Meningioma Brain Tumor Settlement

Our product liability attorneys are investigating Depo-Provera lawsuits against Pfizer Inc. for failing to warn about the risk of serious side effects:

Depo-Provera is a commonly administered contraceptive shot that contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic progestin. Injected into the muscle, usually in the upper arm or buttocks, it is given once every 12 weeks, offering an alternative to daily contraceptive pills.

The injection works through three main actions: it stops ovulation by inhibiting the release of eggs, thickens cervical mucus to block sperm, and thins the uterine lining to prevent implantation. When taken properly and on time, Depo-Provera is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It does not, however, protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Depo-Provera has been used by hundreds of thousands of women in the U.S. and is a preferred birth control option for many, yet its safety has faced ongoing scrutiny. As noted below, the FDA initially denied earlier applications due to cancer concerns, particularly regarding breast and endometrial cancers, before finally approving it in the early 1990s.

Even after approval, many users remain concerned about potential side effects. These include irregular periods (spotting or amenorrhea), weight gain, mood swings, and bone density loss, especially with prolonged use. Fertility may also take time to return—sometimes up to a year or longer after stopping. From 2015 to 2019, approximately 25% of sexually active women in the U.S. used Depo-Provera for birth control, which was surprising to our legal team when these cases began.

Upjohn began seeking FDA approval to market Depo-Provera as a contraceptive in 1963, but safety concerns slowed the process. The first New Drug Application (NDA) filed in 1967 was not approved. Regulators expressed concerns about links between Depo-Provera and breast or endometrial cancers—an issue that persisted for decades. Other risks, such as the development of meningiomas, were largely ignored.

In 1974, a limited approval was considered, but political opposition stopped it. In 1978, the FDA officially rejected Depo-Provera for contraceptive use due to evidence from animal and human studies linking it to reproductive cancers. A 1984 FDA panel report criticized the reliability of Upjohn’s safety data and revealed significant research gaps. Upjohn then withdrew its application.

To address criticism, Upjohn conducted further studies, including one by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1979, which found limited cancer risks and possible endometrial cancer protection. Yet other studies, such as one from New Zealand, highlighted new risks like bone density loss.

Upjohn reapplied in 1992. This time, the FDA advisory panel focused narrowly on bone loss and birth weight rather than older concerns like cancer or emerging ones like brain tumors. Depo-Provera was approved that year.

Depo-Provera has become a prominent contraceptive in the U.S. since its approval in 1992, despite safety concerns that delayed its entry.

Marketed as a long-lasting injectable contraceptive requiring only one shot every three months, Depo-Provera was quickly adopted. It gained particular popularity among younger women, low-income groups, and women of color—especially in communities where consistent access to healthcare is limited. Its appeal came from being discreet and low-maintenance.

Use peaked in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with millions of women receiving injections annually. However, concerns arose about side effects such as bone loss, weight gain, and mood issues.

The FDA and ACOG warned that Depo-Provera should be used for no more than two years unless necessary. Coupled with rising interest in IUDs and implants, these warnings led to a drop in Depo-Provera prescriptions in the 2010s.

Meningiomas are brain tumors that form in the meninges—the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Most are benign and slow-growing, but some can be atypical or malignant. Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults, representing nearly 39% of cases. They occur more often in women, likely due to hormone receptor activity.

Symptoms depend on size and location. Small tumors might cause no symptoms and may be found incidentally. Larger tumors may lead to:

• Chronic or worsening headaches
• Seizures
• Visual disturbances
• Memory or cognitive issues
• Balance problems
• Hearing loss or tinnitus
• Numbness or limb weakness

Diagnosis typically involves imaging:

• MRI: Preferred for its detailed scans
• CT Scan: Alternative if MRI isn’t available
• Biopsy: Sometimes needed to assess tumor type

Treatment is based on size, location, and growth:

• Monitoring: For small, stable tumors
• Surgery: For growing or symptomatic tumors
• Radiation: For tumors that can’t be surgically removed
• Medication: Some experimental hormone therapies are in trials

Outcomes vary by grade:

• Grade I (Benign): Most common, slow to recur
• Grade II (Atypical): Higher recurrence risk
• Grade III (Malignant): Aggressive and less common

Survival rates are high for benign meningiomas (over 90% at five years) but lower for malignant ones (50–70%). Still, for those diagnosed, the experience can be devastating.

In March 2024, a pivotal study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found a strong link between Depo-Provera and meningiomas.

The study focused on hormone-based drugs and their connection to brain tumors. Drawing from French national health data, researchers examined over 108,000 women, including 18,000 with surgically treated meningiomas.

It revealed that long-term use (more than one year) of certain progestins—including medrogestone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and promegestone—correlated with a significantly increased meningioma risk.

Notably, the active ingredient in Depo-Provera—medroxyprogesterone acetate—had an odds ratio of 5.55, meaning users were over five times more likely to develop meningiomas than non-users.

Drug makers like Pfizer are legally obligated to ensure product safety and disclose known risks. If they fail to warn about dangers, they may be liable—even if the product is not defective.

Doctors and patients depend on accurate safety information. In Depo-Provera’s case, the label failed to mention any meningioma risk. Lawsuits now claim Pfizer knew, or should have known, and that this omission constitutes failure to warn.

Had the risk been disclosed, patients and doctors may have opted for other options. Transparency could have significantly altered prescribing decisions and reduced exposure.

We are evaluating new Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits nationwide. Eligibility generally includes:

• At least six months of Depo-Provera use
• A diagnosis of meningioma afterward

Because of Depo-Provera’s widespread use, potential plaintiffs number in the thousands. The recent formation of an MDL (Multidistrict Litigation) in Florida under Judge M. Casey Rodgers marks a key milestone.

Unlike class actions, MDLs let plaintiffs retain individual claims but consolidate pretrial efforts. Benefits include:

• Unified rulings
• Streamlined evidence gathering
• Coordinated strategy across plaintiffs

The next step involves bellwether trials—early cases used to gauge outcomes. These often influence settlement talks and future case outcomes.

With the MDL active, Depo-Provera litigation is poised to be a major legal battle in 2025.

Many MDLs settle before trials begin due to the risk of large jury verdicts. Early resolutions allow defendants to control damages and avoid publicity.

Thousands of cases could ultimately be consolidated. Plaintiffs benefit from shared resources while maintaining their own cases. This ensures consideration of individual factors like severity of injury and duration of use.

The MDL aims to hold Pfizer accountable for failing to disclose known risks. For many women, this represents a chance for justice and meaningful compensation. If you suspect you have a case, speak with an experienced attorney soon.

Many women may have undiagnosed meningiomas. Since these tumors grow slowly, symptoms may not appear for years. Key signs include:

• Ongoing headaches
• Seizures
• Blurred or double vision
• Coordination issues
• Memory or cognitive decline

These symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions. But timely diagnosis is crucial—not only for treatment, but for potential legal claims. If you used Depo-Provera and have these symptoms, get checked.

Settlement values remain speculative, but our legal team estimates average payouts between $275,000 and $500,000. Some will be higher or lower.

Key factors that influence payout include:

1. Severity of Symptoms: More serious conditions lead to higher compensation.
2. Length of Use: Longer use often means a stronger case.
3. Age of Plaintiff: Younger plaintiffs usually receive higher payouts due to long-term impact.
4. Economic Loss: Lost wages and medical expenses raise settlement value.
5. Emotional Harm: Mental distress also factors into compensation.

While outcomes vary, the harm caused by meningiomas is significant. The lawsuits aim to secure financial relief for the women affected and accountability from the drug manufacturer.