In March 2024, a well-respected medical journal published a study linking the Depo-Provera birth control shot (known as medroxyprogesterone) to an increased risk of brain tumors called meningiomas. The British Medical Journal found that using the Depo shot for at least one year could make women over FIVE TIMES more likely to develop meningiomas than women who have not gotten the shot.
What is a meningioma?
Intracranial meningioma is a common type of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor that forms in the layers of tissue that cover the brain and the spinal cord. Meningiomas make up more than 30% of all primary brain tumors, affecting women at higher rates than men.
Thankfully, around 80-85% of diagnosed meningiomas are benign. Since they grow slowly and are usually not cancerous, some meningiomas may develop for several years before they cause any symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of a meningioma include:
- Frequent headaches
- Numbness
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Hearing loss, or ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision
- Seizures (epilepsy)
- Memory loss or speech problems
However, even though most meningiomas are non-cancerous, benign brain tumors can still be dangerous in certain situations. If a meningioma grows to an excessively large size, it can cause life-threatening complications by pressing against the brain or nearby nerves and vessels.
How did the manufacturer respond to the study?
Pfizer, the pharmaceutical corporation behind the Depo-Provera injection, released a public statement shortly after the study was published.
“We are aware of this potential risk associated with long-term use of progestogens and, in collaboration with regulatory agencies, are in the process of updating product labels and patient information leaflets with appropriate wording.”
This statement didn’t deny the study’s claim that the birth control shot could cause an increased risk of meningioma. As promised, Pfizer made some changes to the Depo shot’s prescription guidelines a few months later, but it still hasn’t updated the injection’s warning label to alert new patients. Because they weren’t warned about the risk before getting the shot, women who developed meningiomas have been filing lawsuits against Pfizer to be compensated for their medical bills and other damages.
File a Depo-Provera lawsuit
The Depo-Provera lawsuit is still new, so don’t miss your chance to join in before a global settlement is announced. If you or a family member were diagnosed with a meningioma after getting at least one injection of Depo-Provera, check your eligibility for significant compensation.