Depo-Provera, a long-acting contraceptive injection, has been used by millions of women seeking a convenient birth control option. However, a growing number of individuals have come forward in the Depo-Provera lawsuit, alleging that the drug is linked to serious health complications, including low bone density, brain tumors, and an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. While studies continue to examine the extent of these alleged risks, many patients have raised concerns that they were not fully warned about potential long-term side effects.
If you or a loved one has experienced complications after receiving Depo-Provera, it’s important to understand what the lawsuit alleges and how this ongoing litigation could impact those seeking answers and accountability.
Overview of Depo-Provera and Its Uses
Before diving into the Depo-Provera lawsuit itself, we must take a step back and examine the contraceptive itself. Depo-Provera is a prescription contraceptive injection that was approved by the FDA in the early 1990s. It offers an alternative to daily oral birth control pills by providing three months of pregnancy prevention per dose. In addition to birth control, Depo-Provera is sometimes prescribed to treat medical conditions like endometriosis and abnormal uterine bleeding due to its hormone-suppressing effects.
What is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of the hormone progestin. It works by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and thinning the uterine lining to reduce the chances of implantation. Its long-lasting effectiveness and low-maintenance dosing schedule have made it a popular option for individuals seeking a convenient form of contraception and treatment for hormone-related conditions.
What Injuries Have Been Linked to Depo-Provera?
One of the most serious alleged risks linked to prolonged Depo-Provera use is the development of meningioma, a type of tumor that forms in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While meningiomas are often benign, their location can cause significant health complications.
A study published in March 2024 by the British Medical Journal found that long-term use of Depo-Provera may increase the risk of developing meningiomas by up to 5.6 times. These tumors can lead to:
- Persistent headaches
- Vision problems
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Seizures
- Complications from surgical removal
In some cases, the diagnosis can be life-altering. While research is ongoing, these findings have raised serious concerns and are central to the allegations in the Depo-Provera lawsuit.
Usage Statistics and Demographics
Despite growing allegations, Depo‑Provera remains a commonly used contraceptive method in the U.S., particularly among younger women (ages 15-24), low-income populations, rural populations, and communities of color. Approximately 2 to 3 million Depo-Provera prescriptions are filled annually in the United States alone, meaning about 3% of U.S. women of reproductive age rely on this contraceptive method. Globally, over 68 million women in approximately 114 countries have used DMPA (medroxyprogesterone acetate), the active hormone in Depo-Provera.
These usage patterns are particularly significant in the context of the Depo-Provera lawsuit, as they raise concerns about whether patients were adequately informed about the alleged risks. The high prevalence of use among younger women and marginalized groups highlights broader questions about informed consent, medical equity, and whether long-term health implications were fully disclosed to those most likely to rely on the drug. As litigation unfolds, these demographic trends may play a critical role in evaluating how Depo-Provera was marketed, prescribed, and monitored across different populations.
The Link Between Depo-Provera and Brain Tumors
Over the past year, a growing body of evidence has spotlighted an alleged connection between long-term Depo‑Provera use and the development of brain tumors known as meningiomas. The emergence of multiple studies and legal claims has fueled the Depo‑Provera lawsuit, focusing squarely on these risks and the alleged failure of Pfizer to warn patients.
Understanding Meningiomas
Meningiomas are tumors that arise from the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Most are benign, meaning non-cancerous, but their location can still exert dangerous pressure on nearby brain tissue. Treatment typically involves surgery, radiation, or careful monitoring, depending on the tumor’s size, type, and impact. In some cases, complete removal is impossible, and long-term therapeutic strategies are necessary.
Studies and Findings
In addition to the study published in the British Medical Journal, multiple recent studies provide strong alleged evidence of a link between Depo‑Provera and meningiomas:
- A U.S.-based cohort study comparing new users of medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) with users of oral ethinylestradiol–levonorgestrel found a significantly higher risk of intracranial meningioma, especially after long-term exposure.
- A January 2024 study analyzed cases of newly diagnosed meningiomas and found that DMPA use for over one year was associated with a significantly increased risk of intracranial meningioma. Researchers observed a dose-dependent pattern, with longer exposure linked to higher tumor risk.
- A recent UK-based analysis confirmed meningioma risk from prolonged use of DMPA when compared to other hormonal contraceptives.
Despite this mounting scientific evidence, the current U.S. FDA label for Depo‑Provera does not mention meningioma risk. However, it does include a black‑box warning on decreased bone density with long-term use.
Legal Implications and Pfizer’s Response
In response, Pfizer and allied manufacturers point to continued FDA approval and emphasize their compliance with labeling regulations. Pfizer has reportedly agreed to update patient information leaflets and packaging in Europe and elsewhere, but U.S. warning labels have not been updated to reflect meningioma risk. This issue may intensify during litigation as courts consider whether regulatory inertia imperils patient safety.
The Legal Process and Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)
As thousands of Depo‑Provera lawsuits citing alleged links to brain tumors are filed nationwide, plaintiffs increasingly turn to coordinated legal channels for efficiency and consistency. The establishment of a federal MDL allows multiple claims to move forward together, streamlining pretrial procedures while preserving individual rights and case specifics.
Role of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) evaluates whether legal claims across different courts share common factual questions. If consolidation serves justice and efficiency, the JPML assigns the cases to a single federal judge. In the Depo‑Provera MDL No. 3140, Judge M. Casey Rogers in the Northern District of Florida now oversees coordinated discovery, expert testimony, and pretrial briefings. This helps avoid duplicate efforts and conflicting rulings.
Specifics of the MDL Case
The JPML issued its transfer order on February 7, 2025, centralizing 27 federal Depo‑Provera cases previously filed in eight different districts. Since that date, the MDL has rapidly expanded. As of June 2025, the total number of active cases stands at approximately 348. New plaintiffs continue to join, with many filing directly into the MDL under the court’s direct-filing order.
Key Lawsuit Claims and Outcomes
The Depo-Provera lawsuit claims center around common legal themes such as product liability, failure to warn, and negligent conduct by the drug manufacturers.
Claims of Negligence and Failure to Warn
The core allegation in the Depo-Provera lawsuit is that Pfizer and its affiliates failed to adequately disclose the risk of developing meningiomas associated with long-term use of Depo‑Provera. Plaintiffs argue that the companies had access to data indicating an elevated risk but failed to update warning labels or provide patients and healthcare providers with proper risk disclosures. This alleged failure to warn forms the basis for negligence and product liability claims, as many individuals say they would have chosen an alternative form of contraception had they been fully informed.
Who Are the Defendants in the Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
Multiple companies are named across the Depo-Provera lawsuit, including both brand-name and authorized generic manufacturers of the contraceptive:
- Pfizer, Inc.
- Viatris Inc.
- Greenstone LLC
- Prasco, LLC (doing business as Prasco Labs)
- Pharmacia & Upjohn Co, LLC
- Pharmacia LLC
Each of these entities played a role in manufacturing, marketing, or distributing Depo‑Provera or its generic equivalents. Depo-Provera lawsuit plaintiffs argue that all of these parties share responsibility for the alleged failure to provide proper warnings about the risks.
Damages and Compensation
Individuals involved in the Depo‑Provera lawsuit are seeking a range of damages based on the severity of their injuries and the impact on their lives, including:
- Medical expenses related to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care
- Pain and suffering, including chronic symptoms or complications
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma related to a brain tumor diagnosis
- Loss of quality of life or ability to work
- Punitive damages, in some cases, to hold manufacturers accountable for alleged misconduct
As the litigation unfolds, courts will weigh the scientific evidence, the conduct of the defendants, and the harm suffered by each plaintiff to determine potential compensation.
Key Timeline of Recent Developments
The legal and scientific landscape surrounding Depo‑Provera has shifted rapidly over the past year. Below is a timeline of major developments that have shaped the ongoing litigation and public response:
- April 2024 – A major study is published linking long-term use of Depo‑Provera to an increased risk of brain tumors, specifically meningiomas. In response, Pfizer issues a vague public statement acknowledging the findings and promising to evaluate potential label updates.
- October 2024 – The first lawsuit is filed in the U.S., with plaintiff Kristina Schmidt alleging that after receiving approximately 64 Depo‑Provera injections between 2005 and 2021, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2022. Her case becomes a foundational example in the growing body of litigation.
- As of Late 2024 – U.S. warning labels for Depo‑Provera remain unchanged. However, several European regulatory bodies have updated their labels to reflect the potential meningioma risk.
- January 2025 – The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) holds a hearing to determine the appropriate venue for consolidating Depo‑Provera cases. Arguments focus on whether the MDL should be based in New York or California.
- Early 2025 – The FDA denies Pfizer’s request to update the Depo‑Provera label, citing concerns over the limited sample size in the study Pfizer submitted as evidence.
- Mid‑2025 (Expected) – The first bellwether trials are anticipated to begin. These early cases will help set the tone for how future Depo‑Provera lawsuits may be evaluated and resolved.
Future Implications and Patient Advocacy
The ongoing Depo‑Provera lawsuit may ultimately influence more than individual settlements—they have the potential to reshape how pharmaceutical companies disclose risks and how regulators respond to new evidence. As more patients come forward, legal proceedings will likely spark broader conversations about transparency, accountability, and the rights of those using prescription medications.
Changes to Pharmaceutical Regulation
Legal pressure from the Depo‑Provera lawsuit could prompt meaningful changes in how drug manufacturers approach labeling, especially for long-term medications used by millions of people. In particular, there may be renewed calls for more proactive updates to warning labels when new scientific evidence emerges, even if that evidence stems from smaller or non-U.S. studies.
Regulatory agencies like the FDA may also revisit the threshold of proof required to mandate label changes, especially for drugs with widespread use in vulnerable populations. These changes, if implemented, could help prevent delayed responses to emerging health concerns in the future.
Empowering Patients and Raising Awareness
At the heart of these cases is a larger issue: making sure patients have the information they need to make informed decisions about their health. Many of the individuals involved in the Depo‑Provera lawsuit say they were unaware of the potential long-term risks, despite having used the injection for years. This underscores the importance of stronger patient advocacy and public education efforts. By raising awareness, demanding accountability, and amplifying patient voices, we can help ensure that no one is left in the dark about the risks tied to their care.
What You Can Do If You Develop a Brain Tumor After Using Depo-Provera
If you’ve been diagnosed with a brain tumor after using Depo‑Provera—or are experiencing symptoms like severe headaches, dizziness, or vision changes—it’s important to take informed steps to protect both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you can do:
- Get a Medical Evaluation: Seek prompt care from a healthcare provider. Meningiomas and other brain tumors can develop slowly, and early detection may affect your treatment options and outcomes.
- Document Your Medical History: Keep detailed records of your Depo‑Provera injection dates, symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment history. This information will be critical in both your healthcare and any potential legal action.
- Speak with a Qualified Attorney: Contact a product liability or mass tort attorney with experience in pharmaceutical litigation. They can help evaluate your case and guide you through your options for pursuing compensation through the ongoing Depo-Provera lawsuit.
- Understand the Types of Compensation Available: Plaintiffs are seeking damages for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Even benign tumors can have serious consequences, and you may still have a valid legal claim.
- Know Your Rights: Drug manufacturers have a legal duty to warn users of known risks. If you weren’t adequately informed about the alleged connection between Depo‑Provera and brain tumors, you may be entitled to legal recourse.
Conclusion
The alleged link between Depo‑Provera and serious health complications like brain tumors has raised urgent concerns for patients and families across the country. As lawsuits move forward, one thing remains clear: every individual deserves transparency, accountability, and the opportunity to make informed choices about their care.
If you believe you’ve been harmed by Depo‑Provera, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Our legal system offers a path to justice, and taking that first step starts with understanding your rights.Contact Murphy & Prachthauser today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, review your case, and help you determine the best path forward. There’s no cost to speak with us, and no obligation to move forward unless you’re ready.