Depo-Provera, a long-acting injectable contraceptive manufactured by Pfizer, is now at the center of a growing wave of litigation. More than 800 women across the United States have filed lawsuits alleging that prolonged use of Depo-Provera caused serious brain tumors—specifically intracranial meningiomas. These lawsuits claim that Pfizer failed to warn patients and healthcare providers about the risks associated with repeated injections of medroxyprogesterone acetate, despite mounting evidence and international regulatory concern.
At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C., we are actively investigating Depo-Provera brain tumor claims and helping families pursue justice through strategic litigation. If you or a loved one developed a brain tumor after receiving Depo-Provera, you may be entitled to compensation.
What Is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is a synthetic progestin administered via intramuscular injection every three months. It has been widely prescribed for birth control since its FDA approval in 1992 and is also used off-label to manage endometriosis, menstrual disorders, and hormone-sensitive conditions. Its appeal lies in its convenience—no daily pills, no implants, no patches. However, this convenience has come at a cost for many women.
While Depo-Provera has long been associated with side effects such as bone density loss, mood changes, and delayed fertility, recent studies have revealed a more alarming risk: the development of intracranial meningiomas, a type of brain tumor that can compress brain tissue, impair neurological function, and require invasive surgery.
Scientific Evidence Linking Depo-Provera to Brain Tumors
Between 2024 and 2025, several high-impact studies have strengthened the causal link between Depo-Provera and meningioma development. These findings have prompted renewed scrutiny of the drug’s safety profile and triggered a wave of personal injury lawsuits.
A 2024 study published in the British Medical Journal found that prolonged use of progesterone-based contraceptives, including Depo-Provera, may significantly increase the risk of developing meningiomas. Researchers emphasized that the risk was especially pronounced in women who received multiple injections over several years.
In September 2025, a large-scale epidemiological study titled “Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate and Risk of Meningioma in the US” analyzed data from over 10 million women. The study found that women who used Depo-Provera were nearly 2.5 times more likely to develop brain tumors than those who used no birth control or other forms of contraception.
Additionally, a Cleveland Clinic study published in JAMA Neurology found that long-term Depo-Provera users had more than double the risk of intracranial meningiomas compared to non-users. The study controlled for age, family history, and other hormonal exposures, strengthening the argument for a direct link.
These findings form the backbone of the current litigation, which alleges that Pfizer failed to provide adequate warnings and continued to market Depo-Provera despite knowing safer alternatives existed.
Legal Allegations Against Pfizer
Plaintiffs in the Depo-Provera litigation allege that Pfizer:
- Knew of the tumor risks but failed to warn U.S. consumers
- Provided more detailed disclosures to European regulators than to the FDA
- Continued marketing Depo-Provera despite mounting evidence of harm
- Submitted incomplete or misleading data to federal regulators
- Violated product liability and consumer protection laws
Many lawsuits involve women who received multiple injections of Depo-Provera and were later diagnosed with meningiomas requiring surgery, long-term monitoring, or neurological rehabilitation. Some plaintiffs report permanent cognitive impairment, seizures, or loss of income due to disability.
Status of the Litigation
As of September 2025, more than 800 lawsuits have been filed, with the majority consolidated into:
- MDL No. 3140 in the Northern District of Florida, overseen by Judge M. Casey Rodgers
- 550+ cases in New York state courts, also focused on brain tumor allegations
- Additional filings in California, Texas, and Delaware, where state-level claims are advancing independently
The MDL is currently in early discovery, with summary judgment hearings expected in late 2025 or early 2026. Bellwether trials are being selected to test the strength of expert testimony and causation arguments.
Pfizer’s Defense Strategy: Federal Preemption
Pfizer has moved to dismiss many of the lawsuits, arguing that federal law preempts state-law failure-to-warn claims. The company asserts that:
- It submitted data to the FDA in 2023 requesting a label change to include tumor risk warnings
- The FDA rejected the request, stating that the evidence was insufficient to warrant a label update
- Therefore, Pfizer claims it was legally barred from changing the label and cannot be held liable under state law
Plaintiffs’ attorneys strongly dispute this defense, arguing that Pfizer selectively presented data, downplayed risks, and provided more detailed disclosures to European regulators than to the FDA. They also note that the FDA never rejected an adequate warning—only the version Pfizer submitted.
Who Qualifies for a Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a claim if:
- You received two or more Depo-Provera injections
- You were diagnosed with a brain tumor, especially a meningioma
- You can document both your Depo-Provera use and tumor diagnosis
- You are within the statute of limitations (typically 2–3 years from diagnosis or discovery)
Our firm can help you gather medical records, pharmacy documentation, and expert testimony to support your case. We work with neurologists, oncologists, and pharmacologists to build strong, evidence-based claims.
What Compensation Can Victims Expect?
While no global settlement has been reached, legal analysts estimate that individual payouts may range from:
- $150,000 to $500,000 for confirmed meningioma cases requiring surgery or long-term care
- Higher amounts for cases involving permanent neurological damage or loss of income
- Lower-tier settlements for cases with minimal symptoms or incidental tumor findings
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses (surgery, imaging, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages in cases of egregious corporate misconduct
Settlement values will depend on the severity of the injury, medical documentation, number of injections received, and jurisdiction.
Why Choose The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C.?
Our firm has decades of experience handling complex pharmaceutical injury cases. We understand the medical, legal, and emotional challenges families face when confronting drug-related harm. We offer:
- Free, confidential case evaluations
- Compassionate, trauma-informed legal support
- Strategic litigation tailored to brain tumor claims
- No fees unless we win your case
We are currently accepting clients nationwide and working closely with experts in neurology, oncology, and pharmacology to build strong cases.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one developed a brain tumor after receiving Depo-Provera injections, don’t wait. Contact The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C. today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
References
- King Law. (2025, September 10). Depo-Provera Lawsuit Settlement Amounts [2025 Update]. https://www.robertkinglawfirm.com/personal-injury/depo-provera-lawsuit/depo-provera-settlement-amounts/
- Lawsuit Information Center. (2025, September 22). Depo Provera Lawsuit Settlement | Sept 2025 Litigation Update. https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/depo-provera-lawsuit.html
- Lawyer Monthly. (2025, September 25). Pfizer Faces Depo-Provera Personal Injury Class Action Lawsuits Over Brain Tumor Risks. https://www.lawyer-monthly.com/2025/09/pfizer-depo-provera-personal-injury-class-action-lawsuit/
