The scientific link between Depo-Provera and meningiomas
Scientific evidence, including a March 2024 British Medical Journal (BMJ) study, forms the basis of lawsuits against Depo-Provera's manufacturer. This study, involving over 100,000 women, indicated that using injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) for over a year was associated with a 5.6-times increased risk of surgically treated intracranial meningiomas. Research suggests that since meningiomas often have progesterone receptors, the synthetic progestin MPA may promote their growth.
What are meningiomas?
Meningiomas are tumors that grow on the meninges, the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord. While often benign, their size and location can cause severe issues by pressing on brain and nerves. Symptoms can include headaches, vision problems, seizures, hearing loss, memory issues, loss of balance, and limb weakness. Treatment typically involves surgery, which can be complex, or radiation therapy.
The legal battle: Allegations of failure to warn
Product liability lawsuits against Pfizer allege the company did not adequately warn U.S. patients and doctors about the risk of meningiomas from long-term Depo-Provera use. Plaintiffs claim Pfizer knew or should have known about the risk and failed to update the U.S. label, prioritizing profit. They note that Depo-Provera labels in other countries, such as in Europe, were updated to include meningioma warnings, a change not made to the U.S. label. Plaintiffs argue that proper warnings would have led them to choose other contraception.
Multidistrict litigation (MDL 3140)
Federal Depo-Provera lawsuits have been consolidated into an MDL in the Northern District of Florida due to the large number of similar claims. MDL 3140, overseen by Judge M. Casey Rodgers, had over 1,200 pending cases as of October 2025. An MDL centralizes pretrial matters for efficiency while keeping cases individual, unlike a class action. Bellwether trials of representative cases are used to test legal arguments and aid settlement talks.
Pfizer's defense and the preemption debate
Pfizer has sought summary judgment based on federal preemption, arguing they cannot be liable for failing to warn if the FDA rejected a label update proposal. Plaintiffs argue Pfizer's proposal was too broad and that the company ignored prior evidence of a link between Depo-Provera and brain tumors. A decision on Pfizer's preemption motion is pending following a September 2025 hearing.
Eligibility to file a Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuit?
Eligibility generally requires meeting specific criteria: using Depo-Provera or a generic equivalent for at least one year and receiving a meningioma diagnosis after use. This includes Depo-Provera 150 mg/mL, Depo-SubQ Provera 104, or authorized generics.
Comparison of MDL and class-action litigation
| Feature | Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) | Class Action Lawsuit |
|---|---|---|
| Case Structure | Individual cases are consolidated for pretrial management; each plaintiff retains their own lawsuit. | A single lawsuit is filed on behalf of a group of people with common claims. |
| Case Outcome | Individual settlements or verdicts are determined based on the specific damages of each case. | A single settlement or verdict applies to all members of the class. |
| Plaintiff Representation | Each plaintiff may have their own attorney, though lead counsel coordinates pretrial activities. | The class is represented by lead plaintiffs and a single team of lawyers. |
| Damage Amounts | Compensation is awarded based on individual injuries, potentially leading to varied payouts. | The total award is divided among the class members based on a formula. |
Conclusion and next steps
The litigation concerning Depo-Provera and its potential link to meningiomas is ongoing. Over 1,200 cases were in MDL as of October 2025, but no settlements have been reached. The outcome of the preemption argument is a key factor. Women affected should seek medical advice and legal counsel promptly due to statutes of limitations. Further details on the scientific studies can be found at {Link: British Medical Journal https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-078078}.
