Questions?What Are the Depo-Provera Long-Term Side Effects?
Depo-Provera long-term side effects include meningioma brain tumors and other severe conditions. The birth control shot is given every 3 months and is available as Depo-Provera, injected into the muscle, and Depo-SubQ Provera 104, injected just under the skin.
While effective in preventing pregnancy, using Depo for over a year has been linked to serious side effects.
- Brain or spinal tumors (meningiomas)
- Headaches
- Memory or personality changes
- Seizures
- Vision changes or vision loss
- Other serious side effects
Women who used the injectable contraceptive and developed brain tumors may be able to take legal action and seek financial compensation, even if they used the birth control shot years ago.
The Birth Injury Justice Center has partnered with leading Depo-Provera attorneys dedicated to guiding women through these lawsuits.
As of 2026, our legal partners have recovered over $1.6 billion for those harmed by dangerous drugs and medical devices. We can help women in all 50 states.
If you developed a brain tumor after Depo-Provera use, get a free case review right now.
Depo-Provera Long-Term Side Effects
Long-term use of Depo-Provera contraceptive injections has been linked to serious health risks. Many women have filed Depo shot lawsuits claiming Pfizer, the drug’s manufacturer, failed to warn about these dangers. Learn more about each serious Depo-Provera side effect below.
Brain Tumors (Meningiomas)
Prolonged use of Depo-Provera as a birth control option has been associated with a higher risk of meningioma brain tumors. These tumors are often harmless (benign), but even noncancerous meningiomas can cause lasting neurological problems.
“The biggest health concern tied to Depo-Provera is the risk of developing meningiomas. These are tumors that form in the lining of the brain or spinal cord.”
— Brendan Smith, Depo-Provera Attorney
The long-term side effects of Depo injection meningiomas may include chronic headaches, seizures, vision changes, memory loss, and personality shifts.
Other Depo-Provera Side Effects
Women have reported a variety of additional health issues linked with this birth control method that interfere with daily life and may indicate deeper problems. This could include an increased risk of blood clots, bone density loss (osteoporosis), and breast cancer.
- Balance and coordination problems
- Depression, anxiety, and personality or mood changes
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Speech or memory issues
- Vision or hearing loss
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Some of these Depo-Provera side effects may be early warnings of more serious conditions, including meningiomas.
If you develop brain tumors after using the Depo shot, you may be eligible to join the Depo-Provera long-term side effects lawsuit.
Connect with a member of our team right now — call (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat for immediate assistance.
Signs of Meningioma From Depo-Provera Side Effects
Meningiomas often grow slowly, so the first signs may be easy to overlook. Over time, the pressure of a tumor on the brain or spinal cord can create symptoms that interfere with basic functions.
Depo-Provera side effects that may be warning signs of a meningioma include:
- Chronic headaches that change in pattern or intensity
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering information
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
- Personality or behavior changes
- Seizures in people with no prior history
- Vision loss, blurred vision, or double vision
These Depo-Provera side effects should be taken seriously, as they may indicate the presence of a meningioma requiring medical evaluation.
If you’re considering taking legal action after using Depo-Provera, it’s important to get started right away. Each state has a statute of limitations that limits how long you have, and waiting too long could mean losing your right to seek compensation.
If you have questions, you can speak with one of our experienced nurses, who can listen to your concerns and help you understand what steps to take next.
There’s never any cost to talk with our team — connect with a registered nurse right now.
Beth has more than 18 years of experience as a registered nurse. She’s available to hear your story and help you figure out if you could have a Depo-Provera claim — and what you can do next.
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Call or chat with a caring, experienced nurse right now — we’re standing by to get you help and answers.
Complications of Untreated Depo-Provera Side Effects
Untreated Depo-Provera side effects can escalate into permanent or even life-threatening health problems. Over time, these complications may cause lasting damage to the brain, bones, and vital organs.
Because of these risks, many women are now filing product liability lawsuits against Pfizer to secure compensation that can help protect their future.
- Meningiomas: Brain or spinal tumors that may cause headaches, seizures, vision problems, or other neurological symptoms
- Osteoporosis and fractures: Weakened bones that break more easily and may not heal fully
- Pulmonary embolism, stroke, or other clot-related conditions: Blockages that cut off blood supply to the lungs, brain, or heart
- Sciatic nerve damage: Severe nerve pain or loss of mobility caused by tumor growth pressing on the spine
- Severe depression or emotional instability: Long-term changes in mood or behavior that interfere with daily life
These complications can reduce quality of life and, in some cases, become fatal. If you experienced harm from the Depo shot, a Depo-Provera side effect lawyer may be able to help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Treatment Options for Long-Term Depo Side Effects
Treatment for Depo-Provera side effects depends on the type and severity of the symptoms. In many cases, long-term health problems may require ongoing medical care.
Common treatments for long-term Depo-Provera side effects include:
- Stopping Depo injections: Some symptoms may improve once the shot is discontinued, though hormone levels can take months to return to normal.
- Hormonal therapy: Doctors may prescribe estrogen or other hormonal treatments to manage low estrogen levels and related issues.
- Bone health support: Patients at risk of osteoporosis may benefit from vitamin D and calcium supplements, along with weight-bearing exercise.
- Neurological or mood care: Headaches, seizures, vision changes, or other problems may require brain imaging, surgery, medication, or ongoing monitoring.
Even with treatment, some women face lasting complications that create financial and emotional strain. For women diagnosed with brain tumors, pursuing money from a Depo-Provera side effect settlement with the help of a lawyer may provide critical support for medical bills and long-term care.
Get Legal Help for Depo-Provera Long-Term Side Effects
The Birth Injury Justice Center knows how difficult it is to learn that a trusted form of birth control like Depo-Provera may be linked to meningioma brain or spinal tumors.
Our network of Depo-Provera side effect lawyers can guide families through the legal process and work to secure money from a Depo-Provera side effect settlement to help with medical care, lost income, and future needs.
Our legal partners have decades of experience taking on negligent pharmaceutical companies and have recovered over $1.6 billion for families harmed by unsafe products.
Call us at (800) 914-1562 right now or get a free case review to find out how we can help you.
Depo-Provera Long-Term Side Effects FAQs
What is the common side effect of Depo?
Some of the most common Depo-Provera side effects include changes to menstrual cycles, weight gain, and headaches.
While these may be expected with hormonal birth control, more serious risks like meningioma brain tumors, blood clots, and bone density loss have also been reported after long-term use.
What are the long-term side effects of the Depo shot?
Serious Depo-Provera long-term side effects may include meningioma brain tumors, spinal tumors, breast cancer, osteoporosis, and blood clots.
Women have filed lawsuits claiming Pfizer failed to warn about these risks. If you developed brain or spinal tumors, you may qualify for money from a Depo-Provera long-term side effects lawsuit.
What does Depo do to your bones?
The Depo-Provera shot lowers estrogen levels, which are vital for strong bones. With long-term use, this can lead to bone density loss and osteoporosis, raising the risk of fractures. Teens and younger women may be especially vulnerable.
What is the long-term risk of Depo-Provera?
The most serious long-term risk of Depo-Provera side effects is the development of meningioma brain tumors, which may cause seizures, headaches, and vision changes.
Many women who have developed these tumors are pursuing Depo shot long-term side effects lawsuits against Pfizer.
What are the rare side effects of Depo shot?
Rare but serious Depo-Provera side effects include meningiomas, spinal tumors, severe blood clots, and liver disease. Though uncommon, these conditions can cause permanent damage or become life-threatening.
Patients diagnosed with meningiomas may be able to take legal action through a Depo injection lawsuit.
Can Depo cause migraines?
Yes, Depo-Provera side effects may include severe headaches or migraines. In some cases, these headaches can be early warning signs of a meningioma, a type of brain tumor linked to the birth control shot. If you’ve experienced migraines after long-term use, talk with your doctor.
What are the symptoms of a brain tumor on the Depo shot?
Depo-Provera side effects that may point to a meningioma brain tumor include worsening headaches, seizures, vision loss, personality changes, and memory problems.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, see a doctor. Patients diagnosed with meningiomas may have a path to compensation to help with medical bills and more.
Get a free case review right now to find out if we can connect you with a skilled Depo-Provera lawyer near you.
What are the major side effects of Depo-Provera?
Major Depo-Provera side effects include meningioma brain tumors, blood clots, bone density loss, seizures, vision changes, and breast cancer. These conditions may cause permanent harm and require long-term treatment.
If you developed brain or spinal tumors, a Depo-Provera side effect lawyer may be able to help you pursue a settlement.
Call us at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat with a trained member of our team to find out if you may be eligible.
Did Depo warn users about long-term side effects?
No, many women were not warned about serious Depo-Provera long-term side effects, including meningioma brain tumors, breast cancer, and blood clots.
Because of this lack of warning, many women have filed Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuits against Pfizer to pursue compensation.
Have people died from Depo shot side effects?
Yes, severe Depo-Provera side effects have led to deaths. If a loved one has died after using Depo-Provera, you may be able to take legal action against Pfizer and pursue money from a Depo-Provera side effect settlement.
Can you start a lawsuit for Depo side effects?
Yes, women who developed serious conditions from Depo-Provera side effects, such as meningiomas, may qualify to file a product liability lawsuit against Pfizer.
Get a free case review right now to see if you may be eligible to join a Depo-Provera long-term side effects lawsuit.
How much does hiring a Depo lawyer cost?
Hiring a Depo-Provera side effect lawyer costs nothing upfront. Our partners work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case.
There is no financial risk to you, and families across all 50 states can get started with a free case review right now by calling (800) 914-1562.
