Depo Provera linked to the development of brain tumors – Associate Kristen M. Stoicescu shares more

[00:00:00.10] - Kristen M. Stoicescu
Depo Provera or the shot, a popular birth control method, has recently been linked to the development of brain tumors. Since 1992, Depo Provera has been marketed and widely used as a long-acting form of contraception. In 2024, a study published in the British Medical Journal found that women who were exposed to medroxyprogesterone acetate, the active compound in Depa Provera were five times more likely than women who were not exposed to the drug to develop intracranial meningioma, a rare type of brain tumor that develops in the meninges, the protective layers that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can cause symptoms ranging from loss of vision, loss of hearing, mobility issues, difficulty balancing or coordinating one's muscle movements, difficulty with speech, and changes in mood or personality. Following the publication of this study, a major lawsuit was filed against Pfizer and its affiliates by a woman who developed an intracranial meningioma after taking Depo Provera for a prolonged period of time.

[00:01:08.12] - Kristen M. Stoicescu
Following that first lawsuit, hundreds of women across the country filed similar lawsuits against Pfizer. The cases against Pfizer were consolidated into a multi-district litigation. The purpose of the multi-district litigation is to consolidate all of the cases, making it easier for plaintiffs to share evidence and coordinate discovery. The treatment options available for somebody who's been diagnosed with an intracranial meningioma depend on whether the tumor is symptomatic or asymptomatic. If the tumor is asymptomatic, the likely course of medical treatment will be to watch and wait.

[00:01:43.10] - Kristen M. Stoicescu
In other words, observe the tumor to see if it increases in size or if symptoms do begin to develop. Once symptoms develop, the options will be determined by whether the tumor is operable. If the size and location of the tumor are conducive to surgical treatment, surgery will likely be recommended to remove as much of the tumor as possible. If the tumor is inoperable due to its size or location, making surgery too risky, then radiation may be pursued as a second course of action. If you took Depa Provera for one year or longer and subsequently developed a brain tumor, we encourage you to reach out to our office so that we can advise you as to the next steps to vigorously pursue your claim and make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to too.