Recent scientific research and an accelerating wave of litigation have thrust Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate, commonly called the “Depo shot”) into the spotlight. For many women, Depo-Provera has been a convenient, long-acting contraceptive. But several high-quality population studies published in the last two years found a measurable association between prolonged use of some progestogen drugs, including Depo-Provera and brain tumors.
Those findings, coupled with a large number of lawsuits alleging inadequate warnings, mean patients should understand both the medical issues and the legal options now available.
Below, the harmful drug attorneys at Kherkher Garcia provide an update on research and litigation relating to Depo-Provera and brain tumors. Patients with any questions should not hesitate to reach out to us for help.
What Studies Show on Depo-Provera and Brain Tumors
Meningiomas arise from the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are benign in the sense that they don’t develop into cancer. However, their location can cause serious neurologic problems, such as:
- Seizures
- Vision loss
- Cognitive changes
- Deficits (depending on the tumor’s size and location)
Several recent epidemiologic studies have found that prolonged use of certain progestogens, notably medroxyprogesterone acetate, was associated with an increased risk of intracranial meningioma.
Some studies reported a stronger signal with longer exposure and with higher-dose formulations. While the absolute risk for any single woman remains low, the consistency across studies and the biological plausibility (many meningiomas express progesterone receptors) are propelling clinicians and regulators to re-examine labels and patient counseling.
Depo-Provera Litigation Snapshot
As the science accumulates, plaintiffs’ attorneys are filing claims alleging manufacturers like Pfizer are failing to warn patients and doctors about the meningioma risk. Lawsuits are increasingly being filed, with many cases being consolidated in early 2025 into multidistrict litigation (MDL). Reports from news outlets like Reuters indicate hundreds of plaintiffs have joined the litigation.
In response, Pfizer has filed motions seeking dismissal or limiting the claims, arguing in court papers that the FDA controls prescription drug labeling and that the agency previously declined to require a warning based on the available evidence. This argument is rooted in the federal preemption doctrine. Plaintiffs counter that manufacturers had independent duties, that evidence existed earlier than the label suggests, and that internal company knowledge and marketing conduct will be central issues in discovery. Courts will decide those legal thresholds as the MDL proceeds and as early test trials run.
Injuries and Damages in Depo-Provera Lawsuits
Women bringing Depo-Provera meningioma claims describe a range of harm, including:
- Diagnosis of meningioma after months or years of Depo-Provera use, often found because of new headaches, visual changes, or seizures.
- Major neurosurgical interventions, such as craniotomy and tumor resection, with attendant risks, such as bleeding, infection, neurologic deficits, and long recoveries.
- Permanent or long-term impairments, including seizures, partial vision loss, endocrine and cognitive issues, and the need for ongoing MRI surveillance.
- Economic and non-economic losses include medical bills (past and projected), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
The nature and extent of compensation in any case depend on medical records, the severity of injury, future care needs, and how a jury or settlement process values non-economic damages. Working with a skilled attorney can help victims better estimate the type of damages they may qualify for.
Common Legal Claims in Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Cases
Plaintiffs’ complaints relating to Depo-Provera and brain tumors generally include several core product-liability theories:
- Failure to warn (design/labeling defect): The manufacturer allegedly knew or should have known of a material risk and failed to adequately warn prescribers and patients.
- Design defect or marketing defect: Claims that the product was unreasonably dangerous as designed or that promotional materials misrepresented safety.
- Negligence and consumer-protection theories: Standard negligence allegations and, in some cases, statutory claims under consumer protection laws.
- Wrongful death (where applicable): When a patient dies from complications allegedly related to the tumor or its treatment.
Because drug labels are regulated by the FDA, defendants often raise preemption defenses, arguing federal law governs labeling decisions. Plaintiffs typically respond by asserting either evidence the manufacturer withheld material information from regulators or that state-law duties are not preempted. Those legal fights over preemption and admissible evidence frequently determine whether a mass tort proceeds to broad trials or narrows into more limited disputes.
How Kherkher Garcia Helps Victims with Harmful Drug Claims
Handling a harmful drug claim requires medical-legal coordination and focused client advocacy. Kherkher Garcia offers a full suite of services for clients injured by harmful or defective drugs:
- Free, confidential case review and deadline check. We review medical records, confirm dates of exposure, and verify applicable statutes of limitations to ensure your rights are protected.
- Thorough medical documentation. We obtain and organize relevant records, including doctor notes, imaging (MRI/CT), surgical and pathology reports, etc. This builds a clear timeline linking exposure to injury.
- Top medical experts. We retain neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, and epidemiologists to explain causation, prognosis, and future medical needs to courts and juries.
- Aggressive discovery and case development. In an MDL we coordinate with other counsel to pursue company documents, internal studies, and regulatory submissions that illuminate what the manufacturer knew and when.
- Client-focused litigation strategy. We advise whether a client’s interests are best served by participating in MDL proceedings, seeking early individual trials, or resolving through negotiated settlements.
- Maximizing recovery and future care. We pursue compensation for past and ongoing medical costs, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages tailored to each client’s needs.
At Kherkher Garcia, our firm combines trial experience with sensitivity to clients coping with serious injuries. Our goal is keeping families informed and prioritized every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions about Depo-Provera and Brain Tumors
Q: If I took Depo-Provera years ago and now have a meningioma, can I file a lawsuit?
A: Possibly. Whether you qualify for legal action depends on proof of exposure, diagnosis, and medical evidence linking the tumor to the drug. Timeliness is critical because statutes of limitation vary by state.
Q: Is the risk large? Should I stop using Depo-Provera right away?
A: Studies indicate an increased relative risk with prolonged use in some analyses, but the absolute risk for any individual remains low. Patients should not stop medication without consulting their healthcare provider. If you have concerning symptoms (headache changes, vision issues, new seizures), seek medical evaluation.
Q: What compensation could I recover?
A: Potential recoveries can include past and future medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and, if the case supports it, punitive damages. The exact value depends on injuries and evidence.
Q: What if Pfizer says the FDA wouldn’t have allowed a warning?
A: That is a common defense (preemption). Plaintiffs may respond by showing the manufacturer withheld information, knew of stronger signals earlier, or otherwise breached state tort duties. Courts will rule on preemption issues based on the record. Experienced counsel can develop the factual record to counter preemption arguments.
Q: How long will litigation take?
A: Cases involving numerous plaintiffs and large pharmaceutical companies can take months, or even years to resolve. Some plaintiffs obtain earlier settlements through settlements, while others may proceed to trial. Your attorney will explain likely timelines given the case posture.
Free Consultation with a Harmful Drug Attorney
If you or a loved one used Depo-Provera and were later diagnosed with a meningioma, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Kherkher Garcia provides free consultations to review records, explain legal options, and evaluate deadlines. We combine medical-expert coordination with dogged litigation where needed. Most important, we prioritize compassionate client service at every step.
Contact Kherkher Garcia today for a free, confidential case review. We will explain the legal process and how we can help pursue compensation and accountability while you focus on your health. Call us now to get started at 713-333-1030. You can also reach out to us online via our contact form.
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