The Depo-Provera lawsuit is expected to grow as thousands of women claim the birth control injection caused them to develop meningiomas. The litigation is among the largest pharmaceutical mass torts in the country, and significant developments are expected in 2026. Recent court rulings, a proposed global settlement, and federal safety labeling updates are especially important for those considering whether they have a potential claim.
If you were prescribed Depo-Provera shots and diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor, knowing the current status of the litigation could help you learn if you meet the qualifications to file a claim.
People of East Palestine should have a lawyer who recognizes how a catastrophic injury or toxic exposure affects families throughout our tight-knit community. Whether your incident occurred downtown, on State Route 170, or somewhere else in Columbiana County, local legal experience can matter.
What Is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is a contraceptive medication delivered via injection every three months. Depo-Provera contains medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), which is a synthetic version of progesterone. Healthcare providers have prescribed Depo-Provera to patients for many years. Millions of prescriptions have been written since the drug became available in the United States.
The claims allege Depo-Provera caused some patients to develop meningiomas after long-term use. Plaintiffs do not claim everyone who took Depo-Provera developed medical problems, but argue Pfizer waited too long to warn about the risk of developing intracranial meningiomas.
As of June 2026, there were more than 5,500 pending plaintiffs in MDL No. 3140 of the federal Depo-Provera case. After the court held three days of Daubert hearings from June 24 to June 26, 2026, to assess the admissibility of professional scientific testimony, the first bellwether trial, Blonski v. Pfizer, is set to start on December 7, 2026.
Why Are People Filing Depo-Provera Claims?
Plaintiffs claim Pfizer failed to warn about the dangers of Depo-Provera for many years. The claims allege the company knew or should have known meningiomas were linked to long-term use of the drug.
Meningiomas, tumors affecting the membranes of the brain and spinal cord, have been linked to Depo-Provera use by patients. Although classified as benign tumors, they can cause serious harm by putting pressure on the brain. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, patients may need surgery to remove the meningioma. Some patients require radiation treatments and long-term neurological care.
Had Pfizer provided an earlier warning, plaintiffs could have avoided or limited their exposure by pursuing other birth control options. Pfizer denies allegations and continues to defend each legal claim.
Research Supporting Claims That Depo-Provera Causes Brain Tumors
Published research has studied whether long-term use of progestin drugs can increase the risk of developing meningiomas. Scientists have identified a link between long-term use of injectable Depo-Provera and increased rates of these brain tumors.
Regulators in multiple countries have updated their safety guidelines as a result. In December 2025, the FDA required a label change detailing the risk of meningiomas for patients taking Depo-Provera long-term. The updated label is significant for cases claiming patients were not warned for years about the potential risk of meningiomas.
Who Qualifies for the Depo-Provera Claim?
The qualifications for filing a claim can vary depending on the facts of each case. However, many law firms handle Depo-Provera claims involving patients who:
- Took Depo-Provera shots for an extended period of time
- Were diagnosed with a meningioma
- Underwent surgery or radiation treatment
- Experienced financial hardship and life-changing injuries
Every potential claim requires a review of medical records, prescriptions, and other documentation. Taking Depo-Provera alone does not automatically qualify someone to file a claim.
Symptoms of Meningioma You Should Know
Some patients experience noticeable symptoms that lead to an early diagnosis. Others do not experience symptoms until the tumor grows larger. You should see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms.
- Persistent headaches
- Vision changes or blurred vision
- Hearing loss
- Seizures
- Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Loss of balance
Your doctor can order tests to determine whether you have a meningioma. Self-diagnosis based on symptoms is not recommended.
Understanding Product Liability Claims
The legal actions surrounding Depo-Provera fall under the umbrella of product liability claims. Product liability laws allow you to pursue compensation if you believe an unsafe product caused your injury. In pharmaceutical cases, like those involving Depo-Provera, claimants may assert that a drug maker failed to warn about dangerous or life-threatening side effects it knew or should have known were associated with its medication.
Product liability claims are different from medical malpractice claims. They typically focus on the prescribing doctor’s actions. In contrast, claims over Depo-Provera focus on Pfizer’s conduct.
It is argued by those pursuing legal action concerning Depo-Provera that insufficient information was provided to both them and their healthcare providers about the risk of meningioma development with sustained use. Pfizer has denied these allegations in court and continues to defend itself in these claims.
Compensation That May Be Available
Every legal claim is different, and no outcome is guaranteed. Some individuals who have been diagnosed with meningioma after using Depo-Provera and meet certain criteria may be entitled to compensation by filing a claim. Damages may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Surgery
- Therapy
- Radiation
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
These injuries often require extensive medical care, including brain surgery, radiation, and neurological rehabilitation. You may be able to recover compensation for past and future losses by filing a claim. The severity of your injury and your medical treatment can affect your compensation. Every case is looked at separately, with compensation determined by the evidence available.
What Evidence Is Needed?
If you believe you may have a claim, preserve any documentation that you have. This may include:
- Medical records that confirm the diagnosis with meningioma
- MRI and CT scans, pathology reports
- Pharmacy or prescription records that confirm use of Depo-Provera
- Records that confirm dates and number of injections administered
- Surgical reports, radiation treatments, or other medical bills
- Pay stubs or tax returns that prove lost wages, if applicable
Essentially, the better evidence you have available, the better an attorney may be able to assess your ability to pursue a claim.
Why Hire a Dangerous Products Lawyer?
Litigation involving dangerous pharmaceuticals generally requires a significant amount of medical documentation, professional testimony, and an understanding of complex federal multidistrict litigation proceedings. When you hire a dangerous products lawyer, they can handle your claim with a thorough investigation and support it with the evidence needed to pursue compensation.
A dangerous products attorney can assist in getting your prescription history, collecting medical records that verify your diagnosis, obtaining imaging studies and pathology reports, conferring with neurological professionals, and assessing if your case is eligible for litigation. If a settlement program is established, an attorney can explain your options, prepare necessary documentation, negotiate with defendants if necessary, and work to protect your rights.
Why Choose Us?
Selecting the right law firm is important when filing a complicated product liability claim against a pharmaceutical manufacturer. For almost three decades, Kelley Ferraro, LLC, has fought for the rights of those injured by dangerous products and corporate wrongdoing. We have worked with over 40,000 clients across the country to pursue justice.
Kelley Ferraro, LLC, possesses the necessary resources for meticulously examining extensive medical records and collaborating with skilled professionals on drug safety data. We can take the time to sift through complex evidence and stand up to big business with a legal team that has experience winning millions for our clients. If you are looking for knowledgeable representation by an attorney who may prepare your case thoroughly, Kelley Ferraro, LLC, can help.
FAQs
Do I Qualify for a Depo-Provera Claim?
You may be eligible for compensation through a Depo-Provera claim if you took the injection contraceptive and were later diagnosed with intracranial meningioma or another eligible injury. Qualifying factors may include your diagnosis, your prescribing doctor, how long you took Depo-Provera, your medical records, and other evidence. Our lawyers can evaluate your case and let you know if you may qualify to file a claim.
Was Depo-Provera Banned in the United States?
Depo-Provera was not banned in the United States. It remains an available prescription medication, although questions about its safety and potential risks are possible, as with many medications. Whether it is appropriate for a particular person depends on their individual circumstances and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
How Much Are People Getting for the Claim?
To date in 2026, there have been no settlements approved by the courts for Depo-Provera injuries. While Pfizer and the plaintiffs’ leadership have announced they have reached a settlement in principle for a possible global settlement program, no information on payout amounts has been released. If a payment is offered, it would likely depend on the severity of the injury, course of treatment, and evidence involved in each individual case.
What Happens if You Take Depo-Provera for More Than Two Years?
Potential risks from taking Depo-Provera can increase with prolonged use. According to the FDA, the medication has a boxed warning, which states that use for longer than two years may lead to loss of bone mineral density that may not reverse after you stop taking the medication.Â
The most recent label also states that there is a potential risk of Intracranial meningiomas with extended use. You should speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks of extended treatment.
Contact Kelley Ferraro, LLC, Today
If you suffered sickness as a result of taking Depo-Rivera, you may have legal options to recover compensation. Contact Kelley Ferraro, LLC for a free consultation.
