Questions?Can Depo-Provera Cause Meningiomas?
Research shows that using Depo-Provera can increase the risk of developing a meningioma, a type of brain tumor that grows in the lining around the brain and spinal cord.
Depo-Provera is made with a synthetic hormone called medroxyprogesterone acetate. Because some meningiomas can grow when exposed to hormones, experts think the shot may help these tumors develop.
The risk appears to increase the longer Depo-Provera is used. It starts to rise after about a year, with the highest risk seen in women who received the shot for 5 years or more.
Women who used Depo-Provera for more than one year faced a 5.6 times higher risk of developing meningiomas compared to non-users, according to a 2024 study published in The BMJ.
As a result, many women are now pursuing Depo-Provera lawsuits against Pfizer, the drug’s manufacturer, seeking justice and financial compensation for medical care and ongoing recovery needs.
Our legal partners have recovered over $1.6 billion for patients harmed by defective drugs and medical devices, and we can help in all 50 states.
If you were diagnosed with a brain tumor after using the Depo shot, you may qualify for the Depo-Provera and meningioma litigation. Get a free case review now to learn more.
Depo-Provera and Meningioma Risk
In 2024, The BMJ published a large French study that reviewed the health records of more than 100,000 women. Researchers found a strong connection between an increased risk of meningioma and Depo-Provera use.
Here are 5 key findings from the Depo-Provera and meningioma risk study:
- Women who used Depo-Provera for more than 1 year faced a higher risk of meningiomas.
- The risk of Depo-Provera and meningioma increased further with long-term use, especially after 5 years or more of injections.
- Depo users were about 5 times more likely to develop an intracranial meningioma than non-users.
- Many tumors developed in areas of the brain sensitive to hormones like progesterone.
- Most women required surgery to remove the tumor.
These findings make clear that prolonged use of Depo-Provera can lead to life-changing health consequences — and legal action may help families pursue justice and financial support.
Because the link between Depo-Provera and meningioma was only found in recent studies, many women may still fall within the statute of limitations, the legal deadline to file a lawsuit.
We may be able to connect you with a leading Depo-Provera lawyer if you qualify, but don’t wait. Call (800) 914-1562 right now or Click to Live Chat.
Depo-Provera Meningioma Symptoms
Depo-Provera meningioma brain tumors can develop slowly, which makes it important to know the warning signs. Symptoms vary depending on where the tumor forms and how much it presses on the brain or spinal cord.
Common symptoms linked to meningioma and Depo-Provera use include:
- Difficulty speaking or finding words
- Nausea or vomiting without another clear cause
- Seizures in someone with no prior history
- Vision changes, like blurriness or double vision
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
- Worsening headaches that do not improve
These symptoms may be warning signs of a meningioma, particularly after long-term use of Depo-Provera. Even though many meningiomas are noncancerous, they can still be dangerous because of their size, location, and impact on vital brain functions.
As a result, many women are now pursuing product liability lawsuits against Pfizer after developing these tumors.
If you’re experiencing possible symptoms of a meningioma after using the injectable birth control shot, our registered nurses can answer your questions.
Connect with a nurse today — at no cost — to talk through your concerns and learn more about your options.
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.
Talk to A Nurse Now
Call or chat with a caring, experienced nurse right now — we’re standing by to get you help and answers.
How Is a Depo-Provera Meningioma Diagnosed?
Learning you may have a meningioma can feel overwhelming, especially if you trusted that Depo-Provera was safe and are now experiencing unexplained symptoms.
Doctors rely on several tests to confirm a diagnosis and understand how the tumor is affecting your health.
Common steps in the diagnostic process include:
- Biopsy to remove a small tissue sample, which helps confirm whether the tumor is noncancerous or needs additional treatment
- MRI to provide detailed pictures of the brain and pinpoint the tumor’s size and location
- CT scan, if an MRI is not possible, showing tumors in bone and soft tissue
- Neurological exam to check reflexes, vision, balance, memory, and other brain functions
These tests give doctors the information they need to decide on the safest and most effective treatment plan for you.
A meningioma diagnosis can bring major medical expenses and long-term care needs. If your tumor is linked to the injectable contraceptive, a Depo shot lawyer may be able to help you pursue compensation to cover treatment and other costs.
Treatment Options for Meningioma
If you’ve been diagnosed with a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, treatment can be expensive and long-term.
Doctors may recommend these treatment options:
- Medication to reduce swelling or manage symptoms, sometimes with hormone-targeted drugs in specific cases
- Radiation therapy to shrink or control tumor growth, either after surgery or when surgery is not possible
- Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible, often the first choice for larger or symptomatic growths
- Watchful waiting for small, slow-growing tumors that are not yet causing symptoms, monitored through regular scans
Your care plan will likely involve a team of specialists in neurosurgery, oncology, and women’s health to ensure treatment is tailored to your needs.
Many women seek Depo-Provera and meningioma settlements to help cover medical bills, lost income, and ongoing care while focusing on recovery.
If you were diagnosed with a meningioma and Depo-Provera use is the possible cause, get a free case review right now to see if you may be eligible for a Depo shot payout.
Meningioma Prognosis and Life Expectancy
Most meningiomas are slow-growing and noncancerous, so the outlook for life expectancy is often positive. Still, these tumors can cause long-term side effects that may affect daily life and require ongoing care.
“While most meningiomas are benign, they can still lead to serious neurological symptoms such as headaches, vision changes, dizziness, and seizures.”
— Brendan Smith, Depo-Provera Attorney
The prognosis for each patient depends on several factors. Tumor size and location play a critical role, as do the patient’s age, overall health, and how quickly the diagnosis is made.
Successful treatment often relies on whether the tumor can be fully removed through surgery or controlled with other therapies.
For families coping with a diagnosis linked to Depo-Provera, lawsuit compensation may help cover treatment costs, long-term care needs, and improve overall quality of life.
Get Legal Help for Meningioma and Depo-Provera Use
Women diagnosed with a meningioma after Depo-Provera use may face lasting health issues, high medical expenses, and long-term side effects.
Taking legal action can provide the resources needed for treatment and recovery, while also holding Pfizer accountable for failing to warn about the risks.
The Birth Injury Justice Center works with trusted Depo-Provera attorneys who can help women in all 50 states file meningioma cases.
Our partners have decades of experience taking on pharmaceutical companies and have recovered over $1.6 billion for patients 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 and Meningioma FAQs
Yes. Unfortunately, women who used Depo-Provera for more than 1 year face a higher risk of developing meningiomas, brain tumors linked to hormone exposure. The risk is even greater in women who used the shot for 5 years or longer.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a brain tumor after Depo-Provera use, an attorney can explain your options. Get a free case review right now to see if you may qualify.
Common symptoms include headaches, vision problems, and seizures. Some women may also experience nausea, confusion, speech difficulties, or weakness.
These signs are linked to the tumor pressing on brain tissue. If you notice these symptoms after Depo-Provera use, seek medical care right away.
A 2024 study in The BMJ found a strong link between long-term Depo-Provera use and meningiomas. Since many meningiomas have hormone receptors, experts believe this drug may encourage certain tumors to grow.
Women who used the shot for more than 1 year faced a higher risk, with the greatest risk seen in women who used it for 5 years or longer.
Treatment may involve surgery, radiation, or other medical care, depending on the tumor’s size and location. If you’ve been diagnosed, you may also qualify for a Depo-Provera lawsuit. An attorney can review your case and explain whether you may be eligible for compensation.
See if we can connect you with a top Depo shot lawyer right now — call us at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat for immediate assistance.
Meningiomas can cause headaches, memory problems, vision changes, and neurological issues. In more serious cases, they may affect mobility or speech and require surgery or radiation.
Even though many meningiomas are noncancerous, their impact on health and daily life can be significant.
