Long-term use of the injectable contraceptive Depo-Provera may increase the risk of developing a rare type of brain tumor called meningioma, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal. Shockingly, the study found that the risk of developing an intracranial meningioma may increase 5.6-fold if the medication is used for longer than a year.
Risk of Developing Intracranial Meningioma Taking Depo-Provera
The research team for the study, led by Noémie Roland – a general practitioner and epidemiologist with French National Health Insurance in Saint-Denis, France – found that “In countries for which the use of medroxyprogesterone acetate for birth control is frequent [74 million users worldwide], the number of attributable meningiomas may be potentially high.”
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, meningiomas are the most common benign intracranial tumor, and while most meningiomas are benign, “these tumors can grow slowly until they are very large, if left undiscovered, and, in some locations, can be severely disabling and life-threatening.”
Unfortunately, the BMJ study found that prolonged use of medrogestone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and promegestone raised the risk of intracranial meningioma. Injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate is a widely used contraceptive – with Depo-Provera probably being the most well-known brand name.
More About Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera is given as an injection every three months and generally suppresses ovulation, keeping a person’s ovaries from releasing an egg to act as a contraceptive. “It also thickens cervical mucus to keep sperm from reaching the egg,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
Some of the side effects of Depo-Provera may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Decreased interest in sex
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Irregular periods and breakthrough bleeding
- Nervousness
- Weakness and fatigue
- Weight gain
The exact number of women who use Depo-Provera is unknown, but according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, “The Office of Population Affairs (OPA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reported that, in 2022, approximately 302,000 women received the DMPA injection as their primary contraceptive method from a Title X service provider.”
Thousands of women, at the very least, use this injectable drug as a form of birth control. If there is an increased risk of intracranial meningioma after long-term use of Depo-Provera, patients deserve to know that information.
“Future studies should further clarify the association between the duration of use and risk for the progestogens studied,” the research team said.
Contact Phillips Law Group
If you or a loved one suffered brain tumors after taking Depo-Provera, the team at Phillips Law Group may be able to assist you. People who specifically developed intracranial meningiomas could potentially pursue legal action, but the first step to determining your options is to contact our firm for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more.
Call us at 602-222-2222 to find out more now.
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