Choosing a birth control method is a deeply personal decision, with many factors to consider: effectiveness, ease of use, side effects, and long-term implications.
For decades, millions of women have turned to Depo-Provera — the drug is marketed as an easy, convenient form of birth control, and it certainly can be. However, like all medications, it comes with potential long-term side effects with devastating consequences, such as meningiomas (a type of brain tumor).
Read on as we discuss some of the unspoken risks of long-term Depo-Provera use and what you can do to protect your health.
What is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera: it’s a name you’ve probably heard. This popular contraceptive, given by injection, has been a go-to choice for many women seeking a convenient and highly effective way to prevent pregnancy.
This contraceptive contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic progestin hormone that works in several ways:
- Ovulation suppression: Depo-Provera prevents the release of an egg from the ovaries each month, effectively stopping ovulation.
- Cervical mucus thickening: Depo-Provera thickens the mucus around your cervix, making it much harder for sperm to swim through and reach an egg.
- Uterine lining thinning: It also thins the lining of your uterus, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant.
Depo-Provera has earned its popularity for good reason, including:
- Long-lasting protection: With just one injection, you’re protected for 12-14 weeks. No more managing daily or weekly contraception routines.
- High effectiveness rate: When administered correctly, Depo-Provera boasts a success rate of over 99% in preventing pregnancy.
- Privacy and discretion: No need for daily pills or devices — your birth control routine stays between you and your healthcare provider.
The Unspoken Risks of Long-Term Depo-Provera Use
While an effective method of birth control, it’s essential to know about the potential risks of long-term Depo-Provera use. Recent research has brought some of these risks to light, raising important questions about the impact of this contraceptive.
Meningioma risk
One of the most concerning findings about Depo-Provera is its potential link to an increased risk of meningiomas. Meningiomas are tumors that grow from the meninges — basically, the protective layers surrounding your brain and spinal cord.
A major study published in the British Medical Journal in March 2024 revealed that women who used Depo-Provera were significantly more likely to develop these tumors. In fact, their risk was over 5 times higher compared to women using other forms of birth control. And the longer women used Depo-Provera, the greater their risk seemed to be.
The good news is that most meningiomas are benign, meaning they’re not cancerous. But depending on their size and location, they can still cause some major health issues.
Learn more about the link between Depo-Provera and meningiomas.
Bone density loss
Multiple studies have found that adolescents using Depo-Provera had significant decreases in bone mineral density compared to those using other contraceptive methods. This can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life.
Delayed return to fertility
According to the prescribing information for Depo-Provera, it can take an average of 10 months for ovulation to return after the last injection, and for some women, it can take even longer. Keep this in mind if you’re planning on starting a family in the future.
Mental health impacts
A large study published in JAMA Psychiatry found an association between hormonal contraceptive use (including Depo-Provera) and an increased risk of first-time antidepressant use, particularly among adolescents.
What To Do If You Develop a Meningioma After Taking Depo-Provera
Learning about the potential link between Depo-Provera and meningiomas can be terrifying, especially if you’ve relied on this contraceptive for years. It’s a lot to process, but know that you’re not alone.
Across the country, women are coming forward with similar experiences, and many are taking legal action against Pfizer for failing to adequately warn about the risks of long-term Depo-Provera use. If you suspect you’ve developed a meningioma after taking Depo-Provera, here’s what you can do right now to take care of yourself.
Seek medical attention
Don’t ignore any unusual symptoms. If you’re experiencing headaches, vision changes, dizziness, seizures, or any cognitive difficulties (like memory problems or confusion), please seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial when it comes to meningiomas.
Gather your medical records
Request copies of all your medical records related to your Depo-Provera use and your meningioma diagnosis. This includes prescriptions, doctor’s notes, imaging results (like MRIs), and any treatment plans.
Try to gather information about your Depo-Provera usage, such as when you started and stopped using it, the dosages you received, and any conversations you had with your healthcare provider about potential side effects.
Contact Slater & Zurz
At Slater & Zurz, we believe that pharmaceutical companies have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their products and to be transparent about potential risks. For over 30 years, our team has represented individuals harmed by dangerous drugs and medical devices — we’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal rights and options.
Remember: there are often strict time limits for filing a lawsuit, so it’s important to act quickly to preserve your rights and build the strongest possible case. Keep in mind that compensation isn’t just about medical bills — our team’s goal is to recover damages for the full impact of your injuries, including emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and any future care or support you may need.
Contact us today for a free consultation at 330-762-0700.
