and Beyond?
As awareness of the health risks associated with Depo-Provera grows, legal actions are mounting nationwide. Women are demanding answers and accountability — here’s a look at the latest developments:
- FDA reporting: Between November 2000 and June 2024, the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) recorded 46 cases of meningioma (a type of brain tumor) 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.
- Groundbreaking study links Depo-Provera to brain tumors: In March 2024, a landmark study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) revealed a strong link between long-term Depo-Provera use and a significantly higher risk of developing meningiomas. This discovery has sparked widespread concern and fueled further investigations into the safety of Depo-Provera and other progestogen-based medications.
- 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.
- Growing litigation: Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer, alleging that the company failed to conduct sufficient testing before bringing Depo-Provera to market, as well as not adequately warning women and healthcare providers about its potential health risks.
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.
Don’t Wait. Act Now.
We know that learning about the potential risks of Depo-Provera 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 experienced attorneys are here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options.
We believe that everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis — you won’t pay any fees unless we successfully secure compensation on your behalf.
Take the first step today by calling us at 330-762-0700 or fill out our form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will my Depo-Provera case be part of a class action lawsuit?
- Every case is unique. While some Depo-Provera cases may be part of larger mass torts or class actions, many involving personal health impacts like brain tumors or severe side effects are pursued as individual lawsuits. Our attorneys will carefully evaluate your situation and recommend the best legal approach for you.
- 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.
- Who can file a Depo-Provera lawsuit?
- If you’ve experienced serious health issues potentially linked to Depo-Provera, such as meningiomas or other complications, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Our legal team will assess your case and determine the best course of action. Give us a call at 330-762-0700 or fill out our form for a free case evaluation.
- Do I need to go to court for my Depo-Provera lawsuit?
- While some Depo-Provera cases may go to trial, many are resolved through settlements before reaching the courtroom. 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.