Depo Provera Lawsuit

What is Depo Provera Lawsuit?

Depo-Provera lawsuits claim brand name Depo-Provera birth control, or its generic forms, may increase the risk of rare Brain Tumors called meningiomas. Lawyers claim Pfizer didn’t properly warn about the risk. Litigation is in the early phases and there have been no settlements or jury verdicts yet.

THIS LAWSUIT WILL NOT AFFECT YOUR ELIGIBILITY TO COLLECT VA DISABILITY BENEFITS.

See If You Qualify For Compensation

Get an immediate, FREE case review!

First Name

Last Name

Phone Number

Is this for you or someone else?

MyselfSomeone Else

Injury

When is the best time to contact you for a Free Claim Review?

Tell Us About Your Claim

yes

By clicking "Submit," I provide my written consent, authorizing havealawyer.com and one or more law firms, their agents and marketing partners to contact me about my case and other related legal products and services to the number and email address I provided (including any wireless number). I further expressly consent to receive telemarketing email calls, text messages, prerecorded messages and artificial voice messages via an autodialer phone system, even if my telephone number is a mobile number that is currently listed on any state, federal or corporate "Do Not Call" list. I understand that my consent is not a condition to purchase any goods or services and that standard message and data rates apply. By clicking "Submit," I also confirm I have read and agreed to this website's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Depo-Provera Lawsuit Overview

Depo-Provera is a contraceptive injection used to prevent pregnancy. It is a widely used, long-term birth control method containing the hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate. Although it is highly effective at preventing pregnancy, research suggests it can cause brain tumors and other serious side effects. People who have been diagnosed with brain tumors after receiving Depo-Provera injections are filing lawsuits against the drug’s manufacturer, Pfizer.

Legal documents filed against Pfizer, Inc., a major pharmaceutical company responsible for the production and distribution of Depo-Provera, allege that the company knew or should have known that patients were at an increased risk of developing meningiomas, particularly after prolonged use. Symptoms of meningiomas include headaches, vision problems, seizures, and other neurological issues. These symptoms have the potential to cause severe disability, permanent impairment, or life-threatening conditions.

Lawsuits allege that the company failed to warn doctors and patients about these risks and rushed the drug to market without adequate long-term studies. The company is accused of overlooking or downplaying adverse event reports. Additionally, the company failed to update the medication’s label with proper warnings regarding the risk of these conditions despite growing evidence, prioritizing profits and market share over patient safety.

Individuals who have experienced significant health challenges, including neurological impairment, may be eligible for compensation to cover excessive medical costs for treatment and long-term care, emotional distress, anxiety, and diminished quality of life. Depo-Provera patients who develop brain tumors are encouraged to seek legal counsel for assistance with filing a claim. Due to the drug’s widespread impact, there is a potential for consolidated cases in federal court.

What Is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is a brand name for medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of the hormone progestin used primarily as a contraceptive injection that prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. It is injected into the arm or buttocks and administered every 12 weeks.

The medication, also known as the birth control shot or Depo shot, has a high rate of effectiveness and may also be prescribed for managing conditions like endometriosis, heavy menstrual bleeding, and reducing the risk of endometrial cancer. It can prevent pregnancy for up to 14 weeks if administered correctly and on schedule.

How Does Depo-Provera Work?

Depo-Provera works through several mechanisms, including preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the cervical mucus, ultimately creating an environment that is less than favorable for sperm survival and function.

How Depo-Provera works:

Inhibition of Ovulation: Depo-Provera prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation), eliminating the possibility of fertilization.
Thickening of Cervical Mucus:The injection thickens cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to pass through the cervix and reach an egg.
Thinning of the Uterine Lining:Depo-Provera thins the uterine lining, reducing the likelihood that a fertilized egg could implant and develop.
Effect on Sperm:The hormone in Depo-Provera creates an environment that is less favorable for sperm survival and function, further preventing pregnancy.

When administered correctly on schedule, Depo-Provera is a highly effective contraceptive method. It is injected into a muscle, generally the arm or buttocks, every 12 weeks (approximately every 3 months). Allegations against the manufacturer of Depo-Provera include that prolonged use of the medication may put patients at an increased risk for developing brain tumors and other severe conditions.

Common Uses of Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera has a number of uses but is primarily prescribed as a form of long-acting, reversible contraceptive. It is also used to treat menstrual disorders, endometriosis, and hormonal imbalances.

Uses of Depo-Provera:

Contraception: Primarily used as a long-acting reversible contraceptive, administered via injection every 12 weeks. It is highly effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly.
Management of Endometriosis: May be prescribed to reduce the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. It can help alleviate pain and symptoms associated with endometriosis.
Treatment of Menstrual Disorders: It is also used to manage heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and painful periods (dysmenorrhea) due to its ability to thin the uterine lining and suppress ovulation, reducing bleeding and menstrual cramps.
Reduction of Endometrial Cancer Risk: The drug may help lower the risk of endometrial cancer in women with certain risk factors, such as a history of endometrial hyperplasia.
Management of Hormonal Imbalances: Has been prescribed to treat hormonal imbalances that cause irregular or absent menstrual periods (amenorrhea).
Support in the Treatment of Uterine Fibroids: This medication helps manage symptoms associated with uterine fibroids, such as heavy bleeding, though it is not a cure for fibroids.
Postpartum Bleeding Control: This can be used to control bleeding after childbirth.

Long-Term and Serious Side Effects

Long-term use of Depo-Provera can lead to significant health conditions, including irreversible bone density loss, a delayed return to fertility, and ongoing menstrual irregularities. Other potentially life-threatening side effects associated with the use of the medication include an increased risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and severe depression.

Long-Term Side Effects of Depo-Provera:

Bone Density Loss: Due to estrogen suppression, Depo-Provera can lead to significant bone mineral density loss. There is also an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures, especially with use beyond two years. For this reason, the medication is often recommended only for short-term use. .
Delayed Return to Fertility: Fertility may take several months to over a year to return after discontinuing Depo-Provera. This delay can be concerning for those wishing to conceive shortly after stopping the injection.
Menstrual Irregularities: Long-term use can result in ongoing menstrual irregularities, including irregular bleeding, amenorrhea, or unpredictable periods.

Serious Side Effects Associated with Depo-Provera:

Blood Clots: There is a rare but serious risk of developing blood clots, which can lead to conditions like deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, or heart attack.
Severe Depression and Mood Changes: Some users may experience severe depression or significant mood changes, particularly those with a history of depression.
Allergic Reactions: Rare cases of serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which require immediate medical attention.
Allergic Reactions: Rare cases of serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which require immediate medical attention.
Liver Function Changes: Potential for liver function issues, including jaundice or other liver-related problems, particularly in those with a history of liver disease.
Increased Risk of Certain Cancers: Limited evidence suggests a slightly increased risk of breast cancer with long-term use, though data is not conclusive. Women with a strong family history of breast cancer should discuss this risk with their healthcare provider.
Liver Function Changes: Potential for liver function issues, including jaundice or other liver-related problems, particularly in those with a history of liver disease.
Vision Problems: Possible vision changes that could indicate a serious condition, like a blood clot in the eye, requiring immediate evaluation.

The FDA advises against using Depo-Provera for more than two years due to these serious risks, particularly bone loss. Patients are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider to discuss any adverse conditions developed after using the medication.

Depo-Provera Manufacturer: Pfizer

Pfizer, Inc., has been the manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of Depo-Provera since acquiring the rights through a merger with Pharmacia in 2003. The company is responsible for ensuring the drug’s global safety, efficacy, and quality standards. Under Pfizer’s ownership, Depo-Provera has become a widely used contraceptive with different formulations, including the standard Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection and the lower-dose Depo-SubQ Provera 104.

However, the company has faced various lawsuits related to Depo-Provera, including claims concerning side effects like bone density loss and potential links to conditions such as meningiomas. The company must manage these legal issues while continuing to market and distribute Depo-Provera.

Eligibility Criteria in the Depo-Provera Lawsuit

Depo-Provera lawsuit, individuals must have used the brand-name (Pfizer) Depo-Provera, depo-SubQ Provera, or an authorized generic version at least twice and must have been diagnosed with a meningioma or brain tumor after usage. Eligibility may be further influenced by the duration of use, time elapsed since last use, and specific diagnosis, potentially entitling them to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer for compensation.

Eligibility criteria for a Depo-Provera lawsuit:

Usage: Must have used brand-name Depo-Provera (Pfizer), brand-name depo-SubQ Provera (Pfizer), or an “authorized generic” version of Depo-Provera at least twice.
Diagnosis: Diagnosed with meningioma or a brain tumor after using Depo-Provera.
Other Considerations: The duration of Depo-Provera or its generic version usage, the time elapsed between the last use of Depo-Provera, the diagnosis, and the diagnosis of meningioma and brain tumors.

Due to the potential link between Depo-Provera and an increased risk of brain tumors in some women, individuals who have suffered a brain tumor after taking the medication may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer.

Depo-Provera Lawsuit