Depo-Provera Lawsuits

Fighting for Justice in Pharmaceutical Litigation

At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we represent individuals who have suffered severe health complications due to unsafe pharmaceuticals. If you or a loved one developed a meningioma brain tumor after using Depo-Provera, you may be entitled to compensation.

Our legal team is actively pursuing lawsuits against Pfizer Inc., the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, for failing to warn patients of the neurological risks associated with long-term use. Depo-Provera lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Florida, overseen by Judge M. Casey Rodgers.

Our nationally recognized trial lawyers are prepared to fight for justice and hold Pfizer accountable for the harm caused to thousands of individuals. If you or someone you love was diagnosed with a meningioma after using Depo-Provera for at least one year, contact us today for a free case review.

What is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive developed by Pfizer Inc., a global pharmaceutical company known for its medications and vaccines. The drug contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, which prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.

The Depo-Provera injection is administered once every three months and has been widely prescribed to women around the world as a long-term birth control method. While it was marketed as a safe and convenient contraceptive, mounting evidence suggests that long-term use is associated with severe neurological risks, particularly the development of meningiomas—tumors that grow in the membranes surrounding the brain.

Depo-Provera & Meningioma – Understanding the Medical Risks

What is a Meningioma?

A meningioma is a tumor that forms in the meninges, the protective layers of tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While meningiomas are typically benign (non-cancerous), their location in the brain can cause severe and life-altering neurological complications by putting pressure on critical areas of the brain.

Symptoms of Meningiomas

Individuals who developed meningiomas after using Depo-Provera have reported experiencing a variety of serious health complications, including:

1. Severe migraines and chronic headaches that worsen over time
2. Vision impairment or blindness due to pressure on the optic nerve
3. Seizures and neurological dysfunction that can interfere with daily life
4. Dizziness and loss of balance, making walking difficult
5. Cognitive impairment and memory loss that affects work and personal life
6. Speech difficulties and personality changes due to pressure on specific brain regions

Why is Depo-Provera Linked to Meningiomas?

Research suggests that the synthetic progesterone in Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) may stimulate the growth of meningiomas, particularly in long-term users. Many meningiomas have progesterone receptors, making them susceptible to hormone-driven growth. Prolonged exposure to high levels of progestins increases the risk of developing these brain tumors, potentially leading to severe neurological complications such as vision loss, seizures, migraines, dizziness, and cognitive impairment.

International Warnings and Restrictions

Several European health agencies have taken action due to this risk. France’s National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) found a significant increase in meningiomas among Depo-Provera users and restricted its use, advising doctors to limit prescriptions and monitor long-term patients with brain imaging. Other countries, including Belgium, Switzerland, and the UK, have issued similar warnings.

Why Has the U.S. Not Taken Action?

Despite international concerns, Pfizer continues to market Depo-Provera in the U.S. without adequate warnings. Unlike in France, where long-term users are screened with MRIs for tumor growth, no such requirement exists in the U.S., leaving many patients unaware of the risks. The FDA has not required Pfizer to add a warning about meningiomas, allowing continued exposure without proper patient safeguards.

What This Means for Depo-Provera Users

If you have used Depo-Provera for at least one year and have been diagnosed with a meningioma, you may be eligible for significant compensation. The Depo-Provera lawsuits aim to hold Pfizer accountable for failing to warn consumers about this serious risk.

How Many People Have Been Affected?

It is estimated that between 16,000 and 30,000 individuals who used Depo-Provera have been diagnosed with a meningioma. Many of these patients required invasive brain surgery to remove the tumors, while others suffer from permanent neurological damage.

Pfizer & The Depo-Provera Lawsuits

Legal Allegations Against Pfizer

Lawsuits against Pfizer claim that the pharmaceutical company:

1. Failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about the increased risk of meningiomas
2. Neglected to conduct long-term safety studies on Depo-Provera’s neurological effects
3. Continued marketing Depo-Provera despite known risks, putting profits over patient safety
4. Failed to disclose the risks associated with prolonged Depo-Provera use, leading to thousands of unnecessary diagnoses

The Depo-Provera Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)

Due to the increasing number of lawsuits, Depo-Provera claims have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Florida, overseen by Judge M. Casey Rodgers.

The MDL process helps streamline litigation by allowing multiple claims to be heard in a single court, improving efficiency and ensuring consistency in rulings. This increases the likelihood of substantial compensation for affected individuals while holding Pfizer accountable for its negligence.

Who Qualifies for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?

Lawsuits against Pfizer are being filed by individuals who suffered serious health complications after using Depo-Provera. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with a meningioma or another severe neurological disorder after receiving Depo-Provera injections, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Long-Term Depo-Provera Use

Research suggests that the risk of meningioma increases with prolonged exposure to synthetic progesterone, particularly for individuals who have used Depo-Provera for at least one year or longer. The longer the exposure, the greater the likelihood of developing tumor growth in the brain.

If you have used Depo-Provera for multiple years, you may be at a higher risk of suffering neurological side effects, including headaches, seizures, cognitive impairment, and vision loss. Lawsuits are primarily being filed by long-term users who were not adequately warned of these dangers.

Medical Diagnosis of Meningioma or Related Conditions

A key factor in determining eligibility for a lawsuit is whether you were diagnosed with a meningioma or a related brain tumor after using Depo-Provera.

Meningiomas are tumors that develop in the protective layers of the brain (meninges). While they are often benign (non-cancerous), they can cause severe and debilitating symptoms by pressing against critical areas of the brain. Individuals who have suffered from vision impairment, seizures, personality changes, memory loss, or difficulty with balance and coordination may have been affected by a Depo-Provera-induced meningioma.

Health Complications & Impact on Quality of Life

Not all meningiomas cause immediate symptoms, but many individuals have experienced progressive neurological decline as their tumors grow. If you were diagnosed with a meningioma and required surgery, radiation therapy, or other extensive treatments, you may be eligible for significant compensation.

Serious health complications caused by meningiomas include:

1. Severe migraines or chronic headaches
2. Loss of vision or blindness
3. Seizures and neurological impairments
4. Dizziness and balance problems
5. Cognitive impairment, memory loss, and speech difficulties
6. Permanent brain damage requiring ongoing care

These conditions can impact your ability to work, engage in daily activities, and maintain an independent lifestyle. Compensation in a lawsuit may cover the emotional, physical, and financial burden caused by your diagnosis.

Proof of Depo-Provera Use & Medical Records

To build a strong case, it is essential to provide documentation of Depo-Provera use and a formal meningioma diagnosis. This can include:

1. Medical records from your doctor confirming your diagnosis
2. Prescription history showing long-term Depo-Provera use
3. MRI or CT scan results indicating tumor development
4. Treatment plans detailing the severity of your condition
5. Surgical records for the removal of the meningioma

Our legal team can help obtain and review these records to determine your eligibility for a claim.

What Compensation is Available?

A successful Depo-Provera lawsuit may provide financial compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by Pfizer’s negligence.

1. Medical Costs & Treatment Expenses

Many Depo-Provera users diagnosed with meningiomas have undergone significant medical treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, and long-term medication management. Compensation may cover:

• Hospital stays, specialist visits, and diagnostic testing
• Brain surgery to remove meningiomas
• Post-surgical rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Medications for pain management and seizure prevention

2. Lost Wages & Financial Hardship

Many individuals diagnosed with a meningioma are unable to work for extended periods, if at all. Compensation may cover:

• Past lost wages due to time off work for treatment
• Reduced earning capacity if your condition prevents you from returning to work
• Permanent disability benefits if you can no longer work

3. Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress

Neurological conditions such as meningiomas can cause extreme physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological suffering. Compensation may be awarded for:

• Chronic pain and discomfort
• Anxiety, depression, and emotional trauma
• Reduced quality of life due to vision loss, cognitive impairment, or other long-term effects

4. Long-Term Care Costs

Some individuals require ongoing medical care or assisted living support. Compensation may include:

• Home healthcare services
• Long-term medical supervision
• Assistive devices for mobility and daily living

5. Punitive Damages Against Pfizer

Courts may also award punitive damages to punish Pfizer for failing to warn consumers about the risks of Depo-Provera. These damages serve as a financial penalty against the company and help prevent future negligence.

Why Choose Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa?

At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we specialize in pharmaceutical litigation and have helped clients recover millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts against major drug manufacturers.

Experienced in Holding Big Pharma Accountable

Our team has decades of experience successfully handling high-profile pharmaceutical lawsuits, including cases against Pfizer and other major corporations.

No Upfront Fees – You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

Personalized Legal Representation

Unlike large firms that delegate cases to case managers, Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa ensures you work directly with an experienced attorney who personally handles your case.

Trial-Ready Legal Team

If Pfizer refuses to offer a fair settlement, our seasoned trial attorneys are prepared to take your case to court and fight aggressively on your behalf.

How to File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit

Our team will guide you through every step of the legal process to ensure your case is handled efficiently and effectively.

Step 1: Free Case Review

Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation where we will review your medical history, Depo-Provera use, and diagnosis.

Step 2: Gathering Medical Evidence

We will help you collect medical records, prescription history, and expert testimony to build a strong case.

Step 3: Filing the Lawsuit

Our attorneys will handle all legal filings, settlement negotiations, and court proceedings while keeping you informed throughout the process.

Step 4: Seeking Maximum Compensation

We will aggressively fight for the best possible financial outcome, whether through settlement or trial.

State-Specific Deadlines Apply

Each state has a statute of limitations, meaning there is a limited time to file a lawsuit. Failing to act before the deadline could result in losing your right to compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Depo-Provera Lawsuits

What is Depo-Provera and why is it dangerous?

Depo-Provera is a birth control injection developed by Pfizer that contains synthetic progesterone (medroxyprogesterone acetate). It has been linked to an increased risk of meningiomas, which are tumors that develop in the protective membranes around the brain. Long-term use of Depo-Provera can cause these tumors to grow, leading to severe neurological issues, including vision loss, seizures, and cognitive impairment.

How do I know if I qualify for a Depo-Provera lawsuit?

You may qualify for a lawsuit if you used Depo-Provera for at least one year and were later diagnosed with a meningioma or another serious neurological condition. You must have medical records confirming both your Depo-Provera use and your diagnosis. Our legal team offers free case evaluations to help determine if you are eligible.

What kind of compensation can I receive from a Depo-Provera lawsuit?

Compensation may cover medical expenses, including surgery, hospital stays, and rehabilitation. You may also be eligible for damages related to lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term care costs. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to hold Pfizer accountable for failing to warn consumers about the risks of Depo-Provera.

How long do I have to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit?

The time limit to file a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state. Some states allow only a few years from the date of diagnosis or the date you discovered the link between Depo-Provera and your condition. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss your opportunity to file a claim.

Is this a class-action lawsuit or an individual case?

Depo-Provera lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Florida, overseen by Judge M. Casey Rodgers. While an MDL is different from a class-action lawsuit, it allows multiple cases to be handled efficiently in a single court. Each plaintiff retains an individual case, meaning settlements or verdicts are based on personal damages rather than being shared among all claimants.

Contact Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa Today

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, you may have a limited time to file a claim due to statute of limitations laws. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and to protect your legal rights.