Pennsylvania Depo-Provera Lawsuit Lawyers

Supporting Your Fight for Justice After a Brain Tumor Diagnosis

Depo-Provera, an injectable form of birth control, has long been a popular choice for women seeking a reliable contraceptive. This medication contains the active ingredient medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic hormone that helps prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation. While many have used Depo-Provera without complications, a study now suggests a link between this medication and an increased risk of developing meningioma, a type of brain tumor.

Meningiomas are often benign but can lead to serious health complications. The potential connection between Depo-Provera and meningioma risk has raised significant concerns, especially as more women seek answers about the long-term impacts of this birth control option. The research indicates that medroxyprogesterone acetate may contribute to the growth of meningiomas, particularly with long-term or high-dose usage. This troubling discovery underscores the importance of understanding your legal rights if you or a loved one has been affected.

At Metzger Wickersham, we stand up for individuals harmed by pharmaceutical products. Our approach is client-focused and results-driven, with a firm commitment to seeking justice and compensation for those affected by unexpected side effects of medications like Depo-Provera. Our team proudly advocates for injury victims across Pennsylvania, guiding each client through the legal process with compassion and dedication.

If you or someone you know has developed a meningioma following Depo-Provera use, you may be entitled to pursue legal action. Call us at (888) 286-2850 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

What Is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive that offers a long-acting solution for women seeking reliable birth control. It contains a progestin hormone known as medroxyprogesterone acetate, which works by preventing ovulation. 

Unlike daily birth control pills, Depo-Provera is administered once every three months, making it an appealing option for those who prefer a low-maintenance alternative. With an effectiveness rate close to 99%, Depo-Provera has become a popular choice for women looking for an effective contraceptive without the need for daily reminders.

Health Concerns Linked to Depo-Provera

Recent research has raised concerns about a possible link between the long-term use of Depo-Provera and the development of meningiomas, a type of brain tumor. A French study published in The BMJ examined the medical records of over 108,000 women who used medroxyprogesterone acetate, the active ingredient in Depo-Provera. This study found that women who used this contraceptive for 12 months or longer had a significantly higher risk of developing meningiomas compared to those who did not use it.

What Is a Meningioma?

A meningioma is a type of brain tumor that primarily develops in the layers of tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. While most meningiomas are benign, meaning they aren’t cancerous, they can still cause significant health issues due to their location. 

As they grow, these tumors can press on nearby brain structures, compress nerves, or impede blood flow, leading to complications that may impact daily life. In severe cases, meningiomas can even become life-threatening if they interfere with vital areas of the brain.

Meningiomas can lead to a range of symptoms, which vary depending on the tumor’s size and location.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent headaches
• Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision
• Seizures
• Numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body
• Speech or language difficulties
• Difficulty with balance or coordination

These symptoms may develop gradually as meningiomas often grow slowly. However, medical intervention is usually required because they can affect quality of life. Surgical removal is often recommended to relieve pressure on the brain and manage symptoms.

How Depo-Provera May Increase the Risk of Meningioma

The synthetic hormone in Depo-Provera, known as medroxyprogesterone acetate, closely mimics the effects of progesterone in the body. This progestin hormone, used in Depo-Provera to prevent pregnancy, may increase the risk of developing meningiomas, especially with long-term use. The risk appears to correlate with the cumulative dosage of Depo-Provera; the more doses received, the greater the potential risk of meningioma development.

As progesterone-sensitive receptors in meningiomas respond to prolonged hormone exposure, Depo-Provera’s high levels of progestin could contribute to tumor growth or accelerate the development of an existing meningioma. This risk factor is particularly concerning for individuals who have used Depo-Provera consistently over multiple years.

Do You Qualify for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor following the use of Depo-Provera, you may qualify to pursue legal action. This opportunity is specifically relevant for individuals who have consistently used Depo-Provera for at least a year—equivalent to four or more injections—and have subsequently received a meningioma diagnosis.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Depo-Provera Caused Your Meningioma

If you believe that Depo-Provera may have contributed to the development of your meningioma, you can take steps to prepare for a possible lawsuit.

These steps include the following:

• Gather medical records: Secure all relevant medical records, including your initial Depo-Provera prescription details, injection history, and any documentation related to your meningioma diagnosis.
• Document symptoms and treatment timeline: Create a detailed record of symptoms you experienced after starting Depo-Provera, including the onset dates and associated treatments. Noting the progression of symptoms—such as headaches, vision problems, or seizures—can help illustrate the impact on your daily life.
• Track healthcare visits and procedures: Record all healthcare visits related to your symptoms, including consultations, imaging tests, and any treatments or surgeries related to your meningioma.

Documenting your health journey can feel overwhelming, but these steps help make your claim as thorough and credible as possible. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to pursue compensation that addresses the significant impact this health condition has had on your life.

Compensation that may be available in these cases includes:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and future income loss
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Shortened life expectancy

Each of these forms of compensation is meant to provide support as you navigate the challenges of a meningioma diagnosis, helping to restore a sense of security and stability for your future.

Choose a Team Experienced with Pharmaceutical Lawsuits

At Metzger Wickersham, we bring over a century of dedication to helping clients in Pennsylvania seek justice for injuries caused by dangerous drugs and pharmaceutical negligence. Our extensive experience in personal injury and pharmaceutical lawsuits makes us well-equipped to handle cases against major corporations, including those involving Depo-Provera and its manufacturer, Pfizer. We believe in holding pharmaceutical companies accountable, especially when they fail to warn consumers about potential risks or manufacture products with design flaws—such as the high doses of progestin in Depo-Provera.

Our team combines legal knowledge with genuine empathy, knowing that facing a serious diagnosis like meningioma can feel overwhelming. We work closely with our clients to make their voices heard and to protect their rights. With a track record of fighting for injury victims, we are prepared to pursue just compensation for clients impacted by harmful pharmaceutical products.

We offer a no-obligation consultation to discuss your case, answer questions, and provide guidance on the next steps. Contact us at (888) 286-2850.