Attorney Darrell Castle on the Depo-Provera Lawsuits
Memphis Depo-Provera lawsuit attorney Darrell Castle discusses what led to these legal claims, how you know if you have a case, and what to do if you’ve been injured by Depo-Provera.
Can you tell us more about what’s going on and why these lawsuits are happening?
Castle: Absolutely. Depo-Provera is a very popular injectable contraceptive. But in recent years, it’s been linked to a significantly higher risk of developing brain tumors called meningiomas.
These women who used Depo-Provera for birth control are now coming forward with health issues. And studies show they may be directly related to taking the drug.
We believe the manufacturer Pfizer knew the risks and didn’t warn women enough about what could happen. I intend to hold them accountable.
What exactly is a meningioma, and how does Depo-Provera increase the risk of developing one?
Castle: So a meningioma is a type of brain tumor. It develops on the protective tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
Most of these are benign, but they can still cause significant problems. It just depends on their size and location in the brain.
In 2024, the British Medical Journal published a study that found women who used Depo-Provera were 5.6 times more likely to develop meningiomas. And even more likely with long-term use.
Depo-Provera contains a synthetic hormone that scientists think causes abnormal cell growth. And that leads to the development of these tumors. And that’s especially bad for women who used Depo-Provera for extended periods, sometimes over many years, without knowing the full risks.
How serious can these tumors be? Even if they’re benign, what kind of long-term harm can they cause?
Castle: Meningiomas can be very serious. They’re usually benign, although some are cancerous. But as they grow, they can put pressure on the brain. That leads to severe and sometimes permanent brain issues.
We’ve seen some common symptoms, like headaches, vision problems, seizures, memory loss, and cognitive impairments.
In some cases, you might need surgery to remove the tumor. And the effects can obviously be expensive and life-changing. Some folks may suffer from long-term neurological damage. And not everyone fully recovers.
So who should be concerned? Who might be affected by this?
Castle: Women who have used Depo-Provera, especially who’ve been on it for several years or had multiple injections, should be aware of the risks.
This contraceptive has been used by millions of women all over the world. Not everyone developed meningiomas after using the drug, but many have. If you’ve experienced symptoms after using Depo-Provera, see your doctor and get checked for a tumor.
What should someone do if they think Depo-Provera might have caused their health issues?
Castle: First and foremost, they should get medical attention. Meningiomas can be diagnosed with MRIs or a CT scan.
Once you have a diagnosis, you need to get your medical records and write down your history of Depo-Provera use.
The next step is to contact a lawyer who has experience with pharmaceutical lawsuits. We’re representing clients who have used Depo-Provera for a year or more and developed brain tumors or meningiomas.
At our firm, we specialize in these types of cases. And because we’ve taken on big pharmaceutical companies before, we know what it takes to fight for the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations and don’t get paid anything unless we win your case, so anyone who thinks they might have a claim can reach out to us without any financial obligation.
What can someone expect if they decide to file a lawsuit? Isn’t it a complex process?
Castle: Yes, pharmaceutical litigation can be complex, but that’s why it’s important to have an experienced lawyer. If you file a claim, we’ll build your case and back up your testimony with our own investigation and experts.
If we’re successful, compensation can cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any ongoing care you may need. And because we work on a contingency basis, you won’t have to pay anything upfront—we only get paid if we win your case.
As a Memphis Depo-Provera lawsuit attorney, what advice would you give to anyone who thinks they may be affected by Depo-Provera?
Castle: My advice is simple: don’t wait.
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms or have been diagnosed with a meningioma, you need to take action quickly. Statutes of limitations mean you may not have very long to file a claim. So it’s important to talk with a lawyer as soon as possible.
I’m committed to helping women who’ve been harmed by Depo-Provera and making sure your voice is heard. Just give me a call at 901-327-2100 or fill out a form online to reach our team.