Depo-Provera Lawsuit
Industry-Leading Client Engagement and Comprehensive Case Development Solutions
Depo-Provera is a popular injectable contraceptive. Recent studies have linked the drug to an increased risk of developing intracranial meningiomas, a type of tumor that grows on the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Though the tumors are typically benign, they can cause severe side effects. Users of the contraceptive are now pursuing justice and compensation from Depo-Provera’s main manufacturer, Pfizer, as well as several distributors.
So far, the lawsuits against Pfizer regarding Depo-Provera allege that the pharmaceutical giant failed to disclose that prolonged use of Depo-Provera causes an increased risk of developing meningiomas. Across the United States, attorneys are taking on cases for users who were harmed by the synthetic hormone injection for the manufacturer’s failure to warn consumers and physicians of the drug’s risks.
Allegations About Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, which prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. The drug is typically administered once every three months by injection and is commonly used for its convenience and high effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.
Numerous health risks are detailed on the Depo-Provera drug label, but meningiomas aren’t among them. The main identified risk is bone density loss, which can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures. A 2002 study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development reported that the use of Depo-Provera is strongly associated with bone density loss, but the loss appears to be reversible once injections are stopped.
Additionally, the label states that Depo-Provera should not be used as a long-term birth control method for more than two years unless other birth control methods are considered “inadequate.” The only cancer risks listed are for patients with a history of breast cancer, and warnings about the potential risk of developing brain tumors are nowhere to be found.
Side Effects of Depo-Provera
Though loss of bone mineral density is the main warning in Depo-Provera’s prescribing information, the label also states that the risk of breast cancer significantly increased for patients who used Depo-Provera for over a year, especially for those with a personal or familial history of breast cancer. Additionally, the label also states that Depo-Provera has caused a “statistically nonsignificant increase” in cervical cancer rates of users under age 35 and no overall increased risk for ovarian or liver cancer.
About 90 percent of meningiomas, the tumors now linked to prolonged Depo-Provera use, are benign, but they can cause severe neurological symptoms like chronic headaches, vision impairment, and memory loss. The tumors develop slowly—often undetected until symptoms appear—and may require surgical removal or other invasive treatments like radiation.
Pfizer’s Response
In its response to the motion to consolidate cases, Pfizer denied the allegations that Depo-Provera can cause meningioma, stating that the litigation pits decades of safe and effective use of the drug by millions of patients against a small fraction who developed tumors. Pfizer said it plans to “vigorously defend the medicine’s safety and efficacy” in court.
Who Qualifies for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit
Generally, potential plaintiffs in Depo-Provera lawsuits must have evidence of receiving at least two shots of Depo-Provera followed by a meningioma diagnosis or significant symptoms that suggest tumor growth. Viability can depend on a number of factors, including dosage, length of use, and timing of diagnosis. Most plaintiffs are seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and, in severe cases, permanent disability resulting from untreated or surgically managed meningiomas.
The more doses of Depo-Provera a person has received, the greater their risk of developing a meningioma in the brain or spine. The amount of progestin, a synthetic compound that mimics the effects of the hormone progesterone, in each shot contributes to this risk.
Why Case Works Is Your Partner for Depo-Provera Case Management
Though the Depo-Provera lawsuits filed against Pfizer and other parties have not yet been consolidated into a multi-district litigation or a class action, several motions to consolidate cases were filed within the last few months of 2024. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation is set to hear oral arguments on a potential Depo-Provera MDL on January 30, 2025.
Whether or not the Depo-Provera cases are consolidated, there will be countless lawsuits from injured patients nationwide looking to pursue damages. At Case Works, we’re experts in supporting mass tort litigation, offering multiple case management services to streamline the legal process and support law firms working on mass torts. Our services include the following:
Lead qualification and intake
Case Works efficiently vets potential plaintiffs using Lead Complete™ to directly connect with your prospective client at the beginning of their journey, converting interest into a signed retainer and HIPAA.
Medical record retrieval
With Case Works’ Rapid Record Solutions™, we streamline the process of collecting and reviewing medical records by harnessing AI for swift, accurate medical record retrieval and review. This tool leverages unprecedented speed and precision to evaluate records at an incredible pace.
Ongoing support
Case Works will be your partner throughout the litigation process, assisting with case development and client engagement and support, leading to significant increases in ROI and docket growth overall.
Contact Case Works Today
Even outside a mass tort scenario, pharmaceutical litigation is extremely complex, involving tracking down countless medical records and evidence of injury. In mass tort litigation, the sheer volume of plaintiffs and cases further complicates the legal process. By partnering with Case Works, you can streamline your Depo-Provera cases and achieve better outcomes for your clients.
Contact Case Works today to discuss how we can assist you with case management for Depo-Provera lawsuits.