California Depo-Provera Brain Cancer Lawsuit. Depo-Provera birth control injection linked to Brain Cancer.
California Depo-Provera Brain Cancer Lawsuit
On October 1, 2024, Kristina Schmidt from California filed the first Depo-Provera brain cancer product liability and personal injury lawsuit in the United States District Court Northern District of California.
According to Schmidt’s lawsuit, she experienced Depo-Provera side effects from the injections, including severe headaches, dizziness, and vertigo, which led to a diagnosis of Grade 1 and Grade 2 Sylvian fissure meningioma brain tumor in June 2022.
Schmidt filed her Depo-Provera Brain Cancer lawsuit against Pfizer, claiming that the birth control injections caused the brain tumor. Schmidt, alleged that the active ingredient, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), can cause abnormal cell growth leading to tumors, and accusing Pfizer of failure to warn, and defective design.
What is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is a birth control injection that uses a man-made hormone to prevent pregnancy, by blocking ovulation and changing the cervical setting and uterine lining.
Depo-Provera contains medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), which is a man-made form of the hormone progestin that mimics the natural hormone progesterone.
MPA works by blocking ovulation, and ensures no egg is released for fertilization. MPA, also thickens cervical mucus to block sperm movement and changes the uterine lining to prevent implantation of any fertilized egg.
Depo-Provera is given as an intramuscular injection in the arm or buttocks once every 12 to 14, weeks to allow for a slow and consistent release of MPA into the bloodstream.
Many women have chosen Depo-Provera for its convenient injection schedule, which eliminates daily or weekly contraceptive regimens.
Who makes Depo-Provera?
The Depo-Provera birth control shot was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1992. The German pharmaceutical giant Pfizer makes Depo-Provera and promotes it as a safe and effective method for preventing pregnancy.
Unfortunately, recent medical research has found that Depo-Provera injections are linked to an increased risk of brain tumors called meningiomas.
Pfizer exposed to Depo-Provera Brain Cancer lawsuits
Due to Pfizer’s failure to warn about these potential brain cancer risks, lawyers are now reviewing Depo-Provera brain cancer lawsuits alleging that the drug manufacturer knew, or should have known about the increased risk of brain tumors from Depo-Provera birth control injections.
How to file a Depo-Provera Lawsuit
Financial compensation may be available for a Depo-Provera lawsuit settlement for women who received at least two name-brand or generic Depo-Provera injections, and developed brain cancer including Meningioma.
Dr. Shezad Malik Law Firm investigating Depo-Provera Brain Cancer cases
Dr. Shezad Malik Law Firm is investigating Depo-Provera brain cancer lawsuits against Pfizer for women throughout the United States who have developed injuries that could have been prevented.
To determine if you or a loved one qualify for a Depo-Provera lawsuit, submit your medical information for review and we will evaluate your potential claim. There are no fees or expenses paid unless a settlement or lawsuit payout is received.
Depo-Provera Lawsuit 2024 Update
The second Depo-Provera birth control lawsuit over meningioma brain cancer was filed on October 15, 2024 claiming that the manufacturers knew or should have known that the Depo-Provera injection increases the risk of developing meningiomas, but failed to provide any brain tumor warnings for Depo-Provera patients or to the doctors.
Depo-Provera Brain Cancer Medical Study
Following a BMJ medical study released earlier this year which found that Depo-Provera use increase brain tumor risks, lawyers are now investigating product liability lawsuits over potential failure to warn a design defect claims against Pfizer Inc., who is the manufacturer of injectable contraceptive.
The study found that women using Depo-Provera birth control shots are 5.5 times more likely to develop meningiomas, which is a rare but serious type of brain tumor that often requires surgical removal.
Researchers analyzed data from over 108,000 women in the French National Health Data System, focusing on 18,000 women in France who had brain surgery for meningioma between 2009 and 2018.
The study assessed various synthetic progestogens administered through different methods, including oral, vaginal, and injectable routes, finding an increased risk of brain tumors among each;
- Medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera): 5.55 times higher risk of meningioma among users.
- Medrogestone: 3.49 times higher risk of meningioma among users.
- Promegestone: 2.39 times higher risk of meningioma among users.
According to the study, there are approximately 74 million Depo-Provera users worldwide, which suggests a potentially widespread health concern for millions of women, who were unknowingly exposed to an increased risk of developing meningiomas from Depo-Provera use.
What is a Meningioma Brain Tumor?
A meningioma is a type of tumor that arises from the meninges, which are the three protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
While most meningiomas are benign (non-cancerous) and grow slowly, they can still cause significant symptoms and complications depending on their size and location within the cranial cavity.
Depo-Provera meningiomas may be classified into three grades.
- Grade I Meningiomas: These are benign tumors that grow very slowly and account for about 80% of meningioma cases. Grade I meningiomas from Depo-Provera will typically require surgical removal, often with good outcomes.
- Grade II Meningiomas: Although still non-cancerous, these tumors grow more quickly and are more challenging to treat.
- Grade III Meningiomas: These are malignant tumors that grow rapidly and aggressively, representing less than 2% of all meningioma cases.
If Depo-Provera causes a Grade II and III meningiomas, women may require a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on their growth rate and aggressiveness.
How Does Depo-Provera Cause Meningioma Brain Tumors?
Medical research indicates that long-term exposure to Depo-Provera may cause meningiomas, due to its active component medroxyprogesterone acetate, which has been found to elevate the risk of developing brain tumors.
The meninges, contain hormone receptors, including those for progesterone. These receptors play a crucial role in cellular regulation.
According to research when Depo-Provera’s MPA binds to these progesterone receptors in the meninges, it can activate signaling pathways that promote abnormal cell proliferation. This increased cell growth in the meninges could potentially lead to the formation of meningiomas.
Symptoms of Meningiomas from Depo-Provera
Symptoms of meningioma for those who received or are currently taking Depo-Provera injections can include:
- Vision changes, seeing double or blurriness
- Headaches, that worsen over time, or are worse in the morning
- Hearing loss, or ringing in the ears
- Memory loss
- Loss of smell
- Seizures
- Weakness, in the arms or legs
- Difficulty speaking
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
Depo-Provera Brain Cancer? Contact Dr. Shezad Malik Law Firm
If you or a loved one used Depo-Provera and have suffered serious brain cancer, contact the attorneys at Dr. Shezad Malik Law Firm to learn more about your legal rights. You can speak with one of our representatives by calling 214-390-3189, or by filling out the case evaluation form on this page.
Our law firm’s principal office is in Dallas, Texas. Dr Shezad Malik Law Firm represents clients in dangerous drug and dangerous medical device lawsuits nationwide.