Did Your Depo Shot Cause a Meningioma? Recognizing the Risks and Symptoms

The Depo-Provera shot, commonly referred to as the “depo shot,” is a widely used form of birth control. Administered every three months, it works by releasing the hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate to prevent pregnancy. While many women have used the shot without complications, recent concerns have emerged over a potential link between long-term use of Depo-Provera and the development of meningiomas—a type of brain tumor.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, it’s important to understand the risks, know the symptoms, and explore your legal options.

Understanding What a Meningioma Is

A meningioma is a tumor that forms in the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. These tumors are usually benign, meaning they are not cancerous, but they can still cause serious health issues by pressing on the brain or nearby nerves. In some cases, meningiomas can grow slowly over years before producing symptoms.

Meningiomas are more common in women than men, and research has shown that they may be hormone-sensitive. This means that exposure to certain hormones, such as progestins (the synthetic form of progesterone found in birth control), may stimulate their growth.

Link Between Depo-Provera and Meningiomas

In recent years, studies and regulatory agencies have drawn attention to the possible association between Depo-Provera and meningiomas. The concern centers on long-term exposure to medroxyprogesterone acetate, the active ingredient in the shot.

In 2019, the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) issued a warning about the increased risk of developing meningiomas after prolonged use of high-dose progestins, including Depo-Provera. Following this, Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, updated its labeling in some countries to reflect the potential risk.

Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not banned the medication, there is growing concern among the medical and legal communities about the safety of long-term use.

Who May Be at Higher Risk

Not every person who receives the Depo-Provera shot is at equal risk. Studies suggest that the likelihood of developing a meningioma increases with:

• Long-term use of Depo-Provera (especially longer than five years)
   
• High cumulative doses
   
• A personal or family history of hormone-sensitive tumors
   
• Age over 35 at the time of prolonged use

Because meningiomas can develop silently and grow slowly, many women may not realize something is wrong until the tumor begins to affect their daily life.

Common Symptoms of Meningioma

Symptoms of a meningioma can vary depending on the tumor’s size and location. Some tumors may not cause symptoms at all, while others can produce significant neurological effects. If you’ve used Depo-Provera and experience any of the following symptoms, consult a healthcare provider immediately:

• Persistent headaches
   
• Blurred or double vision
   
• Seizures
   
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
   
• Memory problems or personality changes
   
• Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
   
• Difficulty with coordination or balance

These symptoms may develop gradually, making them easy to dismiss at first. However, if you’ve used the depo shot for several years and are now experiencing neurological issues, it’s critical to investigate the cause.

Diagnosing and Treating Meningiomas

If a physician suspects a meningioma, the diagnostic process often involves imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan. Once diagnosed, the treatment plan depends on the tumor’s size, growth rate, and impact on surrounding tissue. Options may include:

• Observation with regular imaging (for small, slow-growing tumors)
   
• Surgery to remove the tumor
   
• Radiation therapy if surgery is not possible or for residual tumor cells
   
• Medications to control symptoms like seizures or swelling

Though many meningiomas are not fatal, they can still significantly affect a person’s quality of life. Treatment may involve a long recovery, potential complications, and emotional stress.

Can You File a Lawsuit if Depo-Provera Contributed to Your Tumor?

If you’ve developed a meningioma after extended use of Depo-Provera, you may be wondering whether legal action is an option. In Michigan and across the country, product liability laws are designed to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for failing to warn consumers about known risks.

To succeed in a Depo-Provera lawsuit, a plaintiff typically must show:

• They used Depo-Provera for an extended period.
   
• They were diagnosed with a meningioma.
   
• The manufacturer failed to adequately warn about the risk.
   
• The tumor caused physical, emotional, or financial harm.

Each case is unique, and evidence such as medical records, prescriptions, and expert testimony will be necessary to build a strong claim. An experienced attorney can evaluate the facts and guide you through your options.

Why Early Legal Guidance Matters

Medical device and pharmaceutical cases often involve complex litigation, especially when taking on a large corporation like Pfizer. It’s important to work with a law firm that understands the science behind the product and has experience with defective drug claims. Delaying action may also affect your ability to file due to Michigan’s statute of limitations, which limits the time you have to take legal action.

Acting quickly ensures you preserve evidence, meet legal deadlines, and protect your right to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Protecting Your Rights Starts with Knowledge

Many patients rely on pharmaceutical companies to provide accurate information about the medications they use. When that trust is broken, the consequences can be life-changing. If you believe Depo-Provera contributed to your health condition, you are not alone. Thousands of women are beginning to question whether their long-term birth control method may have caused unexpected harm.

Understanding the connection between hormone-based birth control and brain tumors is an important step. But the next step is ensuring you get the support and legal representation you need.

Talk to a Michigan Attorney About Your Depo-Provera Case

If you were diagnosed with a meningioma after using the depo shot, it’s time to explore your legal rights. Smith & Johnson is here to help. Our legal team understands the complexities of defective drug claims and is committed to holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for the harm they cause. We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and advocate for the compensation you deserve. Call Smith & Johnson today to schedule your free consultation. You don’t have to face this alone.