New York City Depo-Provera Lawyer
Michael Gunzburg, P.C. is investigating claims of women who received the birth control medication Depo-Provera and later developed tumors, known as meningiomas, around the brain or spine. If you received Depo-Provera and developed a tumor, please call our New York City Depo-Provera lawyer at 1-212-725-8500 or complete our online contact form for a free evaluation.
Depo-Provera, widely used as a female contraceptive injection for over three decades, has been linked to a significantly increased risk for development of meningiomas, a type of brain tumor. Numerous women who developed brain tumors after prolonged use of the drug are now pursuing legal action against Pfizer and other manufacturers. Based on FDA data, there could be a substantial number of potential plaintiffs given the extensive use of Depo-Provera.
What is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is a birth control medication, usually administered as a shot, that is used to prevent pregnancy. Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer manufactures Depo-Provera, while several other companies sell a generic version of the medication.
In March 2024, a study published in the British Medical Journal found that women who consistently received Depo-Provera had a 555% increased risk of developing intracranial meningiomas (brain tumors). While most meningiomas are benign and grow slowly, they often require surgical removal due to the pressure they can put on the brain.
The FDA approved Depo-Provera for contraceptive use back in 1992. The current label in the United States does not warn against the increased risk of developing meningiomas but labels in Europe do.
Am I Eligible for a Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuit?
Any woman who used Depo-Provera or one of its authorized generic versions multiple times and was later diagnosed with a meningioma should be eligible for a brain tumor lawsuit. If you have used the medication for a prolonged period, you are more likely to have a valid claim.
If you haven’t been diagnosed with a meningioma or only took Depo-Provera for a short time, you most likely will not be eligible for a brain tumor lawsuit. In addition, claimants from Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas may encounter additional legal issues.
If you or family member received Depo-Provera injections and suffered meningiomas, a type of brain tumor, then you should contact Michael Gunzburg, P.C. today. We want to talk to you about your case and help you understand your options and how best to proceed forward in your case. If you are uncertain about your eligibility, please contact us at 212-725-8500 for a free consultation.
Depo-Provera Frequently Asked Questions
What is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is Pfizer’s brand name for a contraceptive injection that contains progestin, a synthetic version of the hormone progestogen. Injected into the arm or buttocks every three months, Depo-Provera works by impacting ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from successfully getting to an egg.
What is the Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
The ongoing lawsuits allege that manufacturers of Depo-Provera failed to warn women about the risk of developing intracranial meningiomas if the drug is used for more than a year.
Who Are the Defendants in the Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
The defendants are the manufacturers of Depo-Provera and its authorized generics, which include:
- Pfizer, Inc.
- Viatris Inc.
- Greenstone LLC
- Prasco, LLC d/b/a Prasco Labs
- Pharmacia & Upjohn Co, LLC
- Pharmacia LLC
Depo-Provera has been available in the US since 1960 for noncontraceptive purposes. In October 1992 it was approved by the US Food and Drug administration for contraceptive use. One reason Depo-Provera was not initially approved by the FDA was the evidence of the link between the drug and breast tumors and cervical cancer in animals revealed through clinical studies.
What Injuries Have Been Linked to Depo-Provera?
In March 2024, the British Medical Journal released a study that found women who were given medroxyprogesterone acetate, the active ingredient in Depo-Provera, had up to a 5.6 times greater risk for developing meningioma, a type of brain tumor. Meningiomas may typically be noncancerous and slow growing, but they often require surgery for removal. Their proximity to critical brain structures can make intervention risky, and in some cases, inoperable. A tumor that grows can lead to further acute and chronic complications by pressing on the brain or spinal cord, causing headaches, seizures, dizziness, and vision problems.
What Are Recent Key Developments?
Michael Gunzburg, P. C.’s Take: In light of the FDA’s rejection of Pfizer’s proposed warning label update, there are potential preemption problems. There are no other case developments until there is a ruling on the venue. The first bellwether trials are expected to begin midway through 2025.
January 2025: Hearing on Proposed MDL
At the end of the month, the Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation (JPML) held a hearing on the proposed MDL. The Depo-Provera litigation is expected to proceed as an MDL, but the panel is still deciding between New York and California for the MDL’s venue.
There are also potential preemption challenges. Pfizer claimed that it would update Depo-Provera’s drug label to include a warning about the risk of meningiomas. However, because the study Pfizer used as support included only seven individuals, the FDA denied the request, citing insufficient evidence.
October 2024: First Depo-Provera Pfizer Lawsuit Filed
At the beginning of October, the first lawsuit was filed against Pfizer as well as several other companies that sell the authorized generic form of the drug. The plaintiff, Kristina Schmidt, took about sixty-four injections of Depo-Provera or its generic equivalent between 2005 and 2021. In 2022, after suffering severe headaches, dizziness, and vertigo, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of thirty-seven. This suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the northern District of California.
April 2024: Pfizer Releases Statement Following Increased Brain Tumor Risk
Following the publication of a study in the British Medical Journal linking the prolonged use of Depo-Provera with an increased risk of developing brain tumors, Pfizer released a public statement: “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.”
As of October 2024, Pfizer had yet to make the promised changes to the warning label for products distributed in the United States. However, the company did update the Depo-Provera warning information for patients in Europe.
Contact Michael Gunzburg, P.C for an Evaluation of Your Potential Case
If you have received the birth control medication Depo-Provera and developed a brain tumor, the attorneys at Michael Gunzburg, P.C. may be able to help. Our experienced Depo-Provera lawyers can help assess your case and provide crucial support while advocating for your rights.
To discuss your possible case with our team, please call 1-212-725-8500 or complete our online contact form.
