Depo-Provera Lawsuits: Why Women Across the Country Are Filing Claims Against Pfizer

Women who used Depo-Provera for extended periods and later developed meningiomas—a type of brain tumor—may have grounds to pursue legal action. Recent scientific studies have identified a potential association between prolonged use of Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) and an increased risk of intracranial meningiomas, prompting regulatory action, updated warnings, and litigation nationwide. 

At Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass, we are actively investigating and pursuing Depo-Provera brain tumor claims on behalf of women who may have suffered life-altering injuries after using this injectable contraceptive. Our firm has built its reputation handling complex product liability and pharmaceutical litigation against some of the largest corporations in the world. With more than 127 cases taken to trial nationwide and extensive experience in catastrophic injury litigation, we understand what it takes to hold powerful manufacturers accountable when patient safety is put at risk.

This article explains the science behind the Depo-Provera litigation, the allegations against Pfizer, who may qualify for a claim, and why these cases are receiving national attention.

What Is the Link Between Depo-Provera and Meningiomas?

Depo-Provera is a prescription injectable contraceptive that contains medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. For decades, women have used the medication as a long-acting form of birth control administered approximately every three months.

However, recent scientific research has raised concerns about whether prolonged exposure to injectable MPA may increase the risk of developing meningiomas. These tumors form in the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

One of the most significant studies examining this issue was published in The BMJ in 2024. Researchers found that women who used injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate for one year or longer had approximately 5.5 times greater odds of developing a surgically treated intracranial meningioma compared to those who had not used the medication.

While many meningiomas are considered benign because they do not typically spread to other parts of the body, they can still cause serious and potentially life-altering complications. As these tumors grow, they may place pressure on the brain and surrounding structures, leading to symptoms such as:

• Persistent headaches
• Seizures
• Vision changes or vision loss
• Hearing difficulties
• Memory and cognitive impairment
• Weakness or numbness
• Balance and coordination problems
• Other neurological deficits

Treatment for a meningioma can be extensive and may include:

• Brain surgery to remove all or part of the tumor
• Radiation therapy to target the remaining tumor cells
• Ongoing neurological monitoring and follow-up care
• Physical, occupational, or cognitive rehabilitation
• Long-term medication management for seizures or other symptoms

Even after treatment, many patients continue to experience lasting consequences that affect nearly every aspect of daily life, including:

• Chronic headaches and neurological symptoms
• Cognitive and memory impairments
• Vision or hearing difficulties
• Physical limitations and reduced mobility
• Emotional and psychological challenges
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Significant ongoing medical expenses

These potentially life-altering consequences—and questions surrounding what manufacturers knew about the risks and when they knew it—are at the center of the growing Depo-Provera litigation nationwide.

FDA Label Changes and Regulatory Action

In December 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved updated prescribing information for Depo-Provera that includes a warning regarding the potential risk of meningioma associated with long-term use.

The FDA warning applies to both FDA-approved injectable formulations of medroxyprogesterone acetate and advises healthcare providers to monitor patients for symptoms consistent with meningioma and discontinue the medication if a meningioma is diagnosed.

For many women pursuing claims, a central question is whether stronger warnings should have been provided years earlier.

What Are the Lawsuits Alleging?

The lawsuits generally allege that women were not adequately warned about the risk of developing meningiomas despite emerging scientific evidence linking prolonged Depo-Provera use to brain tumors.

Plaintiffs contend that had they been informed of the risk, they may have chosen alternative contraceptive methods or discussed different treatment options with their healthcare providers.
Pfizer has disputed many of the allegations and continues to defend the product's safety.

As with any litigation involving pharmaceutical products, the ultimate legal issues will be determined through the court system.

Who May Qualify for a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?

Every case must be evaluated individually, but potential claimants may include women who:

• Used Depo-Provera injections for an extended period of time
• Were later diagnosed with a meningioma
• Were later diagnosed with a meningioma
• Experienced significant medical expenses, lost income, or long-term complications related to the diagnosis

Medical records, prescription history, imaging studies, and treatment records often play a critical role in evaluating these claims.

Why These Cases Require Significant Litigation Resources

Depo-Provera litigation involves complex scientific evidence, pharmaceutical regulatory history, expert testimony, and extensive medical review.

These are not cases that are typically won through demand letters alone; successful pharmaceutical litigation often requires:

• Medical experts
• Epidemiologists
• Regulatory specialists
• Extensive discovery
• Corporate document review
• Trial-ready case preparation

How Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass Is Helping Women Pursue Depo-Provera Claims

Our firm is actively investigating Depo-Provera brain tumor cases involving women who developed meningiomas after prolonged use of the medication. A brain tumor diagnosis can impact every aspect of a person's life, from physical health and employment to family relationships and long-term financial security. That’s why when we evaluate a pharmaceutical injury case, we work with leading experts, review the available scientific evidence, and build cases designed to withstand the scrutiny of trial.

We do not simply prepare settlement cases—we prepare them for a verdict. That distinction matters when facing some of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. Our trial attorneys have built a national reputation handling complex litigation against powerful corporate defendants. We have taken more than 127 cases to trial nationwide and routinely invest the resources necessary to pursue high-stakes pharmaceutical and product liability claims.

If you or a loved one used Depo-Provera and were later diagnosed with a meningioma or other serious brain injury, our team can evaluate your potential claim, explain your legal options, and determine whether you may qualify to pursue compensation.

Contact Turnbull, Moak & Pendergrass today for a free case evaluation. There is no obligation to speak with our team, and you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. An attorney-client relationship is not formed by reading this content or contacting the firm.