Depo-Provera, a commonly used injectable contraceptive, is facing legal scrutiny over its possible connection to meningiomas, benign but serious brain tumors. According to a 2024 study published in the British Medical Journal, women who used Depo-Provera for longer than one year faced a more than fivefold increased risk of developing meningiomas compared to non-users.
These cases are now consolidated in multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Florida, presided over by Judge Casey Rodgers. If you or a loved one developed a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, you may qualify to pursue compensation.
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we bring over 40 years of experience representing clients in pharmaceutical and medical device litigation. With over $4 billion recovered nationwide, we are trusted leaders in complex MDLs. This guide explains the current MDL status, who may qualify, and the next steps for those affected.
Key Takeaways
- Depo-Provera litigation centers on its alleged link to intracranial meningiomas.
- Cases are consolidated in an MDL in the Northern District of Florida, overseen by Judge Casey Rodgers.
- Eligibility often requires more than one year of Depo-Provera use and a diagnosis of meningioma.
- Key evidence includes a prescription history, imaging scans, and surgical records.
- Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, long-term care, and damages for wrongful death.
What Is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera (150mg) and Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (104mg) are contraceptive injections given every three months. The active ingredient, medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), is a progestin hormone that prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus.
The FDA approved Depo-Provera in 1992 and Depo-SubQ Provera 104 in 2004. The drug was initially developed by Upjohn, later acquired by Pharmacia & Upjohn, and then by Pfizer. Greenstone, Viatris, and Prasco have marketed authorized generics.
Understanding Meningiomas Linked to Depo-Provera
Meningiomas are tumors that form on membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. While benign, they can cause serious problems as they press on brain tissue and nerves.
Symptoms may include:
- Vision changes, such as double or blurred vision
- Seizures
- Weakness in limbs
- Memory issues or confusion
- Hearing loss or reduced sense of smell
A large-scale 2024 case-control study found a clear link between prolonged use of medroxyprogesterone and higher rates of surgically treated meningiomas. In many cases, surgery is necessary, which carries risks and requires a lengthy recovery period.
Depo-Provera Meningioma MDL Status
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation centralized all federal Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuits in the Northern District of Florida, where Judge Casey Rodgers oversees the proceedings. The MDL process consolidates discovery, expert testimony, and pretrial rulings to improve efficiency.
Unlike a class action, each lawsuit remains a separate and individual matter. However, bellwether trials will test evidence and outcomes, guiding possible settlements. For official updates, the JPML website provides ongoing information on this MDL.
Who Qualifies to File a Lawsuit
Eligibility typically includes:
- At least one year of Depo-Provera or Depo-SubQ Provera 104 use (administering four or more injections).
- Diagnosis of a meningioma within ten years of the last injection.
- Injuries such as surgery, vision loss, seizures, or surgical complications.
Learn more on our Drug Injury Attorneys page.
Evidence Needed to Support a Claim
Strong claims usually include:
- Prescription history confirming Depo-Provera use.
- Imaging records, such as MRIs or CT scans.
- Surgical and pathology records.
- Documentation of medical costs, wage losses, and long-term care needs.
Compensation in Depo-Provera Lawsuits
Compensation may include:
- Medical treatment costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages in fatal cases
Bellwether trials in the MDL will help shape settlement negotiations, but each claim is valued on its own merits.
With Cory Watson’s history of leadership in nationwide MDLs, clients benefit from proven litigation experience.
Legal Process: How an MDL Works
An MDL consolidates cases from around the country into one court for pretrial proceedings. Discovery, expert depositions, and bellwether trials take place under the direction of a single judge. This approach saves time, avoids inconsistent rulings, and allows plaintiffs to share resources.
Cory Watson has decades of experience in MDLs and mass torts, giving our clients confidence that their case is managed by attorneys who are thoroughly familiar with this process.
How Doctors Diagnose and Treat Meningiomas
Diagnosis usually begins with MRI or CT imaging, followed by surgical evaluation.
Treatment may involve:
- Monitoring small, stable tumors
- Surgery to remove tumors causing symptoms
- Radiosurgery for select cases
Even though meningiomas are benign, they can cause severe health issues. Treatment is often invasive, and recovery can be difficult.
Regulatory and Labeling Landscape
The U.S. label for Depo-Provera does not mention the risk of meningioma. By contrast, regulators in the European Union and the United Kingdom updated their labels to include warnings about meningiomas, advising patients with a history of tumors to consult their doctors.
This difference highlights the importance of litigation in holding manufacturers accountable for failing to update safety warnings in the U.S.
Potential Defendants in Depo-Provera Litigation
- Pfizer: Holder of the Depo-Provera NDA since 2002.
- Greenstone, Viatris, and Prasco: Authorized generics distributors who could have sought label changes.
Theories of liability include failure to warn and negligence in labeling and marketing.
When to Seek Legal Advice
If you developed a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, consult an attorney promptly. Statutes of limitation vary, and waiting too long could bar your claim.
At Cory Watson, we offer free consultations and handle cases on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a meningioma?
A benign brain tumor that can cause severe symptoms due to pressure on nearby brain tissue.
How does Depo-Provera increase risk?
Research suggests prolonged use of medroxyprogesterone promotes tumor growth.
What is the current MDL status?
Cases are centralized in the Northern District of Florida under Judge Casey Rodgers.
Is this a class action?
No. An MDL coordinates pretrial matters, but individual claims remain.
Who qualifies to file?
Patients with at least one year of Depo-Provera use and a meningioma diagnosis.
What evidence do I need?
Prescription history, imaging records, and surgical documentation.
Do I need to live in Florida?
No. Patients across the U.S. may file and participate in the MDL.
What does contingency fee mean?
You pay nothing upfront; fees are only collected if compensation is recovered.
Next Steps
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a meningioma after Depo-Provera use, take action now. Seek medical evaluation, gather your records, and contact an experienced attorney.
The attorneys at Cory Watson offer free, confidential consultations and represent clients nationwide.
Contact us today to request a free review. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
About Cory Watson Attorneys
Cory Watson Attorneys is a nationally respected law firm with offices in Birmingham, Nashville, and Memphis. For more than 40 years, we have represented clients harmed by dangerous drugs and medical devices, recovering over $4 billion in verdicts and settlements. Our attorneys have held leadership roles in national MDLs and mass torts, and we remain dedicated to protecting patients harmed by Depo-Provera.