Depo-Provera Lawsuit Attorneys
Representing Depo-Provera Users Nationwide
Did you use the injectable medication Depo-Provera for birth control for more than one year? Have you been diagnosed with meningioma? Research has shown that Depo-Provera use is linked to an increased risk of developing this serious type of brain tumor, known as meningioma.
Matthews & Associates is actively investigating the link between Depo-Provera and meningioma, a serious brain tumor now linked to this medication. This dangerous side effect was not adequately disclosed to consumers and medical professionals, leaving many unaware of the potential risk. If you developed meningioma after using the Depo-Provera, you may be eligible to file a claim against Pfizer for the harm and losses you have suffered. Our team is dedicated to helping you explore your options and pursue justice and fair compensation.
Call (888) 923-7001 to talk to a Depo-Provera lawyer from our firm, or use an online contact form. We help clients nationwide.
What is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is an injectable birth control medication typically administered once every three months. Commonly known as the “birth control shot,” it works by preventing ovulation, making it a reliable option for women who may be unable to use other birth control methods due to medical or personal reasons. Depo-Provera has been widely prescribed as a convenient and long-lasting form of contraception.
Common Uses of Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera is widely used in reproductive health, for various medical needs beyond its primary use as a contraceptive.
Common ways Depo-Provera is used in healthcare today include:
- Contraception: Depo-Provera is a option for birth control, particularly for those seeking a low-maintenance method.
- Temporary treatment for endometriosis: Depo-Provera is sometimes prescribed to individuals managing endometriosis. In this painful condition, tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
- Management of menstrual disorders: Depo-Provera is also used to address various menstrual issues, such as irregular periods or heavy bleeding.
Undisclosed Serious Side Effects of Depo-Provera
While most medications come with known side effects, recent studies have revealed a significant, previously undisclosed risk associated with Depo-Provera: the development of meningiomas, a type of brain tumor. Research, including a study published in The BMJ, indicates that prolonged use of Depo-Provera is linked to an increased risk of developing meningiomas.
This risk was not adequately communicated to consumers and healthcare professionals, leading to legal actions against Pfizer for failing to disclose this serious side effect.
How Dangerous is Meningioma?
While meningiomas are often described as “noncancerous,” they are far from benign. Any tumor growing in the brain, like a meningioma, can be dangerous simply due to its location. Meningiomas develop in the meningeal tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and even small tumors can place pressure on nearby brain structures, leading to severe health complications if left untreated.
Common symptoms of meningioma include:
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss
- Migraines
- Seizures
To remove a meningioma brain tumor, surgery and radiation are the primary treatment options, though each carries significant risks due to the tumor’s location. In some cases, meningiomas may be inoperable because of their proximity to critical brain structures, making management and monitoring essential.
If you have taken Depo-Provera, it’s important to discuss the potential risk of meningioma with your primary care physician. Depending on your health profile and any symptoms you may be experiencing, your doctor may recommend diagnostic tests, such as MRI or CT scans, to confirm the condition and determine the best course of action.
Why Should Pfizer Be Liable for Depo-Provera Injuries?
Product manufacturers, including drugmakers, must make a reasonable and effective effort to warn consumers of all potential dangers. Failing to do so can make the product maker liable for any harm and losses suffered by consumers. In many states, strict product liability laws make it simpler for consumers to bring claims against product makers like Pfizer.
We may file or settle a claim individually or as part of a group on a case-by-case basis.
Whether your claim is filed individually or as part of a group fighting the same defendant, our goal is always to provide each of our clients with individual attention.
The legal claims against Pfizer regarding Depo-Provera center on significant allegations of insufficient warnings, product safety concerns, and potential negligence. These lawsuits aim to hold Pfizer accountable for the risks associated with Depo-Provera and the harm experienced by affected individuals.
Key elements of the claims include:
- Failure to warn of health risks: One of the primary allegations is that Pfizer failed to adequately communicate the high risk of developing meningioma linked to Depo-Provera use. The lawsuits contend that medical professionals and consumers were not fully aware of this severe risk, impacting their ability to make informed health decisions. Furthermore, arguments have been made that Pfizer either knew or should have known about the potential connection to meningioma based on available data but failed to act responsibly by not issuing sufficient warnings.
- Unreasonably dangerous product: Plaintiffs have also argued that Depo-Provera poses unreasonably high health risks due to its composition. The high levels of progestin in Depo-Provera are believed to contribute to the risk of meningioma, raising questions about the medication's safety profile. Depo-Provera’s formulation exposes users to severe risks that can outweigh the intended benefits, rendering it an unsafe product.
Pfizer may have acted negligently by continuing to manufacture and distribute Depo-Provera despite these known or potential risks. By marketing a product with an elevated risk of significant health issues without appropriate warnings, Pfizer could be deemed liable for the injuries and losses experienced by individuals who used Depo-Provera in good faith, assuming it was safe for its intended use.
Depo-Provera Legal Action Timeline
- September 17, 2024: More research is brought to light that connects a significant intracranial meningioma risk to Depo-Provera use. According to the study, women may be up to 500% more likely to develop intracranial meningioma after just two administrations of Depo-Provera.
- September 13, 2024: The results of a 2020 study into 47 meningioma lawsuits are released. It found that the average settlement for a meningioma lawsuit was more than $860,000, and the average verdict in such lawsuits was more than $3,400,000. Past results cannot guarantee future case results, but the study still served to encourage more people to speak up about their harmful experiences since using Depo-Provera.
- September 10, 2024: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the results of a multiyear study that determined nearly 25% of sexually active women had used Depo-Provera at least once. This announcement indicates that the potential pool of Depo-Provera plaintiffs could be in the hundreds of thousands or more, which might make a class action lawsuit necessary.
- March 2024: The British Medical Journal (BMJ) publishes a study that determined using medroxyprogesterone acetate – the active ingredient in Depo-Provera – for at least a year could cause a higher risk of meningioma (intracranial more often than spinal).
- May 2008: Pfizer faces its first major legal battle over Depo-Provera’s safety when the Superior Court of Quebec certifies a class action lawsuit. However, this legal action begins over Depo-Provera’s link to bone density loss. The drug’s meningioma risk was not yet at the forefront of concerns and litigation.
- November 2004: The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires Pfizer to adhere to “black box” warning requirements on Depo-Provera due to its strong link to bone density loss and related injuries. A “black box” warning is used when the FDA determines a drug can cause severe or life-threatening complications.
How to File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit against a major pharmaceutical company can seem overwhelming, especially when dealing with health challenges. However, understanding each step of the process can help you feel empowered to seek justice for Depo-Provera-related injuries. Here’s a general overview of the lawsuit process:
- Initial consultation with an attorney: Your journey starts with a consultation with an attorney experienced in pharmaceutical litigation. During this meeting, you’ll discuss your medical history, the impact of Depo-Provera on your health, and the next steps for filing a claim.
- Investigation and evidence gathering: After your consultation, your attorney will gather essential evidence, including medical records, Depo-Provera usage history, and other documentation needed to build a compelling case.
- Filing the claim in court: Once all evidence is collected, your attorney will formally file the lawsuit on your behalf, outlining the details of your case, the harm suffered, and the compensation you are seeking.
- Discovery and depositions: During this phase, both sides will gather and exchange evidence, and witnesses may be called to provide statements. This stage is crucial in establishing a solid foundation for your case.
- Resolution through settlement or trial: Many cases conclude with a settlement, allowing plaintiffs to avoid the uncertainties of a trial. However, the case may proceed to a formal trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Eligibility Requirements for Filing a Lawsuit
Individuals who have used Depo-Provera over an extended period, typically involving multiple doses, may meet eligibility criteria for a lawsuit.
A confirmed diagnosis of meningioma is necessary to pursue this type of claim. Your attorney will evaluate the specifics of your diagnosis and medical records to determine if you meet this requirement.
In general the evidence needed for your lawsuit includes:
- Contraceptive usage history: Documenting your Depo-Provera use is fundamental. This may include records from your healthcare provider detailing the dates and frequency of your injections.
- Medical records: Detailed records confirming your diagnosis, treatment, and medical history are essential in establishing the link between Depo-Provera and your health issues. Physician statements or records connecting your Depo-Provera use to meningioma development can significantly strengthen your case.
- Symptoms records: Keeping a personal record of symptoms and any changes in your health can support your case by demonstrating how Depo-Provera has affected your daily life.
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What Diseases Can Depo-Provera Cause?Depo-Provera has been linked to a higher risk of intracranial meningioma, a rare type of brain tumor that forms on the meningeal tissue of the brain. It has also been linked to bone mineral density loss that could result in osteoporosis and a lifelong risk of bone fractures, especially later in life.
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What Are the Side Effects of Depo-Provera?Common side effects of Depo-Provera include abdominal pain and bloating, depression, nervousness, irregular periods, weakness, unexpected weight gain, headaches, dizziness, and decreased libido. Severe side effects (excluding the risk of diseases like meningioma and osteoporosis) include major depressive disorder, labored breathing, and intense lower abdominal pain.
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What Is the Controversy With Depo-Provera?Depo-Provera has become controversial nationwide mainly due to its link to intracranial meningioma, which Pfizer failed to disclose as a possible side effect of using the injectable contraceptive. Drug manufacturers are required to list all known potential side effects of a medication, no matter how small the risk. Depo-Provera users who have started legal action against Pfizer allege that the Big Pharma company knew or reasonably should have known about the meningioma risk but did not inform the public or the medical community at large about it.
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Do I Qualify for a Depo-Provera Shot Lawsuit?You may qualify to file a Depo-Provera shot lawsuit if you used Depo-Provera (or a Depo-Provera variant) for at least one year; and you were diagnosed with meningioma (intracranial or spinal) after using Depo-Provera. Talk to our attorneys for more information about your eligibility.
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Is There a Class Action Lawsuit Against Depo-Provera?There is no official class action lawsuit approved by the court and brought against Pfizer for the meningioma risks linked to Depo-Provera use. However, attorneys and legal authorities across the US expect that some sort of multidistrict litigation (MDL) like a class action lawsuit or mass tort will be enacted very soon. If you were injured by Depo-Provera, you should talk with our attorneys soon, so you can be prepared if or when MDL begins against Pfizer.
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How Much Time Do You Have to File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?The statute of limitations to file a Depo-Provera injury claim may depend on where you live. We help clients nationwide, so we can tell you how much time you have based on your home state. In some states, the statute of limitations could be as brief as two years, starting when the side effects of Depo-Provera became noticeable or reasonably should have been noticed. You could have less time, though, so you should act fast.
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Call Now If You Were Hurt by Depo-Provera
If you or a loved one suffered health consequences after using Depo-Provera, you’re not alone—and taking action can make a difference. By filing a claim, you can seek the justice and compensation you deserve while also helping bring greater awareness to the risks associated with this drug. At Matthews & Associates, we are here to support you every step of the way. Our experienced team is ready to help clients nationwide pursue accountability and fair compensation.
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