After a study found that there was a potential link between the use of the contraceptive injection Depo-Provera and an increased risk for brain tumors — specifically an increase in the risk of developing intracranial meningioma – a significant number of Depo-Provera lawsuits started to be filed. Let’s take a look at some of the Depo-Provera lawsuit updates that have already materialized.
Depo-Provera Lawsuits in Early Stages
Plaintiffs allege that prolonged use of the contraceptive Depo-Provera has led to the development of meningiomas, a type of typically noncancerous brain tumor. These claims argue that Pfizer, the drug’s manufacturer, failed to adequately warn users about the potential risk involved in taking the drug and possibly developing this type of tumor.
The latest Depo-Provera lawsuit update is simply that litigation for these claims is in the early stages. As of this month, multiple lawsuits have been filed across the United States on this specific topic, and thousands more could follow. Lawyers – including the team at Phillips Law Group – are investigating cases from people who suffered brain tumors called meningioma after using Depo-Provera, and we continue to accept new claims as of November 2024.
Depo-Provera Risks
Some possible side effects of using Depo-Provera include abdominal pain, bloating, depression, dizziness, headaches, irregular periods and breakthrough bleeding, weight gain, and more. Notably, on Pfizer’s website, an increased risk of developing brain or spinal tumors is not listed as a potential side effect of getting the injection. However, it does note a possible increased risk of breast cancer compared to non-users.
But sadly, a report in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) discovered that the use of Depo-Provera increased the risk of intracranial meningioma 5.6-fold if used for more than a year.
“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,” the study’s research team, led by a general practitioner and epidemiologist with French National Health Insurance in Saint-Denis, France, concluded.
In a statement, Pfizer said, “We are aware of this potential risk associated with long-term use of progestogens and, in collaboration with regulatory agencies, are in the process of updating product labels and patient information leaflets with appropriate wording.”
Am I Eligible for a Depo-Provera Claim?
You may be eligible to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit if you used any version of Depo-Provera — including products sold under the brand names depo-SubQ Provera, or any authorized generic version of the drug — at least two times as a contraceptive or for any other purpose. Plus, if you can prove that you were formally diagnosed with meningioma or some other form of brain tumor after taking Depo-Provera, you may qualify to make a claim.
New Depo-Provera lawsuit updates are happening all the time as the litigation process continues. If you are unsure whether or not you are eligible to make a claim, please contact our office for a free, no-obligation consultation today to discuss your legal options. Call 602-222-2222 to learn more now.
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