Depo-Provera Lawsuit

Depo-Provera, a birth control injection made by Pfizer, has been linked to a risk of developing intracranial meningiomas, a type of brain tumor.

If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with a brain tumor (meningioma) after using Depo-Provera birth control injections, contact the attorneys at Harding Mazzotti, LLP for a free case consultation at 1-800-LAW-1010.

What is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is the brand name of a contraceptive medication that is sometimes prescribed for other gynecological conditions. The drug is provided in a doctor’s office through a deep skin injection every three months. The active ingredient in Depo-Provera, medroxyprogesterone acetate, is a progestogen, a synthetic version of the female sex hormone progesterone.

This medication is a hormonal contraceptive that works to prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and thickening mucus in the cervix, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg. Because the drug prevents pregnancy without needing to take birth control pills every day, Depo-Provera is a popular method of contraception. It’s also frequently administered to women who wish to limit their exposure to medications containing estrogen.

Study Links Progestogen Use to Increased Chance of Benign Brain Tumor (Meningioma)

A small number of high-dose progestogens have been associated in the past with an elevated risk of meningiomas, a common form of brain tumor. Now, a recent observational study comprising over 100,000 participants in France found that other types of progestogens are also associated with a higher chance of developing these brain tumors. Specifically, the study found an increased risk with the use of injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate, the active ingredient in Depo-Provera.

The study revealed that of the 18,061 participants who had intracranial surgery for meningioma, those who had used medroxyprogesterone acetate for 12 or more months had a 5.6 times higher risk of developing a brain tumor.

About Meningiomas

Meningiomas are primary central nervous system tumors that begin in the brain or spinal cord.  Intracranial meningiomas develop in the layers of tissue encompassing the brain. Meningiomas make up nearly 30% of all brain tumors. If the meningioma causes symptoms or shows signs it is growing, surgical removal is often recommended.

Signs of Meningioma Brain Tumors

The symptoms of a meningioma vary depending on the location, size, and growth rate of the tumor. However, symptoms commonly include:

• Headaches that are worse in the morning
• Seizures
• Blurry vision or double vision
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Numbness
• Hearing loss
• Loss of smell
• Memory loss

Get Help from an Experienced Depo-Provera Lawyer

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with a brain tumor (meningioma) after using Depo-Provera birth control injections, contact the defective drug injury lawyers at Harding Mazzotti, LLP today for a free case evaluation. Click, Chat, or call 1800LAW1010 24/7 for a free consultation.