Emerging research highlights significant risks associated with prolonged use of certain hormonal contraceptives. Studies now reveal troubling links between progesterone-based contraceptives, such as Depo-Provera, and an increased risk of intracranial meningiomas—serious brain tumors that can cause complications, including vision loss.
A recent October 2024 study from the University of Cincinnati, along with pivotal research published earlier in Cancers and The BMJ, underscores the need for greater awareness and accountability regarding long-term injectable contraceptive use.
October 2024 Study: Visual Deficits in Premenopausal Women
The University of Cincinnati’s study analyzed 64 premenopausal women under the age of 55 who underwent radiation for intracranial meningiomas. The key findings include:
- 55% of participants experienced visual deficits related to tumor complications.
- 52% of the women had a history of hormonal contraceptive use, with 36% specifically using unopposed progesterone-only contraceptives.
- Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) use was disproportionately high among patients with visual deficits.
The study concluded that progesterone use, particularly Depo-Provera, was a significant risk factor for meningioma-related visual deficits. Women using these contraceptives were 12 times more likely to experience vision problems compared to non-users.
September 2024 Study: Depo-Provera Increases Meningioma Risk
Published in Cancers, a large-scale case-control study analyzed over 117,000 cases of intracranial meningiomas and more than one million matched controls using data from 2006 to 2022. Key findings include:
- 53% increased risk of developing meningiomas for women exposed to depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera).
- A dose-response relationship, with risk significantly increasing with prolonged use.
This study further validates the link between long-term use of Depo-Provera and the development of meningiomas, emphasizing the need for improved patient education and risk management strategies.
March 2024 Study: Depo-Provera Increases Meningioma Risk
The BMJ published a foundational study in March 2024 titled “Use of Progestogens and the Risk of Intracranial Meningioma: National Case-Control Study.” It identified a significant connection between progestogen-based contraceptives, including Depo-Provera, and meningioma risk.
Following this study’s publication, Pfizer publicly acknowledged the findings, stating in The Guardian, “We are aware of this potential risk.” Depo-Provera has been used by millions of women globally, including an estimated 1.5 million women in the United States alone.
Anapol Weiss Files Lawsuits Against Pfizer
Anapol Weiss, a nationally recognized leader in mass tort litigation, has filed several lawsuits against Pfizer on behalf of women who developed meningiomas after prolonged use of Depo-Provera.
One of the first cases, filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, involves Kathleen Fazio, a 56-year-old California woman who used Depo-Provera from 1999 to 2018. Fazio was diagnosed with an intracranial meningioma in December 2017 and underwent a craniotomy in January 2018.
The lawsuit names Pfizer, Inc., along with affiliates Viatris, Inc.; Greenstone, LLC; Prasco Labs; and Pharmacia & Upjohn, as defendants. The legal complaint alleges that these companies were aware—or should have been aware—of the increased risks associated with prolonged Depo-Provera use and failed to adequately warn patients.
“Pfizer’s acknowledgment of the risk makes its failure to properly warn consumers even more troubling,” said Thomas Anapol, Managing Shareholder of Anapol Weiss. “They knew about the danger but chose to withhold critical information from patients who trusted them.”
Tracy Finken Magnotta, Shareholder at Anapol Weiss, added, “Pharmaceutical companies have a duty to inform patients of the risks associated with their products, and when they fail, they must be held responsible. Our client’s life has been forever altered, and we will fight to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
Holding Pharmaceutical Companies Accountable
These lawsuits not only seek justice for women harmed by Depo-Provera but also aim to bring greater awareness to the potential risks associated with long-term contraceptive use. Depo-Provera’s widespread use makes this issue particularly urgent, as millions of women globally continue to rely on it without full awareness of the associated risks.
Know Your Legal Rights
If you or someone you know has experienced health complications related to Depo-Provera or other progesterone-based contraceptives, you may have legal options. Anapol Weiss specializes in pharmaceutical liability cases and offers compassionate, expert legal representation to help you pursue justice.
Contact Anapol Weiss Today
Our experienced legal team is here to support you during this challenging time. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
