Philadelphia, PA – Anapol Weiss, a nationally recognized law firm specializing in complex pharmaceutical litigation, has filed multiple lawsuits against Pfizer Inc. on behalf of women who developed intracranial meningioma tumors following prolonged use of Depo-Provera, the widely prescribed contraceptive injection. These Depo-Provera lawsuits, filed in federal courts across the United States, allege that Pfizer failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the risks associated with Depo-Provera despite longstanding scientific evidence linking the drug to an increased risk of meningioma.
The Allegations Against Pfizer
The complaints detail how Pfizer and its subsidiaries Pharmacia & Upjohn Co. LLC and Pharmacia LLC knowingly manufactured, marketed, and distributed Depo-Provera without adequate warnings about its potential to cause intracranial meningiomas. The lawsuits cite numerous scientific studies indicating that progesterone, its synthetic analog progestin, and Depo-Provera, in particular, can cause or significantly contribute to the development of these brain tumors.
The Plaintiffs’ Cases
Among the plaintiffs represented by Anapol Weiss are women from across the country who suffered severe health complications, including seizures, cognitive impairment, and vision problems, as a result of their meningiomas. Many required invasive brain surgeries, including craniotomies, to remove the tumors. The cases include:
- M.G. (California): Diagnosed with an intracranial meningioma after years of Depo-Provera use, she required a left pterional transsylvian craniotomy for tumor resection. She now faces a lifetime of medical monitoring and potential additional treatments.
- K.F. (California): Developed a large meningioma necessitating bifrontal craniotomy. She experienced significant post-operative complications, including cognitive impairment and persistent vision issues.
- H.B. (Virginia): Underwent a right posterior frontal temporal craniotomy after being diagnosed with a meningioma linked to Depo-Provera. She continues to experience neurological complications.
- C.A. (California): Required a right frontal craniectomy after an MRI revealed a massive intracranial meningioma. Her recovery has been complicated by persistent cognitive deficits and seizures.
- R.V. (California): After prolonged use of Depo-Provera, she was diagnosed with an intracranial meningioma and underwent extensive neurosurgery. She continues to suffer from cognitive and neurological impairments.
- E.S. (California): Developed a severe meningioma linked to Depo-Provera, necessitating an invasive craniotomy. She faces long-term health challenges, including chronic pain and neurological deficits.
- L.F. (California): Required brain surgery to remove a meningioma caused by Depo-Provera. She now endures lasting complications affecting her vision and motor function.
- L.W. (California): Suffered significant neurological impairments due to a meningioma after years of Depo-Provera use. She underwent surgery and continues to require intensive medical care.
- E.G. (California): Diagnosed with an intracranial meningioma after prolonged Depo-Provera use, she underwent major neurosurgery for tumor removal. She now faces ongoing neurological symptoms and requires regular medical monitoring.
These cases highlight a troubling pattern of harm suffered by women who were not adequately informed of the risks associated with prolonged use of Depo-Provera.
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215-608-9645Scientific Evidence Supports the Link Between Depo-Provera and Meningioma
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated a significant association between prolonged Depo-Provera use and the development of meningiomas. A landmark French study published in BMJ in 2024 found that women who used Depo-Provera for extended periods faced a 555% increased risk of developing meningiomas compared to the general population. The study also highlighted the disproportionate impact of this risk on lower-income women and women of color, who are more likely to use Depo-Provera as a contraceptive due to limited healthcare access.
A separate case series published in the Journal of Neurological Surgery reported that patients who ceased using Depo-Provera experienced tumor shrinkage, further supporting the causal relationship between the drug and meningioma development.
Holding Pfizer Accountable
The lawsuits against Pfizer seek to hold the pharmaceutical giant accountable for its failure to disclose critical safety information about Depo-Provera. Plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and long-term health complications arising from their meningioma diagnoses.
Tracy Finken, a shareholder at Anapol Weiss and one of the lead attorneys in these cases, stated:
“Pfizer had a duty to warn patients and the medical community about the risks associated with Depo-Provera. Instead, they failed to act, leaving thousands of women at risk of developing life-altering brain tumors. We intend to hold them accountable for their negligence and seek justice for our clients.”
What This Means for Other Women Who Used Depo-Provera
Women who have used Depo-Provera for extended periods and have experienced neurological symptoms such as persistent headaches, vision disturbances, memory issues, or seizures should consult with their doctors and seek legal advice. Anapol Weiss continues to investigate claims and urges affected individuals to come forward.
Our firm remains committed to fighting for the rights of those harmed by corporate negligence and unsafe pharmaceutical practices.
