Depo-Provera, a long-acting birth control injection containing medroxyprogesterone acetate, has been used by millions of women for decades. While it’s known for its convenience and effectiveness, recent studies have raised serious concerns about its potential link to meningioma—a type of brain tumor that can cause debilitating symptoms and require surgical intervention. If you or a loved one developed meningioma after using Depo-Provera, you may qualify for a product liability lawsuit in California.
What Is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is a progestin-only contraceptive administered via injection every three months. It works by:
- Suppressing ovulation
- Thickening cervical mucus
- Thinning the uterine lining
While effective at preventing pregnancy, its hormonal composition—specifically medroxyprogesterone acetate—has been linked to increased risk of intracranial meningioma when used over extended periods.
What Is Meningioma?
Meningioma is a tumor that forms in the meninges—the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Although most meningiomas are benign (non-cancerous), they can grow large enough to compress brain tissue, leading to serious symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Vision problems
- Seizures
- Memory loss
- Neurological deficits
Treatment often involves surgery, radiation, or long-term monitoring. In severe cases, meningiomas can cause permanent disability or death.
The Link Between Depo-Provera and Meningioma
A 2024 French national case-control study published in The BMJ found that prolonged use of injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate—the active ingredient in Depo-Provera—was associated with a 5.55-fold increase in the risk of developing intracranial meningioma. The risk was highest among women who used the drug for one year or longer.
Key findings from the study:
- The increased risk was statistically significant
- The association was strongest with long-term use
- Other progestogens (e.g., progesterone, dydrogesterone) did not show the same risk elevation
- The study included over 18,000 women who underwent brain surgery for meningioma
These findings have prompted legal action, public health warnings, and calls for more rigorous safety labeling.
Who May Qualify for a Depo-Provera Meningioma Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a lawsuit if:
- You used Depo-Provera for 12 months or longer
- You were diagnosed with meningioma
- You have medical records linking your diagnosis to Depo-Provera use
- You were not warned about the risk of brain tumors associated with the drug
California law allows victims to pursue compensation under product liability, failure-to-warn, and negligence statutes. If a loved one died from meningioma linked to Depo-Provera, you may also qualify for a wrongful death claim.
What Compensation Can You Seek?
Victims of Depo-Provera-related meningioma may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses (surgery, imaging, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium (for spouses)
- Funeral and burial costs (in wrongful death cases)
In some cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish manufacturers for knowingly concealing risks.
How to File a Claim in California
Step 1: Consult a Product Liability Attorney
Choose a lawyer experienced in pharmaceutical litigation and toxic torts. Most offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
Your attorney will help collect:
- Medical records and imaging reports
- Prescription history and pharmacy documentation
- Expert testimony linking Depo-Provera to your diagnosis
- Internal manufacturer documents (if available)
Step 3: File Before the Deadline
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you generally have:
- Two years from the date of diagnosis or discovery of harm to file a lawsuit
- Six months to file a claim against a government entity (if applicable) under Gov. Code § 911.2
Real-Life Legal Developments
In October 2024, a woman named Kristina Schmidt filed the first Depo-Provera lawsuit after being diagnosed with meningioma. Her attorneys alleged that Pfizer failed to warn consumers about the risk of brain tumors. More lawsuits are expected as awareness grows and additional victims come forward.
Final Thoughts
Depo-Provera has helped many women manage their reproductive health—but for some, it may have come at a devastating cost. If you developed meningioma after using Depo-Provera, you may have a legal right to compensation. A qualified California attorney can help you understand your options, build a strong case, and hold the manufacturer accountable.
References
- Meningioma: Symptoms, Risk Factors and Treatment Options – Drugwatch
- The Link Between Depo-Provera and Meningioma Brain Tumors – McGowan Hood
- Use of Progestogens and the Risk of Intracranial Meningioma – The BMJ (2024)
- California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP§ionNum=335.1
- California Government Code § 911.2. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV§ionNum=911.2
