Depo-Provera, a long-acting injectable contraceptive containing medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), has been widely prescribed for decades. However, mounting evidence has linked this hormone-based birth control method to serious health conditions, including brain and spinal tumors — particularly a non-malignant type known as meningiomas. As of April 2025, the drug is the subject of a growing wave of Depo-Provera lawsuits from patients who allege they were never warned about these potentially life-altering risks.
Defendants in Depo-Provera lawsuits strongly deny any liability and/or wrongdoing.
Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) Developments
In January 2025, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidated dozens of individual Depo-Provera lawsuits into MDL No. 3140, centralized in the Northern District of Florida under Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Plaintiffs in these cases allege that Pfizer and its affiliates failed to warn the public of the risk of meningiomas and spinal tumors after prolonged use of Depo-Provera.
As of April 2025:
- Over 130 cases have been filed and are proceeding in the MDL.
- On March 16, 2025, the court appointed lead plaintiffs’ counsel and established a Plaintiffs’ Executive and Steering Committee.
- On March 20, 2025, Judge Rodgers issued a direct filing order, allowing plaintiffs to file cases directly in the MDL to avoid delays from jurisdictional transfers.
- The court set tight discovery deadlines, including:
- July 25, 2025: Completion of discovery on federal preemption issues
- August 24, 2025: Deadline for summary judgment motions
- September 23, 2025: Completion of general causation discovery
This litigation is proceeding quickly, which means it’s important that potential victims contact our firm for a free case review to see if they may qualify for a Depo-Provera lawsuit. Please call 1-800-525-7111 to speak with an experienced attorney at Riddle & Riddle today.
Recent Research Linking Depo-Provera to Brain and Spinal Tumors
Multiple recent studies have confirmed a significantly increased risk of meningiomas — typically benign but sometimes invasive brain tumors — in women who used Depo-Provera over extended periods. Some studies also suggest risks may extend to spinal tumors.
Key Studies and Warnings:
- The BMJ (Formerly British Medical Journal) (March 2024): A French national cohort study involving over 18,000 women showed that those with prolonged exposure to MPA had a 5.6-fold increased risk of developing surgically treated intracranial meningiomas compared to women with no exposure.
- University of British Columbia (February 2025): This study found a 3.55x higher risk of meningiomas in Depo-Provera users versus those on other hormone-based contraceptives like ethinylestradiol-levonorgestrel.
- Medsafe Advisory (March 2025): New Zealand’s drug regulatory agency, Medsafe, issued an updated safety notice identifying meningioma as a "very rare" but serious side effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate. It now advises discontinuation of the drug if a meningioma is diagnosed.
What Are Meningiomas?
Meningiomas are tumors that arise from the meninges—the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Though often benign, they can cause serious complications due to pressure on the brain, vision or hearing loss, memory impairment, or motor function problems. In some cases, they require surgery or radiation therapy.
Allegations Against Pfizer
Plaintiffs in the MDL and individual lawsuits argue that Pfizer allegedly:
- Knew or should have known that Depo-Provera significantly increased the risk of brain and spinal tumors
- Failed to update U.S. warning labels, despite evidence from international studies and foreign regulatory actions
- Marketed the drug without adequate safety disclosures, particularly for long-term users
- Designed a product that was unreasonably dangerous
Legal complaints point to previous labeling updates in countries like France, where a black box warning was added, and Canada, where similar risks are disclosed — yet Pfizer allegedly did not take comparable steps in the U.S. market.
Who Qualifies for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one used Depo-Provera and were later diagnosed with a tumor, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Most law firms pursuing these claims are looking for the following:
Basic Eligibility Criteria
- Depo-Provera Use — You or your loved one must have received at least two injections of brand-name Depo-Provera or a qualifying generic version.
- Diagnosis of Brain or Spinal Tumor — A confirmed diagnosis of meningioma, other brain tumor, or spinal tumor that occurred after the use of Depo-Provera. Imaging documentation (e.g., MRI or CT scans) is typically required.
- Supporting Medical Records — Medical records, including prescription history and documentation of diagnosis and treatment, will be used to support your claim.
PLEASE NOTE: This criteria may be subject to change — Depo-Provera litigation is fast-moving and specific claim criteria may evolve.
Contact a Product Liability Lawyer from Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you believe your brain or spinal tumor may be linked to Depo-Provera, it’s important to explore your legal rights as soon as possible. Drug manufacturers must be held accountable if, as alleged, they failed to warn about serious health risks.
For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a product liability in North Carolina today. We have five convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
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