The Depo-Provera drug has been on the market for years. However, recent scientific studies have linked it to a growing risk of developing brain tumors. If you used the Depo-Provera drug and later suffered brain tumors, you may qualify to bring a product liability suit. You may seek compensation from Pfizer, the drug manufacturer. The newly discovered evidence is anticipated to increase Depo-Provera suits nationwide. This blog discusses brain tumor suits linked to the Depo-Provera drug.

Depo-Provera Overview

Depo-Provera refers to a prescription contraceptive injection that women use to prevent conception. The drug contains the hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate. This hormone inhibits ovulation by thickening the cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining. The thickening of the cervical mucus and thinning of the uterine lining make it hard for the sperm to swim to the egg and fertilize it.

The injection is generally administered once every twelve weeks. It is popular as it is a reversible, long-acting birth control option. Depo is effective in averting conception. However, it might cause various side effects if used long-term. These include:

  • Weight gain,
  • Changes in the menstruation cycle,
  • Reduced bone density and
  • Headaches

Pfizer, a renowned pharmaceutical company, first created and manufactured the Depo-Provera drug. The company then acquired the first approval for the drug from the FDA in the 1990s. The initial patent on the drug expired long ago, but Pfizer still manufactures the most generic brands of the drug.

Depo-Provera’s Link to Brain Tumors

Groundbreaking scientific research about Depo-Provera was recently published. This study revealed a strong connection between using the drug and developing meningioma, a particular brain tumor. The research examined the link between using certain hormone drugs called progestogens and the likelihood of suffering from meningiomas. It centered on different progestogens, analyzing various data from the French National Health Data System. The data included the females in France who had had surgical procedures for meningioma.

The research was comprehensive. It involved more than a hundred thousand women. Of these women, around twenty thousand underwent surgical procedures for meningiomas, which made it a considerable research milestone. The study outcome showed that using Depo-Provera for a long time (more than a year) was connected to an escalated risk of suffering from meningiomas.

One key determinant in drug-related litigation is the odds ratio (OR). The ratio compares the chances of consumers suffering from a condition or illness versus non-consumers. For example, an OR of two means a user is twice more likely to suffer from a condition. The recently published study discovered the OR for the connection between the Depo-Provera drug and meningioma tumors to be 5.5. This is compelling evidence.

Meningiomas In Detail

A meningioma is a tumor that occurs in the meninges. Meninges are layers of membranes that cover and protect the spinal cord and brain. Usually, meningioma tumors are not cancerous (benign). However, in some instances, they could be cancerous (malignant) or atypical. That means they are highly likely to reoccur after treatment.

A meningioma tumor grows from meninges, generally on the brain’s outer surface. It could press against the spinal cord or brain, causing different symptoms based on location and size. Symptoms vary. However, they could include seizures, headaches, hearing loss, vision problems, muscle weakness, and memory difficulties. They arise whenever the tumor presses the structures in the brain.

The chances of meningioma tumors developing increase with age. The tumors are more often experienced by females than males, likely because of hormonal effects. Additionally, particular genetic conditions, like ionizing radiation exposure and neurofibromatosis type II, are common factors that could predispose people to these kinds of tumors. Until the year 2024, women were unaware of the tumors’ connection to the Depo-Provera drug.

The strategies for treating meningiomas vary depending on different factors, like the tumor’s growth rate, location, and size. The doctor may adopt the 'observe and wait' method for small and slow-growing tumors that are not causing any symptoms. This strategy involves routine monitoring with no immediate treatment. In other instances, treatment options may include surgically removing the tumors, radiotherapy, or the two combined. More malignant or aggressive meningiomas might necessitate a detailed treatment plan strategy that entails targeted therapies or chemotherapy to control their behavior.

The general outlook for people with meningioma tumors is good, particularly for benign ones. Nevertheless, the prognosis could vary depending on the type of the tumor (malignant, atypical, or benign), size, and location.

Depo-Provera Meningiomas Suits

Pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer have the legal duty to ensure their products are safe for every consumer. They additionally have the legal duty to give clear and proper warnings regarding any accompanying risks. These duties fall within strict liability for failing to warn. That means even if a drug is not dangerous, the manufacturer could still be liable should they neglect to disclose expected severe risks or side effects.

Should a drug maker neglect to fulfill this duty, they could be liable for any injury their product inflicts. Both healthcare providers and patients depend on the safety details manufacturers provide to make the necessary decisions. A critical part of drug safety measures is the warning label on the drug, which must comprise all the well-known and reasonably likely risks. The warning label assists doctors in prescribing medications suitably and permits patients to weigh the risks and benefits.

Regarding the Depo-Provera drug, Pfizer did not include on the drug’s warning label the link between the medication and meningiomas as a possible risk. Suits concerning the Depo-Provera injection assert that Pfizer was either aware or should reasonably have been aware of the risk and did not update the warning label. This amounts to the failure to caution or warn.

If Pfizer had mentioned there is a high risk of developing meningioma tumors, it would likely have registered reduced sales. Most patients, likely the majority, could have chosen alternative contraceptive options. On the other hand, doctors would have been overly careful in prescribing Depo-Provera long term.

Examples of Already Filed Depo-Provera Lawsuits

The 2024 Depo-Provera lawsuits have significantly focused on meningioma tumors. However, there also might be a connection to a growing risk of breast cancer in women who use this drug long-term.

Depo-Provera Suit Brought By An Indiana Woman

On October 25th, 2024, an Indiana woman, Lesly Noble, sued Pfizer for Depo-related injury. The woman claimed using Depo-Provera caused her a tumor in the brain and other subsequent injuries. Lesley received Depo shots in twenty years. She discovered she had intracranial meningioma in 2017.

She went through an invasive surgical procedure to extract the tumor, though after six months, the tumor aggressively reoccurred. She underwent thirty-six rounds of radiotherapy during the second treatment while still taking the drug, unaware it probably caused the tumors. She and her spouse have demanded a jury trial for the several injuries she has endured.

Californian Woman Brings Depo-Provera Suit

On October 28th, 2024, a woman in central California filed another Depo suit in the Central District of California. The suit is titled Monique Jones vs. Pfizer, et. al. Two women filed two separate cases in the Northern District of California. Another woman filed a case in the Southern District of Indiana.

California and Indiana will probably have more Depo-Provera lawsuits. This is primarily because they have strong statutes on innovator liability. This is a lawful concept whereby the innovator (original manufacturer) could be responsible for supposed injuries caused by generic medications. Generic medications must reflect the precise language of the original drug's warning label.

Thus, if someone uses a generic medication, the drug's innovator (originator) can be responsible as they negligently or intentionally withheld essential information regarding how safe the medication is. Jones’s legal team has included this concept in their suit.

Depo Design Defect Lawsuit Filed October 30, 2024

The key factor of each Depo-Provera suit is the manufacturing company's failure to caution or warn. However, this litigation also comprises a compelling strict liability design defect lawsuit. A design defect lawsuit argues that a drug or product is dangerous because of its design, thus making it unsafe for consumers. That is true whether the manufacturing company exercises standards of care during manufacturing.

In Depo litigation, the lawsuit claims the medicine’s design, especially its high progestin levels, was unreasonably harmful. It poses a likelihood of severe health problems such as intracranial meningioma tumors.

Could the manufacturer make the product safer? Sure. Pfizer already had made a safer product, the Depo-SubQ Provera 104 drug. This drug has lower progestin levels and could be administered subcutaneously. The company supposedly promoted the version of the drug with the higher dose, failing to caution consumers and doctors about the possible risks.

Therefore, a key factor in this lawsuit is that the company should have either

  • Redesigned the initial formula to minimize the risks or
  • Promoted the subcutaneous version.

The plaintiffs' attorneys also argue that Pfizer did not market the safer version to keep its market share and avoided fully disclosing these safety concerns. The lawyers, therefore, claim that Pfizer is liable for the harm Depo-Provera caused because of the inherent risks linked to its design.

The design defect lawsuits for Depo are especially compelling. That is primarily because the same manufacturer produced the safer version. Generally, in cases involving design defects, demonstrating that a safer, alternative version exists could be challenging. That is because it usually entails comparing competing products from other manufacturers. However, in this case, Pfizer already produced and approved the Depo-SubQ Provera 104 drug, which had a substantially lower likelihood of negative impacts such as intracranial meningioma.

Eligibility for Depo-Provera Meningiomas Suit

Law firms are currently bringing Depo-Provera suits. They are helping victims who received a minimum of two shots of the drug and later became diagnosed with meningioma or other types of brain tumors pursue damages.

The above are among the minimum qualifications to pursue a lawsuit. Some firms require four Depo-Provera injections. The requirements are solely dependent on the specific law firm. Women who have used the Depo-Provera drug long-term might have more compelling lawsuits. However, attorneys believe receiving as few as two shots may be enough to corroborate a valid claim.

Projected Settlement for The Lawsuits

Any estimates for Depo lawsuit settlement values should be accompanied by important caution. Litigation is still in its early stages. That makes giving an exact possible settlement value for the filed lawsuits challenging.

It is still unclear if the outcome of various scientific studies will be admissible in a court of law. However, an attorney can guess from an informed point of view depending on different assumptions. They can estimate from the various settlement payouts for similar lawsuits involving comparable injuries and facts. Thus, you want to consult a lawyer for an estimated settlement value if you have a case.

The possible settlement amount of these lawsuits will be based on multiple factors. They include:

  • How severe the brain tumors are
  • Their medical complications
  • How strong the evidence connecting the medication to the brain tumor is

As mentioned, the litigation is in its early stages, and the precise settlement amount is uncertain. However, lawyers project that successful cases may settle for a quarter to half a million dollars or even more. The range takes into account the difference in the seriousness of the tumors.

Factors That Influence Depo-Provera Lawsuits Settlement Amounts

Settlement values for Depo-Provera lawsuits vary depending on various factors. These include:

The Duration of The Drug Use

Research has shown that the long-term use of the Depo-Provera drug, specifically over five or more years, might increase the likelihood of developing meningioma tumors. Victims who can prove they have used the drug long-term can establish a compelling connection between the drug and tumors. Doing so can result in higher settlement amounts.

Effect on Quality of Life

Meningioma tumors can cause several debilitating symptoms. These may include seizures, chronic headaches, or hearing and vision loss. They may also cause motor skills impairment and cognitive difficulties. How severely the condition impacts a victim's ability to:

  • Do daily chores,
  • Engage in family life and hobbies, or
  • Maintain independence can greatly influence settlement values.

Lost Wages and Medical Expenses

Complainants may receive compensation for the cost of hospital treatments. This period includes costs for:

  • Hospital stays
  • Surgeries
  • Follow-up hospital visits
  • Ongoing therapy sessions

In more serious cases, a victim may need long-term care or may lose the capability to work. Such victims may receive further compensation for reduced earning capacity and lost wages.

How Severe The Meningioma Tumors Are

The severity of the tumors can influence the settlement amount.

  • Atypical meningioma tumors: These meningioma tumors are highly likely recurrent. Thus, they might need a more aggressive treatment plan, like radiation or surgery. Settlement amounts for cases involving these tumors are typically higher. That is because of
    • The higher medical expenses,
    • The requirement for long-term monitoring and
    • The possibility of a substantial effect on quality of life.
  • Benign meningioma tumors: Cases involving benign tumors have little settlement amounts. These tumors might not need prompt treatment. However, they often necessitate constant monitoring and may cause emotional distress and anxiety. Even tumors that do not need treatment are awful. Thus, a compassionate lawyer would be willing to help you pursue a lawsuit.
  • Malignant meningioma tumors: These are rare. However, they are invasive and fast-growing, usually resulting in serious neurological damage. A malignant meningioma tumor case could result in a considerable settlement amount. That is because of various factors, including:
    • The extensive treatment requirements,
    • The effect on life expectancy, and
    • The possibility of a permanent disability.

The Status of Current Litigation and Possibility for Significant Settlement Values

The litigation involving the Depo-Provera drugs and meningioma tumors is still taking shape. A large-scale case program is yet to be established. However, more evidence continues to emerge connecting the medicine to the higher risk of meningioma tumors. Thus, victims’ lawyers are striving to obtain higher settlement amounts. Courts might later consolidate the cases into multidistrict litigation or mass tort. This may simplify the litigation process and lead to more significant and equal payouts. The plaintiffs’ outlook is significantly based on:

  • How strong the evidence is
  • The results of early cases
  • The manufacturer’s willingness to settle

Consequently, settlement values may increase with the progression of the litigation. That is particularly so when a few compelling cases set a precedent for future awards.

Find a Knowledgeable Depo-Provera Lawsuit Lawyer Near Me

At Consumer Alert Now, we advocate for victims injured by dangerous drugs and faulty medical devices. First, we create awareness countrywide, warning potential consumers of these products. We inform them of the various health issues, complications, and severe side effects these products can cause. For already injured victims, we educate them on how they can seek compensation. We help link them with competent product liability attorneys.

Depo-Provera is among the dangerous drugs on the market that have harmed consumers countrywide. Users run the risk of developing brain tumors. If, after using this drug, you have developed brain tumors, come to us. We will review your situation and determine your eligibility for legal action. If you qualify to take legal action, we will assist you in finding an expert attorney to fight for you and ensure you receive the most favorable outcome.

Call us at 800-511-0747 for more information about the Depo-Provera drug or to help receive your deserved compensation. We will attend to your case irrespective of where you are in the country.