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Depo Provera Lawsuit

Depo Provera Lawsuit Settlements

Depo Provera Lawsuits

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with a brain tumor after taking the depo provera Birth Control Shot, Schedule a free consultation with our Depo Provera Lawsuit Attorneys.

If you or a loved one received Depo Provera injections and were later diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The Carlson Law Firm is actively investigating claims and assisting individuals nationwide in pursuing justice against Pfizer and other responsible parties.

Who Can File a Depo Provera Lawsuit?

You may be eligible to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit if you:

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, our Depo Provera lawsuit lawyers offer free consultations to review your medical history and help you understand your legal rights.

Alarming Link Between Depo-Provera and Meningioma

Recent studies have identified a significant association between prolonged use of Depo-Provera and an increased risk of developing meningioma brain tumors. Notably, a 2024 study published in the British Medical Journal reported a 5.6-fold increase in the risk of meningioma among women who used Depo-Provera for more than a year. Despite these findings, Pfizer has not updated Depo-Provera’s warning labels in the United States, leaving many patients uninformed about the potential risks.

Legal Actions and Allegations

Lawsuits filed against Pfizer allege that the company was aware of the risks associated with Depo-Provera but failed to adequately warn consumers. Plaintiffs claim that this lack of transparency prevented them from making informed decisions about their health. The legal actions focus on the manufacturer’s duty to inform and the potential negligence in failing to disclose known risks.

The Study Link Between Depo-Provera and Meningiomas

Recent studies have raised concerns about the long-term safety of Depo-Provera. The British America Journal published a study in March 2024 that found a clear link between the use of depo provera and the development of meningioma.

BMJ Medicine study indicates that women using Depo-Provera have a statistically significant increase in the risk of developing meningiomas. Specifically, the study found that prolonged use of Depo-Provera is associated with a 5.6-fold higher risk of meningioma compared to non-users.

The study analyzed data from 108,366 women, including 18,061 who had undergone surgery for meningioma, making this a substantial and robust investigation.

The study specifically highlighted medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), commonly known as Depo-Provera. Among the 18,061 cases of meningioma, 9 women had been exposed to MPA (0.05%), compared to 11 exposures among 90,305 controls (0.01%). This translates to an odds ratio of 5.55—a strikingly high figure. It is rare to see such strong statistical evidence in support of a tort claim.

Legal Actions and Depo Provera Lawsuits

Depo-Provera lawsuits are emerging nationwide as women come forward after developing meningioma brain tumors linked to the long-term use of the contraceptive injection. These lawsuits allege that Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the increased risk of developing brain tumors, particularly when the drug is used over an extended period.

At The Carlson Law Firm, we’re representing clients across the United States who are holding Pfizer accountable for the harm caused. Our Depo-Provera lawsuit attorneys are committed to guiding victims through this evolving litigation, ensuring every client has a voice in the fight for justice.

What are the claims in Depo Provera Lawsuits?

Depo-Provera lawsuits center around serious allegations, including the following:

Plaintiffs argue that Pfizer knew or should have known about the elevated risk of intracranial meningiomas but did not issue warnings in the U.S., even as other countries updated their safety guidance. These failures have left many women blindsided by devastating diagnoses.

Depo-Provera MDL: What You Need to Know

As of late 2024, a request has been submitted to the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) to centralize all federal Depo-Provera lawsuits into one court—the Northern District of California. This proposed multidistrict litigation (MDL) would streamline the legal process by collectively handling pretrial motions, evidence, and discovery.

California is a strategic venue for this litigation due to the number of existing cases and its recognition of “innovator liability,” which allows lawsuits against brand-name manufacturers like Pfizer, even when patients were injected with a generic equivalent.

What to Expect When You File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit

Our Depo Provera lawsuit attorneys know the legal system can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re also managing your health. We handle the legal legwork and try to make the process as simple as possible for you. Here’s what the process generally looks like for you:

Free Case Evaluation

Speak with a Depo-Provera lawsuit attorney to determine eligibility.

Medical Record Review

Our team gathers evidence to support your claim, including medical history and injection dates.

Filing Your Lawsuit

If eligible, we’ll file your claim either individually or as part of the MDL.

Discovery and Legal Motions

We prepare your case by exchanging evidence with the defense and preparing expert testimony.

Settlement Negotiations or Trial

Many mass tort claims resolve in settlements, but we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if needed.

Throughout every stage, The Carlson Law Firm provides compassionate counsel and fierce representation. We don’t pass off clients to third-party processors. You’ll work directly with our national team.

Are there time limits for filing a Depo Provera lawsuit?

Yes, every state has a statute of limitations that limits the time you have to file a lawsuit. This usually begins when you are diagnosed with a meningioma or when you first discover the connection between Depo-Provera and your condition. Consult an attorney promptly to avoid missing deadlines.

FAQs: Depo Provera Lawsuit

What are meningiomas, and how serious are they?

Meningiomas are a common type of brain tumor that grows in the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. They account for 40% of all reported brain tumors. These tumors typically grow slowly and can go undetected for years. While they usually do not invade brain tissue, their growth can put pressure on the brain and spinal cord, leading to symptoms. In most cases, meningiomas are treatable and can be surgically removed. There are three grades of meningiomas, ranging from non-cancerous to cancerous and aggressive, which determine their severity and necessary treatment.

How long can I take the depo shot before I should be worried?

According to recent findings, Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate), when used for longer than one year, may present a 5.6x increased risk of intracranial meningioma. The study used data from the French national healthcare system from 2009 to 2018.

Why Depo-Provera Faces Controversy

Bone Density Loss:

Depo-Provera can cause a decrease in bone mineral density, particularly in young women whose bones are still developing. This side effect can lead to long-term issues like osteoporosis.

Risk of Brain Tumors:

Recent studies have linked prolonged use of Depo-Provera to an increased risk of meningiomas, which are typically benign brain tumors. This risk increases with the cumulative dose, prompting greater concern for long-term users.

Side Effects and Long-Term Implications:

In addition to bone and brain health concerns, users frequently report side effects like weight gain, depression, irregular bleeding, and loss of fertility (temporary but prolonged after discontinuation).

Historical and Ethical Concerns:

Depo-Provera was tested on vulnerable populations (such as low-income women and women of color) before its FDA approval, raising ethical issues. This legacy has contributed to ongoing skepticism about its safety.

What compensation can I receive in a Depo-Provera lawsuit?

If successful, a lawsuit may provide compensation for:

Medical Bills: Costs of diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.
Lost Wages: Income lost due to an inability to work during treatment or recovery.
Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress and reduced quality of life.
Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence by the manufacturer.

What is depo provera?

Depo-Provera, known generically as medroxyprogesterone acetate, is a hormonal contraceptive administered via injection every three months. Approved by the FDA in 1992, it functions by preventing ovulation and has been a popular birth control method for millions of women worldwide. Beyond contraception, Depo-Provera is also prescribed for managing conditions like endometriosis and abnormal uterine bleeding.

What is Meningioma?

Meningioma is a tumor that grows in the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. These tumors grow slowly and can exist for years before being detected. Typically, they don’t invade the brain, but they may press on the brain and spinal cord as they grow. In the majority of cases, meningiomas are treatable and can be surgically removed.

Possible causes of meningioma include radiation therapy, female hormones, and genetics. In most cases, the disease is noncancerous.

How Depo Provera Works

Depo provera is a shot taken every three months. It contains progestin, a synthetic hormone that prevents pregnancy by blocking the release of eggs during ovulation and thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. The thickening mucus lining of the cervix keeps sperm out.

The shot is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, it may also be prescribed for managing other gynecological conditions such as endometriosis.

What are the symptoms of Depo Provera Meningioma?

If you took depo provera, go be seen by a doctor if you’ve experienced the following symptoms:

Changes in vision, such as seeing double or blurriness
Headaches that get worse
Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
Memory loss
Loss of smells
Seizures
Weakness in your arms or legs

Meningioma Grades

Meningiomas are a common type of brain tumor and account for 40% of all reported tumors in the brain.

Meningiomas are categorized into three different grades:

Steps to Take if Affected by Depo-Provera

If you or a loved one has used Depo-Provera and experienced symptoms such as persistent headaches, vision changes, seizures, or cognitive difficulties, it's essential to take the following steps:

Choosing the Right Depo Provera Lawsuit Attorney

Selecting a qualified attorney is crucial to effectively navigate the complexities of a Depo Provera lawsuit. Consider the following when choosing legal representation:

Experience: Look for attorneys with a proven track record in handling pharmaceutical litigation and product liability cases.
Resources: Ensure the law firm has the necessary resources to thoroughly investigate and pursue your case.
Client Testimonials: Review feedback from previous clients to gauge the firm’s reputation and success in similar cases.
Contingency Fees: Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.

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