Depo-Provera is a contraceptive injection that uses a synthetic progestin hormone, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), to prevent pregnancy. It works by stopping ovulation and altering the cervical environment and uterine lining.

Administered as a shot every three months, MPA has been in use since the 1950s to treat menstrual disorders. However, it was not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a contraceptive method until 1992.

Marketed by Pfizer as a safe and effective birth control option, recent medical research has raised concerns about its safety. Studies have linked Depo-Provera to an increased risk of developing rare brain tumors known as meningiomas. Notably, other birth control options, such as Mirena, Skyla, and Kyleena, have not been linked to an increased risk of these tumors.

In addition to Depo-Provera and Depo SubQ Provera, Pfizer also owns the generic manufacturing company Greenstone. Women who have developed meningiomas after using generic medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) injections produced by Greenstone share the same risk factor associated with brand name products. While typically benign, numerous plaintiffs required intracranial surgery, with many suffering seizures, vision loss, and other forms of permanent neurological ailments.

With more than 74 million women worldwide relying on Depo-Provera as a contraceptive, a substantial population may be at risk—particularly since the product has been sold for over three decades.

New Study

A study published in The BMJ on March 27, 2024, revealed that women who used Depo-Provera for one year or more faced a 5.55 times higher risk of developing meningioma brain tumors. Research analyzed data from over 108,000 women in France, including 18,000 who underwent brain surgery for meningioma between 2009 and 2018.

MDL

No current MDL. Plaintiffs filed a motion for transfer in November 2024, requesting the Northern District of California. Pfizer and generic manufacturers agreed that an MDL is necessary but have proposed the Southern District of New York as a suitable venue. A hearing is scheduled before the JPML on January 30, 2025.

Current Status of Litigation

Plaintiffs filed a motion for transfer in November 2024, requesting the Northern District of California. Pfizer and generic manufacturers agreed that an MDL is necessary but have proposed the Southern District of New York as a suitable venue. A hearing is scheduled before the JPML on January 30, 2025.

Important Links

1. https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-078078
2. https://www.acog.org/news/news-articles/2024/11/guide-for-ob-gyns-for-patient-counseling-on-birth-control-injection-and-meningioma
3. https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-03-28/hormonal-meds-for-birth-control-menopause-linked-to-brain-tumors

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