According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2017, 65.3% of women between the ages of 15-49 in the United States use a form of birth control. Of this population, 10.4% use long-acting, reversible contraceptives (LARCs).
A popular form of LARCs is an injectable birth control known as Depo-Provera or Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (medroxyprogesterone acetate). Depo-Provera is often favored by patients and providers as a contraceptive because it is 99% effective, and it does not require daily use like oral contraceptives.
While Depo-Provera is a convenient option for patients, recent research revealed that Depo-Provera users could experience serious side effects. In March 2024, a study published in The British Medical Journal found that users of Depo-Provera had a 5.6 times higher risk of developing noncancerous brain tumors known as meningiomas. While these tumors are typically benign, their formation can cause serious health issues for individuals and may require surgical removal. Serious symptoms of meningioma include blurred vision, seizures, frequent headaches, and weakness or numbness in the limbs.
While Depo-Provera has been available since the 1990’s, research on its connection to meningioma is relatively new. In a recent statement, Pfizer acknowledged to The Guardian its awareness 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.”
Although an update to the label is certainly necessary, this warning came too late for many long-term users of Depo-Provera. At Robert Peirce & Associates, we understand the serious consequences individuals face due to dangerous and defective drugs. Our dedicated team specializes in representing clients dealing with such issues.
As of August 2024, women impacted by the side effects of Depo-Provera have begun filing lawsuits against the makers of Depo-Provera, including pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, alleging the companies failed to warn their patients about the potential risks of the contraceptive. Because several individuals have sustained the same injury stemming from the use of Depo-Provera, the cases are likely to be consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL), a nationwide proceeding that combines the cases to be presented before one judge.
Sara Watkins, an attorney at Robert Peirce & Associates, has extensive experience in pursuing pharmaceutical and device cases around the county and is leading up the firm’s efforts with regard to Depo-Provera.
“I am dedicated to fight for women who now fall victim to the manufacturers of Depo-Provera,” said Watkins. “The manufacturers should have warned patients of the risks of this contraceptive. These women were told their contraceptives were safe, only to now suffer from brain tumors with serious symptoms that affect their everyday lives.”
If you believe you have a claim regarding your use of Depo-Provera, certain criteria must be met to qualify:
- Use of brand name Depo-Provera/Depo-SubQ Provera 104 or authorized generic use
- Diagnosis of intracranial meningioma
- Usage of the contraceptive at least 6 months before diagnosis of the meningioma
- Usage for at least one year (four injections)
For over 40 years, Robert Peirce & Associates has provided diligent and compassionate legal representation to people who have been injured as a result of negligent pharmaceutical companies. Contact Sara Watkins at Robert Peirce & Associates for guidance and expert legal counsel regarding Depo-Provera cases at 412-281-7229 or visit www.peircelaw.com.