Depo Provera Shot Lawsuit

What is the Depo-Provera Shot?

Depo-Provera is a hormonal birth control injection administered every three months, containing medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone.

This contraceptive shot works primarily by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy.

Although widely used and generally effective, Depo-Provera has been associated with several health risks when used over long periods.

Health Risks and Side Effects of Depo-Provera

While many women tolerate the injection with minimal issues, others may experience adverse effects that can affect their physical and mental well-being.

The side effects associated with Depo-Provera are under increasing scrutiny, especially in light of reports highlighting the risks of prolonged usage.

Some of the primary health risks and side effects of Depo-Provera include:

• Bone Density Loss: Depo-Provera has been linked to decreased bone density, raising concerns about long-term bone health and increased fracture risk.
• Increased Cancer Risks: Preliminary studies have suggested possible links between Depo-Provera use and certain types of cancer, warranting further research.
• Osteoporosis Development: Prolonged use of Depo-Provera may lead to weakened bones, contributing to an elevated risk of osteoporosis.
• Mood Disorders: Some users report mental health effects such as mood swings, anxiety, and depression following Depo-Provera injections.
• Hormonal Imbalance: The high dose of synthetic progesterone may lead to imbalances that affect menstruation, weight, and overall hormonal stability.

While the likelihood and severity of these side effects vary among individuals, anyone considering or currently using Depo-Provera should discuss these risks with a healthcare provider.

Research Discovering Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Link

Scientific studies have identified a concerning link between prolonged Depo-Provera use and an increased risk of meningiomas—typically benign but potentially harmful brain tumors due to their location.

Meningiomas can lead to severe symptoms, including headaches and seizures.

A recent study involving 18,061 women who had undergone surgery for meningiomas, compared with over 90,000 control subjects, found that prolonged Depo-Provera use was associated with a 5.6-fold increase in the likelihood of developing meningiomas.

This risk was even higher among women over 65 who had used Depo-Provera continuously for three or more years.

In response, Pfizer has updated Depo-Provera’s product labels to warn about the potential risk of meningiomas associated with long-term use.

Plaintiffs argue that these updates came too late, as many users were not warned of these risks at the start of their treatment.

Research on Depo-Provera and Breast Cancer Risk

Research on Depo-Provera’s possible link to breast cancer has produced mixed findings, with some studies suggesting a slight increase in risk for specific groups.

Key findings from five extensive case-control studies on depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and breast cancer include:

• Slight Risk Increase: Three studies showed a slight increase in breast cancer risk among DMPA users, with only one study reaching statistical significance.
• Impact of Duration and Recency: A recent U.S. study found that women who used DMPA for a year or more and within the past five years experienced a statistically significant increase in breast cancer risk.
• Consistency Across Studies: This recent finding aligns with prior research showing an elevated risk for recent, long-term DMPA users.

These findings underscore the importance of assessing personal breast cancer risk factors, such as family history when considering Depo-Provera.

Discussions between patients and healthcare providers can help weigh the contraceptive benefits of Depo-Provera against potential long-term health risks.

If you or a loved one has developed severe health conditions after using the Depo Provera shot, you may be eligible for compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation to see if you qualify to join others filing Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuits today.

Manufacturers of Depo-Provera Named in the Lawsuits

As depo-provera shot lawsuits grow, the list of defendants expands to hold additional parties accountable for their actions throughout the manufacturing and distribution process.

The manufacturers of Depo-Provera named in the federal lawsuits include, but are not limited to:

• Pfizer Inc.: As the primary manufacturer of Depo-Provera, Pfizer is the main defendant in these lawsuits. Plaintiffs allege that Pfizer knew or should have known about the increased risk of meningiomas associated with long-term use of Depo-Provera but failed to provide sufficient warnings.
• Viatris Inc.: Formed from the merger of Mylan and Upjohn (a Pfizer subsidiary), Viatris is named in some lawsuits due to its connection with the production and distribution of Depo-Provera or its generic equivalents.
• Greenstone LLC: A subsidiary of Pfizer, Greenstone manufactures authorized generic versions of Depo-Provera. Lawsuits allege that Greenstone and Pfizer failed to warn consumers about the potential risks associated with the drug.
• Prasco Laboratories: As an authorized generic distributor, Prasco is implicated in some lawsuits for distributing generic versions of Depo-Provera without adequate risk warnings.
• Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC: A Pfizer subsidiary involved in developing and marketing Depo-Provera, Pharmacia & Upjohn is also named in certain lawsuits alleging failure to warn about the drug’s potential risks.

Federal Lawsuits Filed Nationwide

Multiple federal lawsuits have been filed nationwide, with plaintiffs filing new Depo-Provera lawsuit claims in California, Indiana, and Texas.

Central to these lawsuits are claims that the manufacturers listed above have omitted critical safety information, which plaintiffs assert would have influenced their decision to use alternative contraception methods.

The following individual claims have been filed in federal courts against Depo-Provera manufacturers:

• Schmidt v. Pfizer Inc. et al.: This lawsuit was filed in the Central District of California, claiming the prolonged use of Depo-Provera led to the development of a meningioma, which required brain surgery.
• Noble v. Pfizer Inc. et al.: This lawsuit was filed alleging a 20-year use of Depo-Provera resulted in a brain tumor diagnosed in 2017, requiring surgery and radiation treatments, then continued using Depo-Provera, unaware of its potential link to her condition.
• Monique Jones v. Pfizer Inc. et al.: This lawsuit was filed by Jones filed a lawsuit in the Central District of California, asserting that her use of Depo-Provera from 2000 to 2024 led to the development of an intracranial meningioma in 2020. Due to the tumor’s location, surgical intervention was deemed too risky, leaving her to manage ongoing symptoms

• Kathleen Fazio v. Pfizer Inc. et al.: This lawsuit was also filed in the Central District of California against Pfizer and other defendants, alleging that her nearly 25-year use of Depo-Provera led to the development of a calcified meningioma brain tumor, diagnosed in 2020. Due to its nature, surgical removal was also deemed too dangerous, resulting in chronic pain and ongoing symptoms.
• Unnamed Plaintiff in Texas: A lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of Texas, alleging that Depo-Provera use led to the development of a brain tumor.

As individual claims continue to be filed across various federal courts, all sharing similar allegations against Depo-Provera manufacturers, it becomes increasingly likely that these cases will be consolidated into multi-district litigation (MDL).

Consolidation into an MDL allows for streamlined handling of common evidence and witnesses, improving efficiency in the litigation process for plaintiffs nationwide.

Allegations Against Depo-Provera Manufacturers

The primary allegations against Depo-Provera manufacturers center on negligence claims and inadequate safety warnings. Plaintiffs argue that Pfizer and associated companies prioritized profit over patient safety by failing to disclose known risks. As evidence mounts linking Depo-Provera to severe side effects, plaintiffs contend that earlier, comprehensive warnings would have enabled users to make informed decisions about their contraception options.

• Negligence in Safety Warnings: Plaintiffs allege manufacturers failed to inform patients of critical health risks, including bone density loss and meningioma development.
• Misrepresentation of Side Effects: Allegations include claims that Depo-Provera’s safety profile was misrepresented, downplaying the severity of potential adverse effects.
• Delayed Label Updates: Plaintiffs argue that Pfizer’s recent labeling updates came too late for many users already affected by Depo-Provera’s risks.
• Inadequate Risk Assessment: Some lawsuits claim that Depo-Provera’s manufacturers did not adequately assess the long-term risks associated with the drug before marketing it to the public.
• Failure to Offer Safer Alternatives: Plaintiffs assert that manufacturers should have informed users of safer alternative contraceptive options with fewer known risks.

These allegations seek to hold Depo-Provera manufacturers responsible for harm caused by their product.

By pursuing legal action, Depo Provera users aim to secure compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of using Depo-Provera without being fully informed of the risks involved.

If you or a loved one has developed severe health conditions after taking Depo Provera, you may be eligible for compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation to see if you qualify to join others in filing a Depo Provera shot lawsuit today.

Steps to File a Depo-Provera Shot Lawsuit

Filing a lawsuit against the manufacturers of Depo-Provera involves a series of essential steps, including consulting with an attorney, gathering evidence, and formally initiating the claim.

These steps help establish a legal basis for seeking compensation related to health issues allegedly caused by Depo-Provera.

Eligibility Criteria for Plaintiffs

To determine if you may qualify to join the Depo-Provera lawsuit, there are specific criteria that plaintiffs must typically meet.

Eligibility is generally based on medical history, duration of Depo-Provera use, and documented adverse effects.

Potential claimants should meet the following conditions:

• History of Depo-Provera Use: Individuals must have used Depo-Provera as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• Health Complications: Claimants should have experienced serious health issues potentially linked to Depo-Provera, such as bone density loss, cancer, or meningiomas.
• Prolonged Usage: Those who use Depo-Provera for extended periods may be more likely to qualify, especially if their usage continues for over a year.
• Documented Medical Impact: Claimants should have medical documentation linking their adverse health effects to Depo-Provera.
• Statute of Limitations: Each state has its time limits for filing a lawsuit, so potential plaintiffs should consult an attorney to confirm eligibility based on the statute of limitations in their area.

Meeting these criteria does not guarantee eligibility, as individual health conditions and circumstances can affect each case.

Gathering Evidence for Your Claim

Successful Depo-Provera claims rely heavily on documented evidence connecting the drug to reported health issues.

Those who wish to have a Depo-Provera lawsuit filed should begin compiling all pertinent medical records, purchase records, and other supporting documentation.

Key evidence to collect includes:

• Medical Records: Collect records detailing the diagnosis of any health conditions linked to Depo-Provera, such as bone density tests, scans, or diagnoses of meningiomas or cancer.
• Prescription History: Documenting the prescription and dosage history of Depo-Provera can help establish the timeline and extent of drug exposure.
• Doctor’s Notes and Correspondence: If any healthcare providers mentioned potential risks of Depo-Provera or discussed the medication’s effects, these records can support your case.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Gather evidence of medical bills, prescription costs, and other expenses directly tied to treating Depo-Provera-related conditions.
• Personal Testimony and Journal Entries: A personal account of symptoms, challenges, and the impact of health issues related to Depo-Provera use can strengthen the emotional aspect of the claim.

Collecting these documents will be critical to substantiating your Depo-Provera lawsuit claim.

An experienced Depo-Provera attorney at TruLaw can help evaluate your evidence and advise on any additional records that could improve your case’s strength.

TruLaw: Accepting Clients for the Depo-Provera Lawsuit

Depo-Provera lawsuits are being filed by individuals across the country who were injured by the birth control shot.

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 product 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 suffered injuries after receiving the Depo-Provera birth control shot, you may be eligible to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit and seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify to join others in filing a Depo-Provera shot lawsuit today.