Depo-Provera Lawsuit (February 2025)

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Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive used by millions of women globally. It contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic hormone that prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. Administered by a healthcare professional every three months, it offers a long-term birth control option without the need for daily pills or invasive devices.

Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Depo-Provera in 1992, it has been a popular choice for contraception. However, as its use spread, reports of significant side effects surfaced, leading to concerns about its safety. Some women have experienced severe complications, such as bone density loss, an increased risk of osteoporosis, and cardiovascular issues.

As reports of these severe side effects surfaced, many women began taking legal action against Pfizer, claiming inadequate warnings about the drug’s potential risks. In the following sections, we explore these health risks, the lawsuits, and the available legal options for those harmed by Depo-Provera.

Depo-Provera Lawsuit Updates and Latest News

Earlier this year, PubMed Central released a study discussing the possible link between synthetic hormones and intracranial meningioma brain tumors. Once Depo-Provera users connected the dots, they realized their tumors might be caused by taking the contraceptive drug. Many women are now filing suit to recover the expenses they have incurred because they were never warned about the dangers they faced when taking Depo-Provera.

At Dolman Law Group, we are closely monitoring these cases and meeting with injured women who may be eligible to bring legal action against Pfizer or other companies responsible for their damages. The Dolman team will provide regular updates to keep you informed about the latest news and updates related to this litigation. Be sure to bookmark this page and return often for more information.

As we await the Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) Panel’s decision on where these cases will be consolidated (see our previous update), the defendants are continuing to advocate for New York as a more appropriate venue than the Plaintiffs’ proposed location in California. Meanwhile, Pfizer is positioning itself to argue a federal preemption defense. The company asserts that it cannot be held liable for failing to warn users about potential meningioma brain tumors because the FDA denied its request to include such a warning on the Depo Provera product label.

Both parties involved in this litigation agree that an MDL is the most efficient mechanism to manage the growing number of Depo Provera lawsuits. The advantages of MDL proceedings include:

  • Streamlined discovery processes and collaborative evidence sharing
  • Coordinated motion hearings, leading to consistent judicial rulings
  • The ability for plaintiffs to pool resources for stronger collective arguments while maintaining their individual claims
  • Shared litigation expenses to reduce financial burdens
  • The potential for a comprehensive settlement that provides equitable relief to all injured parties

Key Questions Before the MDL
The MDL will likely address several critical questions central to this litigation:

  • Is there sufficient scientific evidence to establish a causal link between Depo Provera’s ingredients and the development of meningioma brain tumors?
  • Did Pfizer fail to warn U.S. patients about this risk while including such warnings in European and Canadian markets?
  • Were safety risks concealed during Pfizer’s business dealings with Viatris, another pharmaceutical company?
  • Could the lower-dose version of Depo Provera, marketed as Depo-SubQ, have mitigated the risk of brain tumor development among users?

Your Legal Advocates Are Here to Help
If you or a loved one received Depo Provera injections and have experienced adverse effects, including the development of a meningioma brain tumor, our team at Dolman Law Group is here to provide the guidance and advocacy you need. We are committed to holding negligent corporations accountable, ensuring the safety of future patients, and securing the financial resources necessary to address ongoing medical needs. Contact us today to learn more about your rights and options.

January 1, 2025 – Proposed MDL Hearing Scheduled for January 30 as State Lawsuits Continue to Rise

The motion to establish a Depo-Provera Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) will be reviewed by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) on January 30, 2025, in Miami. This panel, comprised of seven federal judges appointed by Chief Justice John Roberts of the U.S. Supreme Court, will likely issue a decision soon after the hearing, possibly as early as February.

In the meantime, women are filing new lawsuits across the country claiming injuries linked to Depo-Provera injections. If the MDL is approved, many of these cases may be consolidated into this federal litigation. The dangerous drug team at Dolman Law Group is closely monitoring these developments. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.

When a pharmaceutical product causes harm to multiple individuals who file lawsuits to recover compensation for their losses, multidistrict litigation (MDL) often serves as an effective mechanism for managing these complex, large-scale legal cases. An MDL consolidates numerous intricate lawsuits for pre-trial processes, ensuring thorough evidence disclosure and uniform legal rulings that impact all involved plaintiffs and defendants. However, unlike class action lawsuits, each case within an MDL remains independent and proceeds individually to trial.

Establishing an MDL for Depo-Provera brain tumor cases is a practical solution, as each plaintiff has distinct circumstances, injuries, and usage history. By consolidating cases with shared factual and legal issues, the MDL can streamline the process, allowing cases to progress more efficiently while all plaintiffs benefit from the collective discovery efforts.

For instance, all plaintiffs must eventually establish a link between Depo-Provera use and the development of meningioma brain tumors. They will also need to demonstrate that Pfizer failed to provide adequate warnings about the risks, could have offered a lower-dose alternative with reduced dangers, and even withheld safety information from doctors and patients considering the medication.

If an MDL is approved, the cases will go through discovery and pre-trial motions collectively but will either be resolved through settlement or individual trials. Settlements may be reached on a case-by-case basis or as part of a comprehensive resolution for all pending claims.

Three additional lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer regarding claims that Depo-Provera led to meningioma diagnoses. These cases, originating in Nevada, Missouri, and Napa, California, involve plaintiffs facing significant challenges, including inoperable brain tumors. Despite being classified as benign, meningiomas can cause debilitating symptoms and severely impact quality of life.

In late November, a formal request was submitted to the Multidistrict Litigation Panel to consolidate all federal cases under one court in Northern California. Out of the 22 active lawsuits, 18 involve plaintiffs from California, with six cases already filed in the Northern District. If approved, this centralization could streamline pretrial proceedings and provide an efficient forum for managing these claims.


Three more lawsuits have been filed in California against Pfizer, alleging that Depo-Provera use resulted in the development of meningiomas. The plaintiffs include a Fontana woman who used the drug for nearly two decades, leading to a brain tumor that required complex surgery and a Crestline resident who developed severe neurological issues after nine years of injections.

The third case involves a Cypress woman who endured multiple meningiomas and serious complications after nearly 10 years of Depo-Provera use. Her meningioma diagnosis was spurred by worsening vision and a decline in her overall well-being. With the number of lawsuits increasing, legal experts anticipate the formation of an MDL, with California likely serving as the venue due to the concentration of cases in that state.

To provide perspective, Depo-Provera prescriptions in the U.S. exceed two million annually. Research highlights that patients using the drug face a 5.5-fold increase in meningioma risk compared to the general population. For every 100,000 Depo-Provera users, over 52 are likely to develop these tumors, versus just under 10 in the broader population. Legal analysts expect a significant rise in cases nationwide in the coming months.


Researchers point to the synthetic hormone progestin, a key ingredient in Depo-Provera, as a factor in the development of meningiomas. Progestin mimics progesterone, a natural hormone that interacts with receptors in the brain. Prolonged exposure to synthetic hormones may overstimulate these receptors, triggering abnormal cell growth and tumor formation.

Studies also show that higher cumulative doses of Depo-Provera correlate with an increased risk of brain tumors. Many women have reportedly used the contraceptive for 15 years or longer, unaware of the potential health risks. This data suggests that more lawsuits will likely emerge from individuals exposed to this product over extended periods.

Many lawsuits related to Depo-Provera’s alleged link to brain tumors focus on the legal theory of failure to warn. This means that if Pfizer knew or should have known about the risks of meningiomas associated with the drug, the company had a duty to alert consumers. Plaintiffs claim that Pfizer failed to fulfill this obligation, leaving them unaware of the potential dangers.

In addition, some plaintiffs may pursue strict liability claims, arguing that Depo-Provera’s design makes it inherently unsafe. Under this theory, Pfizer could be held liable for harm caused by the drug, even without proof of negligence. The high levels of synthetic progestin in Depo-Provera are central to these claims, as the hormone’s dosage and extended presence in the body reportedly increase the risk of meningiomas.

Notably, Pfizer produces an alternative called Depo-SubQ Provera 104, which contains a lower dose of progestin and is injected under the skin rather than into muscle tissue. Plaintiffs may argue that Pfizer’s decision to continue promoting Depo-Provera, despite having a safer option, supports a defective design claim.


A California woman has filed a lawsuit alleging that long-term Depo-Provera use caused her to develop a large meningioma. The plaintiff received injections between 1999 and 2018 and underwent invasive surgery to remove the tumor. The complaint accuses Pfizer of neglecting to warn users about the significant risks associated with extended use of the contraceptive.


In the Central District of California, a woman has filed a lawsuit claiming that nearly 25 years of Depo-Provera use resulted in an inoperable, calcified meningioma. The plaintiff asserts that Pfizer’s failure to provide adequate warnings about the long-term risks of the drug caused severe, ongoing health issues, including chronic pain. The lawsuit seeks compensation for the physical and emotional toll she has endured.


Pfizer has updated Depo-Provera’s labeling in the EU and UK to include a warning about meningioma risks. The label now states:

“Meningioma: Meningiomas have been reported following long term administration of progestogens, including medroxyprogesterone acetate. Depo-Provera should be discontinued if a meningioma is diagnosed. Caution is advised when recommending Depo-Provera to patients with a history of meningioma.”

Despite this, the FDA has not required a similar warning in the U.S., and Pfizer has not voluntarily changed its American labeling. Critics note that even the European warning downplays the risk, focusing only on patients with a history of meningiomas and failing to address the danger for those without prior conditions.

The concern is that discontinuing Depo-Provera after a meningioma diagnosis does not reverse the damage. Many women face permanent health challenges because they were not informed of the risks. With nearly 25% of sexually active women in the U.S. using Depo-Provera between 2015 and 2019—and even higher rates among Hispanic and Black women—thousands may be impacted. Legal experts expect a surge in lawsuits and anticipate an MDL to manage these cases efficiently.


An Indiana plaintiff has filed a lawsuit against Pfizer, claiming that Depo-Provera caused her to develop a meningioma after years of use. The woman underwent invasive surgery to remove the tumor and continues to suffer from complications, including fatigue and memory problems. Her case joins the growing list of claims against Depo-Provera’s manufacturer, Pfizer, as more individuals seek compensation for the devastating consequences of this drug.


Although in its early stages, discussions regarding potential settlements in the Depo-Provera lawsuits have begun. Legal analysts predict that these cases will follow a path similar to other defective drug litigations, with bellwether trials serving as benchmarks for settlement negotiations. The outcomes of these trials may influence Pfizer’s decision to resolve the cases without proceeding to full trials.


The initial bellwether trials for Depo-Provera litigation are set to begin in mid-2025. These early trials are expected to provide valuable insight into how juries respond to evidence linking the drug to meningiomas. Favorable results for plaintiffs could set the stage for significant settlements for other victims.


Attorneys are advising potential plaintiffs to act quickly, as statutes of limitations may restrict their ability to file lawsuits. However, many legal experts believe the discovery rule could extend filing deadlines. This rule allows individuals to bring claims within a certain time frame after learning that their injuries were connected to Depo-Provera.

What Are the Severe Side Effects and Health Risks of Depo-Prover?

While Depo-Provera is widely used, its severe side effects have raised significant concerns. One of the most troubling health risks associated with the drug is the development of brain tumors, particularly meningiomas. Meningiomas are typically benign, but their growth can lead to pressure on the brain or spinal cord, causing symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, seizures, and numbness. In some cases, surgical removal is necessary, which poses additional risks to the patient.

A recent study published in The BMJ revealed that women who used Depo-Provera for 12 months or more had a 5.6-fold increased risk of developing meningiomas. This link between the drug and brain tumors has led many to file lawsuits, arguing that they were not adequately informed about the potential dangers.

In addition to the risk of brain tumors, long-term Depo-Provera use can cause significant bone density loss, leading to osteoporosis. This risk is exceptionally high for younger women who start using the drug before their bones are fully developed. Even after stopping Depo-Provera, some women struggle to regain lost bone density, increasing their risk of fractures and long-term skeletal issues.

Other health risks include severe mood swings, depression, and anxiety, all of which have been reported by Depo-Provera users. The hormonal changes brought on by the drug can interfere with emotional stability, affecting the quality of life. Weight gain is another frequently mentioned side effect, contributing to further health complications for some users.

Lawsuits Against Depo-Provera Manufacturers

The serious health risks associated with Depo-Provera have prompted many women to take legal action against the drug’s manufacturer, Pfizer. The primary claims in these lawsuits focus on the failure to adequately warn patients about two key risks: the development of meningiomas (brain tumors) and significant bone density loss, which can lead to osteoporosis.

The increased risk of brain tumors, especially meningiomas, is a focal point of these lawsuits. Studies have shown that extended use of Depo-Provera raises the likelihood of developing these tumors, which, although typically benign, can cause significant neurological problems and require invasive surgeries. Plaintiffs argue that Pfizer did not provide enough information about this risk, which has resulted in severe consequences for many women.

Bone density loss is another central issue in these legal actions. Long-term Depo-Provera users have reported experiencing substantial bone mineral loss, leading to conditions like osteoporosis and fractures. Many of these plaintiffs contend that had they been adequately warned about this side effect, they might have chosen alternative contraceptive methods. Although Pfizer has updated its warnings about bone density loss, the damage was already done for many women.

These lawsuits fall under product liability law, with plaintiffs claiming that Pfizer failed to provide necessary warnings about the risks of Depo-Provera. Some cases are handled as part of a class action or multidistrict litigation (MDL), where plaintiffs with similar claims can streamline the legal process by consolidating common issues. This allows for quicker resolutions while addressing each individual’s specific damages.

As more information about the dangers of Depo-Provera comes to light, the number of lawsuits is expected to grow, with women seeking justice and compensation for the harm caused by the drug.

For those affected by Depo-Provera’s severe side effects, legal action may offer a way to recover compensation for the harm they have endured. Women harmed by the drug may seek compensation for several types of damages, including medical costs, lost income, and the emotional toll of living with the side effects.

Medical Expenses
One of the primary forms of compensation sought in Depo-Provera lawsuits is the recovery of medical expenses. For victims of meningiomas, these costs can include diagnosis, treatment, brain surgery, and long-term monitoring. 

Even though meningiomas are generally benign, they still require careful medical attention to prevent complications. Additionally, those dealing with bone density loss may need long-term medical care, such as medications, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgery to repair fractures caused by osteoporosis.

Lost Income
Victims often seek compensation for the wages and income lost during recovery from surgeries or long-term health complications. Women who undergo brain surgery for meningiomas or who suffer from debilitating osteoporosis may face long periods of recovery, during which they cannot work. Some victims might never be able to return to their previous jobs due to the lasting impact of their injuries. In such cases, compensation for lost income can make a critical difference in a person’s financial well-being.

Pain and Suffering
Beyond the financial costs, Depo-Provera’s side effects can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. The physical pain and discomfort from bone density loss, along with the recovery from brain surgery, can be intense and prolonged. 

Psychological suffering is also common, especially for those dealing with long-term health problems like anxiety or depression stemming from the drug’s side effects. Lawsuits often include claims for pain and suffering, aiming to compensate victims for their emotional and physical challenges.

Punitive Damages
In cases where it is proven that Pfizer acted recklessly or failed to warn consumers adequately, courts may also award punitive damages, which can significantly increase the compensation available to victims.

Class Actions and Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)
Many Depo-Provera lawsuits are pursued through class actions or multidistrict litigation (MDL). These legal approaches allow multiple plaintiffs with similar claims to join forces, streamlining the legal process and helping courts address common issues efficiently. 

In a class action, plaintiffs share any settlement or judgment, while in an MDL, individual plaintiffs retain more control over their specific damages, even though the cases are handled together. Both options can provide a faster path to compensation for those affected by Depo-Provera.

Victims of Depo-Provera’s side effects should work with experienced attorneys to explore their legal options and pursue the compensation they need and deserve.

How Dolman Law Group Can Help

If Depo-Provera has harmed you or a loved one, seeking legal recourse can feel overwhelming. The attorneys at Dolman Law Group are here to help guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our team has a proven track record of taking on large pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, holding them accountable for the harm caused by dangerous drugs.

At Dolman Law Group, we provide personalized, expert legal representation to victims of defective drugs like Depo-Provera. 

Our product liability attorneys will explain the legal steps you need to take, help you gather critical evidence, and determine the best course of action—whether pursuing an individual lawsuit or joining a multidistrict litigation (MDL).

We understand the serious physical, emotional, and financial toll that can come with a meningioma diagnosis or other health complications related to Depo-Provera. That’s why we’re committed to seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages on your behalf.

With Dolman Law Group, you’ll have a dedicated legal team that provides clear guidance and aggressive representation at every case stage. We aim to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you need and deserve.

If you or a loved one has experienced severe side effects from Depo-Provera, contact Dolman Law Group today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your legal options and get started on the path to recovery.

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