Lawsuits assert that Depo-Provera, a long-acting contraceptive injection, may raise the risk of meningiomas and other brain tumors. Plaintiffs claim that Pfizer and other manufacturers did not adequately warn users, despite scientific research and safety updates in other countries. This guide covers who may be eligible, recent case updates, key factors influencing settlements, and how the litigation process typically unfolds.

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Who May Be Eligible for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit

• Women diagnosed with intracranial meningiomas or other brain tumors following long-term Depo-Provera use.
• Medical documentation linking Depo-Provera to the tumor, such as imaging, pathology, or surgical reports.
• Proof of Depo-Provera use, including prescriptions, pharmacy records, or clinic injection logs.
• Wrongful death claims filed by family members when Depo-Provera is alleged to have contributed to a fatal tumor.
• Monitoring or surveillance claims for individuals with long-term exposure seeking ongoing medical evaluation.

Side Effects and Tumor Risks

• Meningiomas: Benign or malignant brain tumors potentially associated with synthetic progestins.
• Neurological Symptoms: Headaches, vision changes, seizures, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties.
• Psychological Impact: Anxiety, depression, and emotional trauma from invasive surgical procedures.
• Fatal Outcomes: Lawsuits claim sudden deaths caused by hemorrhages from previously undiagnosed tumors.
• Dosage Concerns: Plaintiffs argue that Pfizer neglected safer, lower-dose alternatives.

Expected Settlements and Key Value Drivers

While no overarching settlement has been finalized, potential payouts may be influenced by factors such as:

• Severity of Injury: Considerations include tumor size, number and complexity of surgeries, and resulting neurological impairments.
• Proof of Use: Duration of Depo-Provera exposure and supporting medical documentation.
• Evidence of Causation: Research linking prolonged Depo-Provera use to increased tumor risk.
• Wrongful Death Claims: Cases involving fatalities due to hemorrhages or rapid tumor progression.
• Jurisdiction: Whether the case is filed in a federal MDL or a state mass tort program.

For informational purposes only — outcomes differ for each case, and no results are guaranteed.

Filing Deadlines (Statutes of Limitations)

Deadlines for filing Depo-Provera claims differ by state and may be extended for latent injuries, such as tumors that appear years after use. Certain revival laws can also reopen claims that would otherwise be time-barred. Consulting an attorney promptly is essential to ensure your rights are protected.

Recent Depo-Provera Litigation Updates™

Last updated 2025.

• October 2, 2025: MDL case count exceeds 1,222 pending lawsuits.
• September 30, 2025: Judge Rodgers holds a pivotal hearing on Pfizer’s preemption motion, examining whether federal law blocks failure-to-warn claims. Plaintiffs argue Pfizer withheld key information from the FDA.
• September 26, 2025: Judge Rodgers schedules a summary judgment hearing on Pfizer’s preemption defense, with 75 minutes allocated per side.
• September 22, 2025: Plaintiffs submit a strong response, claiming Pfizer concealed meningioma risks, misled the FDA, and could have strengthened warnings or offered safer alternatives.
• September 11, 2025: MDL case count surpasses 800, up from 550 the previous month.
• September 8, 2025: California woman files suit against Pfizer & Kaiser, alleging decade-long Depo-Provera use caused multiple meningiomas, and claims Kaiser promoted the drug despite known risks.
• September 3, 2025: Cleveland Clinic study (JAMA Neurology) finds women using Depo-Provera >4 years or after age 31 faced a 2.43x higher risk of intracranial meningioma.
• September 2, 2025: Pfizer emphasizes preemption defense, citing FDA rejection of a label change; plaintiffs argue Pfizer delayed action and could have strengthened warnings independently.
• August 23, 2025: Preemption issues dominate MDL, with plaintiffs challenging Pfizer’s reliance on the 2024 FDA decision.
• August 22, 2025: Judge warns plaintiffs’ firms against holding unfiled cases, noting leadership roles may be affected if the docket is flooded later.
• August 16, 2025: Attorneys’ fees dispute arises over the MDL’s common benefit order, potentially impacting cases outside the federal docket.
• August 12, 2025: 100 new plaintiffs file in Delaware state court, expanding litigation beyond the MDL.
• August 2, 2025: MDL grows to 550 cases, with state courts in CA, NY, PA, IL, NM, and DE seeing rising filings.
• July 25, 2025: Litigation raises concerns over Pfizer’s 150 mg dosage and whether safer low-dose alternatives were overlooked.
• July 23, 2025: Nebraska lawsuit filed — woman alleges prolonged Depo-Provera use led to a meningioma requiring brain surgery.
• July 18, 2025: State filings increase: CA (11), NY (61), plus additional suits in PA, IL, NM, and DE.
• July 16, 2025: Court enforces plaintiff questionnaire deadlines; noncompliance may result in dismissal.
• July 14, 2025: Medical monitoring class simplified — only proof of Depo-Provera use required at questionnaire stage.
• July 2, 2025: Wrongful death case filed after autopsy links fatal hemorrhage to Depo-Provera-related meningioma.
• June 19, 2025: Amended schedule sets preemption briefing to conclude Sept 29, 2025, with causation discovery extending into 2026.
• June 13, 2025: Massachusetts lawsuit filed alleging brain tumor and ongoing neurological harm.
• June 10, 2025: Judge Rodgers sets hearing on Pfizer’s preemption motion for Sept 29, 2025.
• June 2, 2025: MDL grows to 348 cases, marking a 20% increase in one month.

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How the Depo-Provera Lawsuit Process Works

1. Intake: Gather prescription history, medical imaging, and diagnostic reports.
2. Filing: Complaint is submitted in the federal MDL (N.D. Florida) or relevant state court.
3. Discovery: Experts review scientific studies, drug labeling, and internal Pfizer documents.
4. Pretrial Motions: Includes preemption challenges and rulings on causation evidence.
5. Resolution: Cases may conclude through settlements or outcomes from bellwether trials.

Sources

• MDL court orders and case filings
• Research from the University of British Columbia on Depo-Provera and meningioma risk
• Regulatory submissions and records from the FDA and EMA