Depo-Provera Lawsuit: Symptoms Users Should Know

Patients filing lawsuits in the Depo-Provera multidistrict litigation (MDL) have reported numerous symptoms associated with meningioma brain tumors that developed after long-term use of the birth control injection.

These symptoms typically manifest as the slow-growing tumors press against brain tissue.

The common symptoms mentioned in the MDL include, but are not limited to:

• Severe and persistent headaches
• Vision problems (blurred vision, double vision, vision loss)
• Hearing loss or changes
• Seizures
• Memory problems and cognitive impairment
• Difficulty with speech or language
• Loss of smell
• Balance and coordination issues
• Arm or leg weakness
• Confusion and personality changes

Many plaintiffs report that these symptoms developed gradually over time, making early diagnosis challenging.

The MDL documentation notes that symptoms often worsen as tumors grow, with some patients requiring surgical intervention, craniotomies, and radiation therapy to address their condition.

The litigation focuses on claims that Pfizer failed to adequately warn U.S. patients about the link between Depo-Provera and meningiomas despite acknowledging this risk on product labels in other countries.

Persistent headaches often serve as the first warning sign of a meningioma in women who’ve used Depo-Provera.

These headaches typically intensify over time and may not respond to standard pain medications.

Vision disturbances appear in many patients as tumors press on the optic nerves.

Watch for blurry vision, double vision, peripheral vision loss, or temporary blindness episodes that come and go.

Neurological Warning Signs: Headaches, Vision Changes, and Cognitive Issues

Cognitive changes including memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and confusion can develop gradually.

You might struggle with finding words, completing familiar tasks, or notice personality changes that others point out before you recognize them yourself.

Many women dismiss these early symptoms as stress, aging, or hormonal changes, delaying diagnosis.

Symptoms often worsen slowly as meningiomas typically grow at a rate of 1-2 millimeters per year, allowing tumors to reach substantial size before causing unmistakable problems.

Physical Symptoms That May Indicate a Meningioma

Seizures, particularly in people with no prior history of epilepsy, represent a significant warning sign.

These can range from brief staring episodes to full-body convulsions requiring immediate medical attention.

Hearing changes, including progressive loss or persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus), may signal tumors affecting auditory pathways.

Some patients describe a pulsating sound synchronized with their heartbeat.

Muscle weakness or numbness often affects one side of the body more than the other.

You might notice dropping objects, stumbling while walking, or difficulty with precise hand movements that worsen over time.

Loss of smell (anosmia) can be an early indicator of tumors near the front of the brain.

This symptom frequently goes unnoticed or gets attributed to allergies or sinus problems until other symptoms develop.

The location of the meningioma determines which symptoms appear first and most prominently.

Tumors near the skull base may cause different symptoms than those growing along the upper surface of the brain.

The active ingredient in Depo-Provera, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), belongs to a class of hormones called progestogens.

Medical research shows these compounds can stimulate growth in certain brain tissues when present at high levels over extended periods.

Scientific Evidence Linking Long-Term Use to Brain Tumors

Recent studies found women using Depo-Provera faced 5.6 times higher risk of developing meningiomas compared to non-users.

This study was conducted by EPI-PHARE Scientific Interest Group, a joint initiative of the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety and the French National Health Insurance, that tracked over 10,000 patients for eight years.

The tumors typically grow slowly, allowing them to substantially increase in size before causing noticeable symptoms.

Timeline of Medical Knowledge and Warnings

Scientists first documented concerns about progestogens and brain tumor risk in small studies dating back to 2007, though these early findings received limited attention from regulators.

European health authorities added warning labels about potential meningioma risks to Depo-Provera packaging in 2018, nearly three years before similar warnings appeared on Canadian products.

US patients received no comparable notification during this period.

Pfizer updated prescribing information for US healthcare providers in January 2024, but many women who received Depo-Provera injections between 1992 and 2023 report they never learned about potential brain tumor risks from their doctors.

Despite evidence linking Depo-Provera to meningiomas, the FDA has not required a black box warning about brain tumor risks similar to the one issued for bone density loss in 2004.

FDA Regulatory Status on Meningioma Risks

Warning labels about meningioma risks have appeared on Depo-Provera packaging in Canada and the European Union for nearly a decade, yet similar warnings remain absent from U.S. product labeling.

Medical advocates argue the FDA should require stronger warnings about brain tumor risks, especially for women considering long-term use of the injectable contraceptive.

Documented Cases in Previous and Current Litigation

While the $2.17 million Canadian settlement in 2021 focused exclusively on bone density issues, current U.S. litigation centers primarily on meningioma brain tumor claims.

The first U.S. meningioma lawsuit was filed in October 2024 by a woman who had used Depo-Provera for approximately 17 years before developing a brain tumor requiring medical intervention.

These cases allege Pfizer knew or should have known about meningioma risks since at least 1983—nearly a decade before the FDA approved Depo-Provera for contraception—yet failed to properly investigate or disclose these risks to U.S. patients.

Legal experts anticipate potentially larger compensation in meningioma cases due to the severe nature of brain injuries and evidence suggesting deliberate withholding of risk information from U.S. consumers.

Seek medical attention right away if you develop headaches, vision changes, or other neurological symptoms after using Depo-Provera.

Early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes for meningiomas.

Medical Steps to Take If You Suspect a Problem

Call your primary care doctor first, who may refer you to a neurologist for specialized evaluation.

When making your appointment, mention your history of Depo-Provera use and ask specifically about meningioma concerns.

During your medical evaluation, doctors typically follow these diagnostic steps:

• A thorough neurological examination to assess vision, hearing, balance, and cognitive function
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with contrast, which provides detailed images that can detect even small meningiomas
• In some cases, a CT scan for initial screening, especially in emergency situations

Be prepared to ask your doctor these specific questions:

• “Could my symptoms be related to my history of Depo-Provera injections?”
• “What specific imaging tests will help diagnose or rule out a meningioma?”
• “How soon can these diagnostic tests be scheduled?”

For small tumors that aren’t causing severe symptoms, your doctor might recommend regular monitoring with follow-up MRI scans.

Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion, especially if your symptoms persist despite negative initial test results.

Documenting Your Depo-Provera Use and Symptoms

Begin collecting evidence of your Depo-Provera use immediately. Contact your gynecologist’s office to request:

• Complete prescription records showing dates of all injections
• Copies of medical notes from appointments where you received Depo-Provera
• Billing records that confirm your treatment history

Your pharmacy can provide additional documentation, including:

• Prescription history reports showing when you filled Depo-Provera prescriptions
• Insurance claim records related to your contraceptive care

Create a detailed symptom journal documenting:

• The date each symptom first appeared
• How symptoms have changed or progressed over time
• How your daily activities and quality of life have been affected
• Names of all healthcare providers you’ve consulted

Take photographs or videos of visible symptoms when possible, such as changes in facial movements or difficulties with coordination.

Include date stamps to establish a timeline.

Request copies of all diagnostic test results, including MRI and CT scan reports, even if initial results appear negative.

These baseline images may become important for comparison if symptoms progress.

Before speaking with insurance representatives or considering legal action, consult with an attorney who specializes in Depo-Provera litigation.

Most law firms handling these cases offer free consultations and can help determine if your medical documentation supports a potential claim.

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.

Depo-Provera lawsuits are being filed by individuals across the country who developed meningiomas after using the contraceptive injection.

TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the Depo-Provera litigation against Pfizer.

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 cases similar to the Depo-Provera lawsuits, 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 developed 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 that can determine if you qualify for the Depo-Provera litigation today.