Depo-Provera Lawsuit Side Effects: Brain Tumors, Meningiomas, & More
- Last Updated: August 1st, 2025
Attorney Jessica Paluch-Hoerman, founder of TruLaw, has over 28 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and legal experts at TruLaw and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Jessie Paluch, you can do so here.
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TruLaw does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us by using the chat on the bottom of this page. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.
Key takeaways:
- Long-term use of Depo-Provera (over one year) is associated with a 5.6-fold increased risk of developing meningiomas (brain tumors), according to a 2024 British Medical Journal study examining over 18,000 women.
- Common neurological side effects of Depo-Provera include headaches, vision problems, hearing changes, memory problems, balance issues, and seizures, which may indicate the development of meningiomas.
- Women who developed brain tumors or meningiomas after using Depo-Provera may be eligible to seek compensation through the Depo-Provera lawsuit filed against Pfizer for failing to adequately warn about these risks.
What are the Side Effects of Depo-Provera?
Question: What are the side effects of Depo-Provera?
Answer: Depo-Provera side effects such as headaches, vision problems, seizures, and other neurological complications have been associated with an increased risk of developing meningiomas (brain tumors) in women who have used the contraceptive for more than a year.
On this page, we’ll discuss this question in further depth, medical evidence linking Depo-Provera to brain tumors, how to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit, and much more.
Association Between Depo-Provera and Meningiomas (Brain Tumors)
The Depo-Provera lawsuit gained momentum following a recent study published in The British Medical Journal that demonstrated a strong association between prolonged Depo-Provera use and meningioma risk.
The research found that using Depo-Provera injections for more than one year was associated with a 5.6-fold (555%) increased risk of developing intracranial meningiomas compared to non-users.
Meningiomas are brain tumors that develop in protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, causing serious health complications depending on their size and location.
Legal experts in the Depo-Provera litigation allege that Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, failed to adequately warn healthcare providers and patients about the increased risks.
If you or a loved one developed brain tumors or meningiomas after using Depo-Provera, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing for the Depo-Provera MDL today.
Table of Contents
Common Signs and Symptoms of Depo-Provera Side Effects
The prolonged use of Depo-Provera, (medroxyprogesterone acetate), can cause various side effects that range from mild to severe.
While many users experience common reactions after receiving Depo-Provera injections like changes in menstrual bleeding, weight fluctuations, or mood changes, some individuals may develop more serious symptoms that require medical attention.
Early Symptoms of Depo-Provera’s Neurological Side Effects
The initial signs of neurological adverse reactions to Depo-Provera can be subtle and may develop gradually over time.
These symptoms often begin with mild discomfort but should be carefully monitored if they persist or worsen.
Early symptoms of brain tumor development may include, but are not limited to:
- Headaches (most frequent symptom)
- Vision problems or changes
- Hearing changes
- Memory problems
- Balance issues
- Seizures
Location-Specific Symptoms: Meningiomas (Brain Tumors)
Meningiomas can develop in different areas of the brain and cause various symptoms based on the tumor’s location or size.
These tumors typically grow slowly and apply pressure on surrounding brain tissue, which leads to the potential for neurological symptoms to develop gradually over time.
Early detection and medical history evaluations may reduce the need for surgical intervention.
Depending on where the location of the tumor, patients may experience the following symptoms:
- Speech difficulties
- Weakness in limbs
- Changes in sensation
- Visual disturbances
- Cognitive changes
- Other neurological complications
If you or a loved one developed brain tumors or meningiomas after using Depo-Provera, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Depo-Provera lawsuit today.
2024 Study Linking Depo-Provera and Meningiomas
The research published in the The British Medical Journal examined medical records of over 18,000 women who underwent surgery for meningiomas, finding that taking Depo-Provera for more than one year was associated with a 5.6-fold increase in tumor risk compared to non-users.
The study represents one of the most comprehensive investigations into whether Depo-Provera caused meningiomas.
Researchers analyzed extensive patient medical records spanning from 2009 to 2018, specifically focusing on the relationship between various progestogen treatments and the development of intracranial tumors.
Research Findings: Increased Risk of Brain Tumors
Since FDA approval in 1992, approximately 74 million women worldwide have used this contraceptive, with 1–2 million annual users in the U.S. alone.
Key findings about the Depo-Provera brain tumor connection:
- Duration of Use: Women taking Depo-Provera for more than 12 months showed significantly higher risk, suggesting a cumulative effect over time
- Risk Magnitude: The 5.6-fold increase in meningioma risk was specifically associated with injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate, the active compound in Depo-Provera
- Medical Documentation: Patient medical records showed a clear pattern linking longer duration of Depo-Provera use with increased tumor occurrence
- Comparative Analysis: Among hormonal contraceptives studied, the contraceptive drug Depo-Provera showed one of the strongest associations with meningioma development
Previous Research on Depo-Provera Birth Control Shot
Prior to the 2024 findings, several studies had already begun to identify potential concerns regarding the long-term use of progestogen-based contraceptives like Depo-Provera.
These earlier investigations laid the groundwork for understanding the relationship between hormonal contraceptives and meningioma development.
Initial FDA approval in 1974 was revoked due to cervical cancer concerns and was reinstated in 1992 after WHO-led studies disputed carcinogenicity.
Subsequent warnings emerged in the 2000s regarding bone density loss, leading to a 2004 black box warning.
Despite these issues, meningioma risk remained unaddressed in U.S. labeling until 2024 despite earlier signals from European and Canadian regulators.
How Can A Depo Provera Attorney from TruLaw Help You?
Our Depo Provera attorney at TruLaw is dedicated to supporting clients through the process of filing a Depo Provera lawsuit.
With extensive experience in dangerous drugs cases, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman and our partner law firms work with litigation leaders and medical experts to prove how Depo Provera injections caused you harm.
TruLaw focuses on securing compensation for medical expenses, meningioma treatment costs, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from your Depo Provera-related meningioma.
We understand the physical and emotional toll that Depo Provera complications have on your life and provide the personalized guidance you need when seeking justice.
Meet the Lead Depo Provera Attorney at TruLaw
Meet our lead Depo Provera attorney:
- Jessica Paluch-Hoerman: As founder and managing attorney of TruLaw, Jessica brings her experience in product liability and personal injury to her client-centered approach by prioritizing open communication and personalized attention with her clients. Through TruLaw and partner law firms, Jessica has helped collect over $3 billion on behalf of injured individuals across all 50 states through verdicts and negotiated settlements.
How much does hiring a Depo Provera lawyer from TruLaw cost?
At TruLaw, we believe financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice.
That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis—with this approach, you only pay legal fees after you’ve been awarded compensation for your injuries.
If you or a loved one developed meningioma after receiving Depo Provera injections, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Depo Provera lawsuit today.
TruLaw: Accepting Clients for the Depo Provera Lawsuit
Depo Provera lawsuits are being filed by individuals across the country who suffered serious side effects after receiving the birth control injection.
TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the Depo Provera lawsuit.
A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your Depo Provera lawsuit include:
- If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The pharmaceutical liability lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
- Expertise: We have years of experience handling pharmaceutical liability cases similar to the Depo Provera lawsuit, which helps us anticipate what we can expect to see in your case and the regulations we will be required to meet.
- Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.
If you or a loved one experienced serious side effects after receiving the Depo Provera birth control shot, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for the Depo Provera lawsuit today.
Depo-Provera Lawsuit Frequently Asked Questions
Managing Attorney & Owner
With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three. She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.
In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.
In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share the most reliable, accurate, and up-to-date legal information with our readers!
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Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
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