A recent study indicates that medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), the key component in Depo-Provera, may significantly raise the likelihood of developing meningioma, a type of brain tumor. Researchers reviewed medical records spanning from 2006 to 2020, comparing women who had taken MPA with those using a widely prescribed oral contraceptive, ethinylestradiol-levonorgestrel (EE-LNG). Their analysis revealed that women who used MPA for over a year faced a 3.55 times greater risk of meningioma compared to those on EE-LNG. This elevated risk persisted even among long-term MPA users. The study accounted for variables such as obesity, radiation exposure, and prior contraceptive use, further reinforcing the link between MPA and meningiomas.

These findings contribute to increasing concerns regarding the long-term safety of MPA, especially since meningiomas represent 40% of all brain tumors. While the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has already advised including a meningioma warning on the drug’s label, the U.S. FDA has yet to implement a similar measure. This regulatory discrepancy raises questions about whether American patients are receiving adequate warnings. Given the potential risks, individuals using Depo-Provera may wish to explore alternative contraceptive options and consult with a healthcare professional to make informed decisions.