Birth Control Shot Lawsuit

Brain tumors called “meningiomas” were linked to the long-term use of birth control shots like Depo-Provera or Depo-SubQ, according to a recent study.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Birth Control Shot induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know had a brain tumor after using birth control shots, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

UPDATE: Birth Control Shots Linked to Brain Tumors

In March 2024, birth control shots were linked to brain tumors in a major study was published in the British Medical Journal. Women who used Depo-Provera or other birth control shots containing medroxyprogesterone for at least 1 year were 5.6-times more likely to develop brain tumors (called a “meningioma”), the study found.

What Is a Meningioma?

The most common type of brain tumor is a meningioma. About 90% of meningiomas are slow-growing, non-cancerous, and treatable with surgery, but they can cause serious health problems, especially if they are large or aggressive.

Most meningiomas are categorized as “benign,” but they can still be dangerous. As the tumor grows, it puts pressure on the brain and other structures inside the skull. This can cause seizures, nerve damage, brain injuries, high pressure in the skull, headaches, and more.

Do I Qualify To File a Lawsuit?

You may be eligible to file a birth control shot lawsuit if you (or your family member):

Were diagnosed with a brain tumor (meningioma)
Used birth control shots at least twice
Used Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ, generic birth control shots, DMPA injections, or medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA)
Women who took the Provera® pill may also qualify to file a lawsuit because it contains the same ingredient

Brain Tumor Warning Signs & Symptoms

Brain tumors can grow slowly for years without causing symptoms that lead to a diagnosis. If symptoms do appear, they will depend on how large the tumor has grown and what part of the brain is involved. These symptoms may include:

Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Seizures
Vision loss (or other vision problems)
Neurological problems
Loss of smell
Hearing loss
Problems with weakness, numbness
Trouble walking or balancing
Changes in behavior, personality, or memory loss
And more

Pfizer Will Update Warning Labels For Birth Control Shots

Depo-Provera and other birth control shots were sold for decades without any warning labels about brain tumors. This is a problem, because over 75 million women use Depo-Provera worldwide.

In a statement, Pfizer said it is aware of the study linking birth control shots and brain tumors, and will update warnings:

“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.”

Where Do Meningiomas Grow?

Unlike other types of brain tumors, meningiomas do not grow from the brain tissue itself. Instead, meningiomas grow from the meninges, which is a membrane layer that covers and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Most meningiomas grow on the surface of the brain, so they can usually be removed with a surgery called a craniotomy, but surgery is not always possible without causing more serious symptoms.

What Complications Can Occur?

As a meningioma grows, the tumor will take up space inside the skull and increase pressure on the brain. This may cause symptoms like headaches, nausea, or seizures. The tumor can push on the brain and cause neurological problems. Some tumors damage sensory nerves and cause a loss of vision, smell, or hearing. Meningiomas near the brain stem can block the flow of spinal fluid.

What Are Birth Control Shots?

Birth control shots are contraceptive injections that are given every 3 months. When used on a regular schedule, birth control shots can prevent pregnancy or treat other gynecological issues, like pain associated with endometriosis.

Types of Birth Control Shots

In the U.S., only the following birth control shots are available:

Depo-Provera: This birth control shot is injected by a nurse every 3 months, usually in the arm or buttocks.
Depo-SubQ Provera 104: This is a newer version of Depo-Provera that does not need to be injected into muscular tissue, so women can self-inject themselves at home.
Medroxyprogesterone injections: This is a generic version of the Depo-Provera birth control shot.
DMPA Birth Control Shots: DMPA is a long-acting version of medroxyprogesterone acetate, which is the same ingredient in Depo-Provera. DMPA birth control shots are a type of generic Depo-Provera.

What Are Depo Shots?

There are many types of birth control shots worldwide, but only Depo shots such as Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera 104, and generics are approved in the United States.

Both of these Depo shots contain medroxyprogesterone acetate, which is a type of hormonal drug called a progestin. It is a synthetic version of a naturally-occurring female hormone called progesterone.

How Do Depo Shots Work?

Depo shots and other progestin-based birth control shots work by maintaining stable levels of the hormone progesterone. This prevents certain phases of the menstrual cycle, such as ovulation (release of eggs from the ovaries). It also thickens the cervical mucous, which makes fertilization less likely.

Generic Birth Control Shots

Depo-Provera® is one of the oldest birth control shots on the market. It has been sold by Pfizer since 1992. The brand-name version of Depo-Provera is still available, but there are also generic versions.

Generic birth control shots are also called medroxyprogesterone injections. These injections are therapeutically equivalent to the brand-name versions.

Medroxyprogesterone acetate is also available as a pill that is sold under the brand-name Provera®. It taken orally, rather than a shot.

What About Generic Depo-SubQ?

Depo-SubQ Provera 104® was approved by the FDA in December 2004. As of September 2024, there was no generic version of Depo-SubQ Provera 104. Pfizer is the only pharmaceutical company that makes Depo-SubQ, but this may change in the future if other drug-makers decide to manufacture this birth control shot.

Birth Control Shot Lawsuits

Our lawyers are pursuing birth control shot lawsuits involving brain tumors, brain cancer, and meningiomas. We are concerned about studies linking brain tumors and the following birth control shots:

Depo-Provera
Depo-SubQ Provera 104
Generic birth control shots
Generic medroxyprogesterone injections
MPA (medroxyprogesterone acetate)
DMPA Contraceptive Injections

What About The Provera Pill?

You may also qualify to file a lawsuit if you took the Provera pill before you were diagnosed with a brain tumor (meningioma). Provera is not a birth control shot, but it contains the same ingredient (medroxyprogesterone acetate). This ingredient is a synthetic hormone that is linked to brain tumors, according to recent studies.

Do I Have a Birth Control Shot Lawsuit?

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