What is Depo-Provera, and what are the claims about?
It’s possible you’re taking estrogen but still not experiencing its usual benefits, perhaps because you are also taking estrogen-blocking medications. Alternatively, you may be unable to use estrogen due to a medical condition. The procedure seemed straightforward – an appointment, protection for many months to come and after that life could go on as normal.
This can be a surreal experience for women when they later hear of words like brain tumor, meningeal tumor or surgery. For many people the process of coming to terms is just as painful as the diagnosis itself. If I’d known about the risks, I would have never taken out that mortgage.
The main issue at the heart of the current Depo-Provera lawsuits is whether women were adequately informed and given the opportunity to make a choice.
This page should have a warm, clear and straightforward tone. In a clear and simple style, the programme presents facts without fear or bias.
The contraceptive called Depo-Provera is made up of medroxyprogesterone acetate, often termed as DMPA or MPA. The device has been widely used over many years.
Numerous individuals in existing lawsuits have suggested that the Depo-Provera shot, taken over an extended period of time, may cause the development of intracranial meningioma, a form of brain tumour that forms within the brain’s surrounding tissue. Benign brain tumours known as meningiomas are usually described as benign in nature. However this does not mean that they are harmless. They can sometimes be very serious and necessitate an operation, depending on their size and where they are located.
In these cases, it is not alleged that Depo-Provera causes meningiomas in everyone who took the drug. The main focus is on whether sufficient warning was given about the risks, particularly where women have used these products for many years.
What does the research and regulatory landscape show?
Research has shown a possible link between the use of certain progesterone-like hormones, such as medroxyprogesterone acetate, and an increased risk of meningioma after long term treatment. The study of a population showed a higher risk to those who used mobile phones for extended periods of time. The Guardian][1])
Internationally, regulatory measures have been put into place. The European Medicines Agency has issued a direct healthcare professional communication concerning medroxyprogesterone-containing medicinal products. Like the EMA, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) says there is a small increased risk of a meningioma when higher doses of medroxyprogesterone acetate are used, mainly following long term use. This increased risk can be mitigated through certain safeguards. GOV.UK][3])
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved labelling changes which involve Depo-Provera contraception injections providing additional information concerning the risk of meningioma. There are updates for the section warnings/precautions and patient counselling information. FDA Access Data][4])
Where the lawsuits are right now
Depo-Provera litigation has been transferred to federal court as an MDL (multidistrict litigation). The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued a transfer order creating **MDL No. A consolidated Multi-District Litigation was established in 1996 in the Northern District of Florida for Depo-Provera plaintiffs who allege intracranial meningiomas were caused by Depo-Provera or generic versions. flnd.uscourts.gov][5])
Pfizer claimed in court documents that certain warnings were impossible due to FDA labeling rules and previous agency decisions, according to a Reuters report. Pfizer’s critics however, claim that the company was aware of risk indicators and failed to provide adequate warning to the public. Reuters][6])
The extent of the Master Consolidation Device (MDL) can influence how quickly a case moves through the courts. This is because the MDL dictates what information is shared during the discovery process, what expert testimony is allowed and the selection of test cases which can have a bearing on the outcome of other cases. Each plaintiff’s injuries and their respective damages remain unique.
Signs and symptoms people often mention
A diagnosis of a meningioma is not something that happens without a lot of anxiety and uncertainty on your part. If you are concerned you may have a mental health condition then do not diagnose yourself via the internet.
In fact, meningiomas are usually diagnosed after symptoms such as these have appeared:
- Persistent headaches that feel different than your normal pattern
- Vision changes
- Vertigo or loss of balance
- Seizures
Changes in speech, numbness or weakness in the face, often including an inability to smile – typically or usually on one side of the face.
Given the potential for a variety of causes, most of which are not tumours, your first step should be to consult with a medical professional you trust.
If you’re wondering whether you might qualify for a Depo-Provera claim
Usually such law firms will be looking for things such as;
History of Depo-Provera or medroxyprogesterone use, typically involving longer-term exposure, and
Individuals with a diagnosis of intracranial meningioma (including surgery or continuing monitoring) and
Reasonable timing in relation to the initiation of symptoms leading to diagnosis and treatment can vary.
You don’t have to have your files in order for this method to work – its not really about the organisation of your documents. In most cases, individuals do not keep files, organised in folders named potential law suits. You’re human. The system should meet you where you are.
What you can do right now (without making your life harder)
When considering alternative courses of action, consider the following:
Your health should always be your top priority.
Follow your treatment plan. Ask your doctor the questions you’ve been holding back. If you find the experience of attending appointments to be daunting, you may want to consider bringing someone with you.
Gather the information that is readily available.
Information that must be kept confidential includes; pharmacy records, the records of injections administered, insurance claims, patient appointment histories and medical reports. Medical reports include diagnostic results, surgical notes and images.
- Write a short timeline—just for you.
How and when the gun started was unknown. How long have you been suffering from this illness, when did your symptoms first appear, when were you medically diagnosed and what medical treatments you have received?
A legal professional should be consulted if you require the documents to be completely clear.
It should be a genuinely helpful conversation in which you both learn about each other’s businesses and assess how the services of the company might be able to assist. You need someone who can spell out the way the MDL works, identify which documents are most relevant and explain what the realistic options are.
A gentle next step
If you used Depo-Provera and subsequently were diagnosed with a brain tumor, you’re not alone in your concerns. In order to determine if your situation may qualify for Depo-Provera compensation, you can confidentially discuss your case with us. When you are ready, contact the companies – your sole purpose in doing so is to get information. This should be done in a quiet manner and with the assistance of those who deal in such matters.
