ClaimSpring
Rapidly Growing·2,100+ people have filed

Got the Depo shot for birth control? Studies are linking it to brain tumors.

One of the most popular birth control methods in the world. Now linked to meningioma brain tumors.

vs. Pfizer (formerly Pharmacia & Upjohn)

The story

Every three months, millions of women get the Depo-Provera shot — a convenient, long-acting birth control injection. It's been on the market since 1992 and is one of the most prescribed contraceptives in the world, especially popular among young women and women in underserved communities. Recent studies have found something alarming: women who use Depo-Provera for extended periods have a significantly higher risk of developing meningioma, a tumor that grows on the membranes surrounding the brain.

A major 2024 study found that long-term users had up to a five-fold increase in risk. Meningiomas can cause headaches, vision problems, seizures, and personality changes. While many are technically 'benign,' they often require brain surgery to remove — and some are life-threatening.

The lawsuits allege that Pfizer knew or should have known about this risk and failed to adequately warn women or their doctors. With roughly 25% of adult women in the US having used Depo-Provera at some point, the potential scope of this litigation is enormous.

Women describe getting routine birth control injections for years, never imagining it could cause a brain tumor. Many were diagnosed with meningioma in their 30s and 40s, requiring surgery and facing the fear of recurrence.

Reports from affected people

Health problems linked to this

Meningioma (brain tumor)

Who's affected

You received Depo-Provera injections for birth control
You used it for an extended period (typically 1+ year)
You were diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor

Probably doesn't apply if

Used other forms of birth control (pills, IUDs, implants) but never Depo-Provera
No meningioma diagnosis

What you'd need to file

1Medical records showing Depo-Provera prescriptions and administration
2Imaging and medical records documenting meningioma diagnosis
3Surgical records if tumor was removed

Timeline

1992

Depo-Provera approved in the US

The FDA approves Depo-Provera as a contraceptive injection. It becomes widely prescribed.

2024

Major study links Depo to brain tumors

Research finds long-term Depo-Provera users have up to 5x increased risk of meningioma.

Late 2024

Lawsuits begin

Women diagnosed with meningioma start filing lawsuits against Pfizer.

Early 2025

MDL established

Cases consolidated into a federal proceeding in Northern Florida as filings accelerate.

Dec 2025

FDA adds brain tumor warning

The FDA officially adds a meningioma warning to the Depo-Provera label — a major win for plaintiffs.

2026

Over 2,000 cases and growing fast

Cases more than doubled in months. With ~25% of US women having used Depo-Provera, this could become massive. First pilot trial scheduled for December 2026.

People are asking

I'm currently on Depo-Provera. Should I stop?

Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your birth control. They can discuss alternative options and whether you should be screened for meningioma based on your usage history.

I used Depo for a short time. Am I at risk?

The risk appears to be associated with longer-term use. Short-term use likely carries less risk, but discuss your specific situation with your doctor.

Aren't meningiomas benign?

Most meningiomas are technically non-cancerous, but 'benign' is misleading — they're still brain tumors. They can cause serious symptoms and often require brain surgery. Some grow back after removal, and some are aggressive.

Named products & brands

Depo-ProveraDepo-SubQ Provera 104Medroxyprogesterone acetate injections

Could this affect you?

Quick check · 30 seconds

1.Did you receive Depo-Provera birth control injections?

2.Did you use Depo-Provera for a year or more?

3.Have you been diagnosed with a meningioma (brain tumor)?

Not legal advice. Informal screening only.

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Heads up: This is not legal advice. We're not lawyers. This is educational info to help you understand what's going on. Talk to an actual attorney about your situation.