Depo-Provera Lawsuits: Seeking Justice for Victims of Severe Side Effects
In 2024, following a major national case-control study in France, disturbing links between Depo-Provera and increased risks of brain tumors became widely publicized. The study revealed that prolonged use of Depo-Provera could lead to a 555% increase in risk for developing meningiomas, potentially leading to severe neurological effects and surgeries
What is Depo-Provera and Why is it Causing Controversy?
Depo-Provera, a popular injectable contraceptive, uses the synthetic hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate. Approved in 1992, Depo-Provera was promoted as a safe and effective form of long-term contraception with an injection every three months. However, significant studies and lawsuits now link Depo-Provera to serious health complications, specifically brain tumors such as intracranial meningiomas.
Scientific Studies Link Depo-Provera to Brain Tumors
Recent studies have shown a clear correlation between synthetic hormones in Depo-Provera and the occurrence of meningiomas. The French national study reported that women who used Depo-Provera for longer than one year had a 555% increased risk of developing these brain tumors. This landmark study emphasized that Depo-Provera had the highest meningioma surgery risk among all studied progestogen-based contraceptives
The Health Risks Associated with Depo-Provera: Meningiomas and Other Complications
What Are Meningiomas and Why Are They Dangerous?
Meningiomas are tumors that form in the brain’s protective lining and can range from benign to aggressive. Even benign meningiomas can cause severe complications, including:
- Severe headaches
- Vision problems
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Cognitive issues and memory loss
- Seizures and neurological impairments
In many cases, these tumors require surgical removal, which can lead to further health complications and long-term recovery
See if You Qualify
Get legal assistance.
Injured by taking Depo-Provera? Our Personal Injury Lawyers can help.
Get Free ConsultationLawsuits Against Pfizer and Depo-Provera Manufacturers: Key Details and Allegations
Pfizer’s Alleged Failure to Warn and Negligence
Lawsuits filed in federal court claim that Depo-Provera’s manufacturers, including Pfizer, were aware of the potential risks for decades but failed to warn U.S. consumers. Despite studies showing the link between progestogen-based contraceptives and brain tumors, Depo-Provera’s U.S. labeling remains unchanged, with no mention of brain tumor risks. This is in stark contrast to labels in the European Union and the United Kingdom, which explicitly include such warnings.
Kristina Schmidt’s Groundbreaking Lawsuit in California
Kristina Schmidt, a California woman, filed one of the first lawsuits against Pfizer, claiming that Depo-Provera caused her to develop a debilitating brain tumor. Her case points to Depo-Provera as the cause of her intracranial meningioma and includes allegations that Pfizer neglected to disclose known risks. Schmidt underwent a grueling three-hour surgery
Why File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit? Key Reasons for Taking Action
For individuals affected by Depo-Provera, pursuing legal action offers an opportunity to seek justice and compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll of this drug’s side effects. The potential compensation can cover:
- Medical expenses: including surgeries, follow-up treatments, and long-term care.
- Loss of income: for those unable to work due to health issues caused by Depo-Provera.
- Pain and suffering: to address the emotional and psychological impact of this ordeal.
Lawsuits against Depo-Provera manufacturers, like the Schmidt case, assert that Pfizer’s negligent failure to inform consumers of known risks constitutes grounds for compensation and damages
Studies and Findings on Depo-Provera’s Link to Brain Tumors
French National Study Highlights Increased Brain Tumor Risks
The French study, widely known as the Roland study, highlighted Depo-Provera’s dangers, specifically showing a 555% higher risk for users of medroxyprogesterone acetate to develop brain tumors. This research underscores the heightened risk for long-term users, who are often low-income women dependent on subsidized contraceptive options.
Progesterone Receptors and Meningioma Development
Research from the European Journal of Cancer and Clinical Oncology has identified high progesterone receptor activity in meningioma cells, which makes them more susceptible to growth under progestogen exposure, such as that in Depo-Provera. This receptor sensitivity helps explain the higher meningioma risk observed in Depo-Provera users.
Lundy Law: Fighting for Depo-Provera Victims’ Rights
Experience and Resources for Complex Pharmaceutical Litigation
Pharmaceutical lawsuits require extensive research, expert witnesses, and a thorough understanding of medical and legal standards. At Lundy Law, we combine our experience, knowledge, and resources to build strong cases against negligent pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Depo-Provera Lawsuit Timeline
1992
FDA Approval
Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) receives approval from the FDA as an injectable contraceptive for use every three months, marketed as a convenient, long-term birth control option.
1995–2002
Corporate Changes
Upjohn, the original developer of Depo-Provera, merges with Pharmacia AB in 1995, forming Pharmacia & Upjohn. In 2002, Pfizer acquires Pharmacia & Upjohn, taking control of Depo-Provera’s production and distribution
2005–2021
Prolonged Use by Consumers
Numerous consumers, including plaintiff Kristina Schmidt, are prescribed Depo-Provera as a contraceptive. Schmidt uses the drug continuously from 2005 until 2021, experiencing symptoms of dizziness and severe headaches over time
March 2024
French Case-Control Study Published
Researchers from EPI-PHARE publish a significant national case-control study in BMJ, which reveals a 555% increased risk of developing intracranial meningioma with prolonged use of Depo-Provera. This groundbreaking study prompts international scrutiny and raises awareness about the risks of high-dose synthetic progestogens
April 2024
Study Gains Publicity
Findings from the French study attract media attention, leading more women to question the safety of Depo-Provera and to consult with legal professionals about potential claims against its manufacturers.
October 1, 2024
First Major U.S. Lawsuit Filed
Kristina Schmidt files a lawsuit against Pfizer and other manufacturers, alleging that prolonged use of Depo-Provera caused her intracranial meningioma. The lawsuit claims Pfizer knew of the drug’s risks but failed to adequately warn consumers in the U.S., unlike labels in the European Union
October 2024 and Ongoing
Class Actions and Additional Cases
As awareness increases, more individuals come forward with health concerns potentially linked to Depo-Provera, signaling potential class actions and additional lawsuits. Legal teams investigate further claims and prepare to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for failing to update safety warnings and protect patients.
Jordan Lundy
Attorney
Legal Editor
Jordan Lundy, principal and managing partner at Lundy Law, is a dedicated trial attorney specializing in personal injury cases. He has secured millions in settlements and verdicts, delivering exceptional results for his clients.
- HarrisMartin Publishing. “Calif. Federal Lawsuit Alleges Link Between Brain Tumors, Depo-Provera.” HarrisMartin’s Drugs & Medical Devices Publication, 2 Oct. 2024, www.harrismartin.com.
- “First Lawsuit Filed Alleging Contraceptive Depo-Provera Caused Brain Tumor.” Law.com, 3 Oct. 2024.
- Roland, Noémie, et al. “Use of Progestogens and the Risk of Intracranial Meningioma: National Case-Control Study.” BMJ, vol. 384, 2024, pp. e078078, doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-078078.
- Schmidt, Kristina. Complaint for Schmidt v. Pfizer Inc., et al., No. 24-6875, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, filed 1 Oct. 2024.
- EPI-PHARE Scientific Interest Group. “Study on Progestogens and Intracranial Tumor Risks.” French National Health Data System (SNDS), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 2024.
- European Journal of Cancer and Clinical Oncology. “Progestogen-Linked Tumor Risks in Hormonal Contraceptives.” European Journal of Cancer and Clinical Oncology, 1991.