For decades, Depo-Provera was marketed as a safe and convenient birth control option for women who wanted a long-term alternative to daily pills. Just one shot every three months, and you’re protected. But what many didn’t know is that prolonged use of Depo-Provera may come with serious health consequences.
Hundreds of women are now taking legal action, claiming the drug caused them to develop meningiomas,tumors that grow in the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. These tumors, while often benign, can lead to seizures, vision loss, memory issues, and even permanent neurological damage.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with meningioma after using Depo-Provera, this guide will walk you through:
- What’s happening in the lawsuits
- What kind of compensation is being awarded
- Who can file a claim
- What proof is required
- And the step-by-step process to get legal help
What Is Depo-Provera and Why Are Women Suing?
Depo-Provera is a hormonal birth control shot made by Pfizer. It contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. It’s injected every three months to prevent pregnancy.
The lawsuits stem from findings that prolonged use of Depo-Provera may lead to the development of meningiomas, tumors that form in the brain and spinal membranes. These tumors can cause:
- Persistent headaches
- Seizures
- Double vision or loss of vision
- Cognitive problems
- Loss of coordination
In 2022, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) required a warning label on progestogen-only injectable contraceptives after studies showed a connection between long-term use and increased risk of meningioma. The FDA has since received similar reports in the U.S., but warnings are not yet fully updated.
What Is a Failure to Warn Claim?
Pharmaceutical companies have a legal responsibility to inform users of known risks. A failure to warn claim means that the drug manufacturer either knew—or should have known—about a danger but failed to provide sufficient warnings.
In Depo-Provera lawsuits, plaintiffs argue that:
- Pfizer knew about the risks of meningioma from early research and European data.
- The company did not update the U.S. warning label in a timely manner.
- Doctors and patients were left unaware of the risks, preventing informed decisions.
How Did Pfizer Allegedly Fail to Warn?
Pfizer is accused of:
- Failing to update U.S. product labels despite mounting global evidence
- Neglecting to inform healthcare providers of potential risks
- Not funding or disclosing long-term studies on brain tumor risks
Several European countries began restricting high-dose progesterone use before any changes were made in the U.S. This delay is a core argument in current legal filings.
Who Can File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
You may qualify to file a claim if:
- You received multiple Depo-Provera injections over time
- You were later diagnosed with meningioma or similar brain/spinal tumors
- You experienced loss of income, ongoing symptoms, or permanent damage
If your family member passed away due to complications related to meningioma, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf.
What’s the Current Status of Depo-Provera Lawsuits?
As of 2025, lawsuits against Pfizer have been consolidated into a multi-district litigation (MDL) in federal court. This structure helps handle hundreds of similar claims efficiently.
Key Developments:
- February 2025: MDL formation approved
- Mid 2025: Discovery phase and evidence collection underway
- Late 2025: Bellwether trial selection expected
- 2026: First test trials to begin
MDLs often lead to global settlements based on early trial results.
Estimated Settlement Amounts for Depo-Provera Cases
Settlements vary depending on the severity of injury. Here’s a rough estimate of possible compensation:
| Injury Severity | Estimated Settlement |
| Mild meningioma, no surgery | $50,000 – $150,000 |
| Moderate tumor with ongoing symptoms | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Surgery required, permanent impairment | $300,000 – $850,000 |
| Severe neurological damage or wrongful death | $1 million+ (jury trial) |
These figures depend on:
- Medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Future care needs
What Proof Do You Need for a Strong Claim?
To build a compelling case, your legal team will need:
- Depo-Provera injection history (dates and dosages)
- Diagnosis confirmation through CT, MRI, or biopsy reports
- Medical records from your neurologist, neurosurgeon, or oncologist
- Employment and income documents showing loss of wages
- Personal impact evidence, such as a symptom journal
Who Are the Defendants?
The main defendant is Pfizer, which manufactures and markets Depo-Provera. In some cases, lawsuits may also name:
- Pharmacies that distributed the drug without updated labels
- Medical providers who failed to warn patients (less common)
- Third-party distributors in charge of product instructions
How to File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit
The legal process is typically handled by mass tort law firms with experience in pharmaceutical claims. Here’s how it works:
- Free Consultation – Share your story with a legal team.
- Medical Record Review – Attorneys will request and examine your documents.
- Eligibility Confirmation – If you qualify, a formal claim is filed.
- Case Joins the MDL – Your case is consolidated for trial prep.
- Trial or Settlement – Based on bellwether results or negotiations.
You don’t pay legal fees unless your case wins or settles—this is known as a contingency arrangement.
Next Steps After a Meningioma Diagnosis
If you or a loved one were recently diagnosed, take these steps right away:
- Prioritize treatment: Follow your doctor’s advice and attend all appointments
- Preserve records: Keep copies of all scans, prescriptions, and doctor’s notes
- Track daily life changes: Fatigue, memory issues, or job loss should be documented
- Reach out to legal counsel: The earlier your case is filed, the better
Time is a factor—each state has its own statute of limitations, often ranging from 1–3 years after diagnosis.
What Affects the Value of Your Claim?
Your payout amount will depend on:
- How long you used Depo-Provera
- The severity of your symptoms
- Whether surgery was required
- Impact on your ability to work or care for family
- Age and overall health
- Emotional and psychological toll
A younger person facing long-term neurological damage, for example, may receive higher compensation than someone with a shorter recovery time.
Bellwether Trials: Why They Matter
These early test trials help both sides understand what a jury might award. If plaintiffs win, it often results in:
- Larger settlement pools
- Quicker payouts
- Higher average compensation
The first bellwether trials are expected in late 2026. If successful, they could influence global settlements for thousands of plaintiffs.
Final Thoughts
Depo-Provera lawsuits are helping victims speak up against what many see as years of corporate negligence. If you or a loved one have suffered due to this birth control injection, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
You’re not alone. By taking action now, you can protect your future, hold pharmaceutical companies accountable, and get the financial relief you deserve.
