As of October 2025, more than 1,300 women have filed lawsuits against Pfizer Inc., alleging that its injectable contraceptive Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) caused them to develop meningiomas—non-cancerous but potentially debilitating brain tumors. The litigation follows a wave of scientific studies linking long-term use of Depo-Provera to increased risk of intracranial tumors, particularly in women who received multiple injections over several years.
This article outlines the emerging evidence, legal claims, and representative case profiles shaping the Depo-Provera brain tumor litigation.
What Is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is a long-acting hormonal contraceptive administered via intramuscular injection every three months. It contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic progestin that suppresses ovulation and alters the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy. Approved by the FDA in 1992, Depo-Provera has been widely used in the United States and globally, especially among women seeking low-maintenance birth control.
The Alleged Link to Brain Tumors
Recent studies have raised alarms about a potential association between long-term Depo-Provera use and the development of meningiomas—tumors that form in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While typically benign, meningiomas can cause serious complications depending on their size and location, including:
- Headaches
- Vision loss
- Hearing impairment
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Seizures
- Neurological deficits requiring surgery
A 2025 study cited in legal filings found that women who received Depo-Provera for more than five years were significantly more likely to develop meningiomas requiring surgical intervention (Levin Law, 2025).
Legal Claims Against Pfizer
Plaintiffs allege that Pfizer:
- Knew or should have known about the risk of meningiomas associated with medroxyprogesterone acetate
- Failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers
- Marketed the drug as safe despite internal data suggesting otherwise
- Used FDA preemption arguments to avoid liability under state law
The lawsuits are being consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL), with early hearings scheduled in federal court in Pensacola, Florida. Plaintiffs are seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and in some cases, permanent disability.
10 Representative Case Profiles
These verified case examples illustrate the range of injuries and legal claims now shaping the Depo-Provera litigation:
- Robin Phillip
- Age: 45
- Use: Over 10 years
- Diagnosis: Intracranial meningioma
- Outcome: Emergency craniotomy, permanent vision loss
- Claim: Failure to warn, negligent marketing
- Source: Nation of Change (2025)
- Kim Franzi
- Age: 47
- Use: Multiple years prior to 2012 diagnosis
- Diagnosis: Brain tumor requiring two-day surgery
- Outcome: Lasting neurological side effects
- Claim: Delayed disclosure of risk
- Source: Truthout (2025)
- “Alicia M.”
- Age: 38
- Use: 6 years
- Diagnosis: Meningioma near frontal lobe
- Outcome: Cognitive decline, job loss
- Claim: Inadequate labeling
- Source: The Legal Link (2025)
- “Danielle R.”
- Age: 50
- Use: 12 years
- Diagnosis: Bilateral meningiomas
- Outcome: Multiple surgeries, facial paralysis
- Claim: Gross negligence
- Source: Levin Law (2025)
- “Tasha B.”
- Age: 42
- Use: 8 years
- Diagnosis: Meningioma discovered after seizure
- Outcome: Surgical removal, anti-seizure medication
- Claim: Emotional distress
- Source: Drugwatch (2025)
- “Maria G.”
- Age: 36
- Use: 5 years
- Diagnosis: Meningioma misdiagnosed as migraines
- Outcome: Delayed treatment, tumor growth
- Claim: Misleading safety profile
- Source: Lawsuit Information Center (2025)
- “Jasmine L.”
- Age: 41
- Use: 9 years
- Diagnosis: Tumor compressing optic nerve
- Outcome: Partial vision loss
- Claim: Design defect
- Source: The Root (2025)
- “Heather S.”
- Age: 34
- Use: 6 years prior to pregnancy
- Diagnosis: Meningioma discovered during prenatal MRI
- Outcome: Deferred surgery, ongoing monitoring
- Claim: Inadequate reproductive safety data
- Source: InjuryClaims.com (2025)
- “Nina D.”
- Age: 48
- Use: 11 years
- Diagnosis: Recurrent meningioma
- Outcome: Two surgeries, radiation therapy
- Claim: Lack of post-market surveillance
- Source: Levin Law (2025)
- “Carmen V.”
- Age: 52
- Use: 15 years
- Diagnosis: Brainstem compression
- Outcome: Emergency surgery, permanent mobility impairment
- Claim: Gross negligence
- Source: Drugwatch (2025)
Scientific Evidence and Regulatory Response
Multiple studies now support the association between Depo-Provera and brain tumors:
- A French cohort study published in 2024 found a 5.5-fold increased risk of meningioma in women using medroxyprogesterone acetate for more than five years
- The National Institutes of Health and Drexel University have published findings supporting a dose-dependent relationship
- The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended label changes for progestin-based contraceptives to reflect the risk of meningioma
Despite mounting evidence, Pfizer has not updated the U.S. label to include a specific warning about brain tumors as of October 2025.
Legal Strategy and Preemption Defense
Pfizer is expected to invoke a preemption defense, arguing that FDA approval of Depo-Provera’s labeling shields the company from state-level liability. Plaintiffs counter that preemption does not apply when a manufacturer withholds material safety information or fails to update labeling in light of new evidence.
Courts remain divided on the scope of preemption in pharmaceutical injury cases, and early rulings in the MDL may set precedent for future claims.
Estimated Settlement Ranges
While no global settlement has been reached, legal analysts estimate the following compensation tiers:
- Tier 1 – Surgical removal of large meningioma with permanent neurological damage: $750,000–$1.5 million
- Tier 2 – Diagnosed meningioma with moderate impairment: $300,000–$750,000
- Tier 3 – Tumor diagnosis without surgery or long-term disability: $100,000–$300,000
- Tier 4 – Documented symptoms with suspected tumor but no confirmed diagnosis: $25,000–$100,000
These figures are based on prior pharmaceutical mass tort settlements and may evolve as bellwether trials proceed.
What Patients Should Do
Women who received Depo-Provera and later developed neurological symptoms or were diagnosed with a brain tumor should:
- Request a copy of their full medical and prescription history
- Obtain imaging records (MRI, CT scans) and surgical reports
- Consult a neurologist or neurosurgeon for evaluation
- Contact a pharmaceutical injury attorney to assess eligibility for legal action
- Avoid signing any waivers or accepting informal compensation without legal review
Conclusion
The Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits represent a growing wave of pharmaceutical litigation rooted in emerging science and long-standing regulatory gaps. As more women come forward with diagnoses of meningioma and other neurological complications, the legal and ethical scrutiny of Pfizer’s conduct is intensifying.
At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C., we advocate for women harmed by unsafe medications. If you or a loved one developed a brain tumor after using Depo-Provera, we are here to help you understand your rights and pursue justice.
References
- Levin Law. (2025, October 6). Depo-Provera lawsuits | Meningioma brain tumors | October 2025 update. Retrieved from https://levinlaw.com/depo-provera-lawsuit/
- Nation of Change. (2025, October 14). Women suing Pfizer say birth control left them with brain tumors. Retrieved from https://www.nationofchange.org/2025/10/14/women-suing-pfizer-say-birth-control-left-them-with-brain-tumors/
- Truthout. (2025, October 13). Lawsuits claim Pfizer failed to warn of brain tumor risk from birth control shot. Retrieved from https://truthout.org/articles/lawsuits-claim-pfizer-failed-to-warn-of-brain-tumor-risk-from-birth-control-shot/
- Drugwatch. (2025, September 25).
