Depo-Provera Lawsuits: Understanding the Legal Battle Over Brain Tumor Risks

Depo-Provera, a widely used injectable contraceptive, has been linked to an increased risk of developing meningiomas, a type of brain tumor. Women who have used Depo-Provera for an extended period are now filing lawsuits against Pfizer and other manufacturers, alleging that they failed to warn users about the potential dangers. With legal action gaining momentum, affected individuals may have the opportunity to seek compensation.

At Michael Gunzburg, P.C., we are closely monitoring the Depo-Provera litigation and our NYC Depo-Provera lawyers are ready to help those who may have suffered harm due to the drug’s prolonged use.

What is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive containing medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of the hormone progestogen. It is administered every three months to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, reducing the chances of pregnancy. First approved for contraceptive use in the U.S. in 1992, Depo-Provera had previously been rejected due to concerns about potential links to breast tumors and cervical cancer in animal studies.

The Depo-Provera Lawsuit: What’s Happening?

Women filing lawsuits against Pfizer and other manufacturers claim that they were never warned about the heightened risk of developing meningiomas, particularly after long-term use. The lawsuits seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the severe health consequences of the drug.

Defendants in the lawsuits include:

Pfizer, Inc.
Viatris Inc.
Greenstone LLC
Prasco, LLC
Pharmacia & Upjohn Co., LLC

Injuries Linked to Depo-Provera

A March 2024 study published in the British Medical Journal found that women who used Depo-Provera had up to a 5.6 times greater risk of developing meningiomas. While these brain tumors are often noncancerous, they can require risky surgical intervention and may lead to debilitating symptoms such as:

Chronic headaches
Seizures
Dizziness
Vision problems
Cognitive impairments

Because meningiomas can press on the brain or spinal cord, their removal can be challenging, and in some cases, the condition can become life-threatening.

Legal Developments and What’s Next

January 2025: A hearing was held by the Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation (JPML) to determine whether the lawsuits will be consolidated as an MDL (multi-district litigation) and where the case will be tried (New York or California).
October 2024: The first lawsuit against Pfizer and generic manufacturers was filed by a plaintiff diagnosed with a brain tumor after receiving 64 injections over 16 years.
April 2024: Pfizer acknowledged the increased brain tumor risk in a public statement but has yet to update the Depo-Provera warning labels in the U.S., despite doing so in Europe.

What to Do If You’ve Been Affected

If you or a loved one developed a brain tumor after prolonged use of Depo-Provera, you may be eligible for compensation. Our firm is actively investigating these cases and can help you understand your rights, determine your legal options, and pursue the justice you deserve.

Contact a New York City Personal Injury Lawyer Today

At Michael Gunzburg, P.C., we have decades of experience handling complex pharmaceutical injury cases. If you believe you were harmed by Depo-Provera, don’t wait—call (212) 725-8500 or visit Contact us to schedule a free consultation.

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About Michael Gunzburg

Michael Gunzburg is a New York City personal injury and medical malpractice attorney with over 37 years of trial experience. He has represented thousands of injured clients throughout New York City's five boroughs, securing numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements, including a $20 million structured settlement for a birth injury case and a $10.1 million settlement for a construction accident victim.

Michael holds a Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School and is also a Certified Public Accountant, giving him unique insight into complex financial aspects of injury cases. He is admitted to practice in New York State Courts and the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.

A member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and the American Association of Justice, Michael has argued cases before the New York Court of Appeals and has been a member of the Brooklyn Bar Association's legal referral panel since 1989. He handles cases involving car accidents, construction injuries, medical malpractice, and wrongful death throughout NYC.

The information in this post is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance about your situation, contact Michael Gunzburg, P.C. at 212-725-8500.