Depo-Provera, Pfizer’s long-acting injectable contraceptive, is facing a growing wave of litigation as more than 800 women have filed lawsuits alleging that the drug caused serious brain tumors—specifically intracranial meningiomas. These lawsuits, now consolidated in federal and state courts, claim that Pfizer failed to warn patients about the risks associated with prolonged use of medroxyprogesterone acetate, despite decades of mechanistic and epidemiological evidence.
At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C., we track pharmaceutical injury litigation to support survivor families and build strategic cases grounded in science, regulatory history, and institutional accountability. This article provides a comprehensive update on the Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits, including scientific findings, legal claims, MDL status, and projected settlement ranges.
What Is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is a synthetic progestin administered via injection every three months. It has been widely prescribed for birth control and, in some cases, for managing endometriosis or menstrual disorders. While effective in preventing pregnancy, the drug has long been associated with hormonal side effects—including bone density loss, mood changes, and delayed fertility.
Recent studies have now linked Depo-Provera to a significantly increased risk of developing meningiomas—typically benign brain tumors 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:
- 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 (King Law, 2025).
- A September 2025 study titled “Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate and Risk of Meningioma in the US” analyzed data from over 10 million women and found that Depo-Provera users were nearly 2.5 times more likely to develop brain tumors than non-users (King Law, 2025).
- 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 (Lawyer Monthly, 2025).
These findings form the backbone of the current wave of personal injury lawsuits, which allege 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:
- Failure to warn about known risks of meningioma
- Negligent marketing and misrepresentation of safety
- Concealment of adverse data from U.S. regulators
- Providing more detailed risk disclosures to European regulators than to the FDA
- Continued promotion of the drug despite mounting evidence of harm
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.
MDL and State-Level Litigation Status
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.
Case Criteria and Plaintiff Profiles
Most accepted cases involve women who:
- Received at least two injections of Depo-Provera or its generic equivalent
- Were later diagnosed with intracranial meningioma, especially if it required neurosurgery, hospitalization, or resulted in permanent cognitive or neurological damage
- Can document both Depo-Provera use and tumor diagnosis through pharmacy records, imaging reports, or surgical notes
Representative plaintiffs include women in their 30s to 50s who used Depo-Provera for 3–10 years and were later diagnosed with brain tumors requiring craniotomy, radiation, or long-term neurological care.
Projected Settlement Amounts
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
Settlement values will depend on the severity of the injury, medical documentation, number of injections received, and jurisdiction.
Strategic Implications for Families
If you or a loved one received Depo-Provera injections and were later diagnosed with a brain tumor, you may qualify for compensation. Key steps include:
- Obtaining medical records confirming meningioma diagnosis
- Documenting Depo-Provera use (e.g., pharmacy records, provider notes)
- Consulting legal counsel experienced in pharmaceutical injury litigation
- Filing within the applicable statute of limitations (typically 2–3 years from diagnosis or discovery)
Early legal consultation is essential to preserve evidence and meet procedural deadlines.
Conclusion
The Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits represent a critical moment in pharmaceutical accountability. With over 800 cases filed and counting, Pfizer faces mounting pressure to compensate women harmed by its injectable contraceptive. As scientific evidence strengthens and litigation accelerates, survivor families deserve transparency, justice, and strategic legal support.
At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C., we provide trauma-informed advocacy and rigorous litigation strategy for families navigating Depo-Provera injury claims. If you believe your brain tumor may be linked to Depo-Provera use, contact us for a confidential case review and personalized guidance.
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/
