What Are Meningiomas and How Might Depo-Provera Be to Blame?
Have you taken Depo-Provera and heard about recent lawsuits? Does this contraceptive cause tumors? As a Depo-Provera lawyer Memphis trusts with their biggest pharmaceutical cases, I can help.
I’m here to help you know what’s going on with these claims, what to look out for if you take this contraceptive, and what to do if you’ve been injured by Depo-Provera.
What Are Meningiomas?
Meningiomas are a type of brain tumor that, while typically benign, can cause severe and lasting damage to the body depending on their size and location.
These tumors form in the meninges, aka the protective membranes / tissue surrounding your brain and spinal cord. Although they generally grow slowly, they can press on vital structures in the brain. As a result, they can lead to a wide range of physical and cognitive issues.
How These Tumors Affect the Body
When a meningioma develops, its can lead to pressure on the brain and spinal cord, disrupting normal function. Here’s how that pressure can manifest in the body:
Neurological Symptoms
As the tumor expands, it may compress nerves and brain tissue, leading to symptoms like:
- Persistent headaches, often worsening over time
- Vision problems, including double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Seizures, which may begin as small, infrequent episodes and escalate if the tumor isn’t treated
- Memory loss or cognitive difficulties, including trouble concentrating, confusion, or changes in personality
- Loss of balance and coordination, as the tumor affects areas of the brain responsible for movement and spatial awareness.
Impact on the Spinal Cord
If the meningioma forms near the spinal cord, it can compress it, leading to:
- Weakness or numbness in the limbs
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control in severe cases.
Potential for Malignancy
Although rare, some meningiomas can become malignant, or cancerous, and spread to other parts of the brain or body. This further complicates treatment and recovery.
How Is Depo-Provera Linked to Meningiomas?
Depo-Provera, a birth control injection that contains the hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate, has been linked to an increased risk of meningioma development.
A 2024 study in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that women who had been on Depo-Provera for a year or longer were 5.6 times more likely to develop these tumors compared to non-users. But why is this happening?
Hormonal Influence
Hormones like those in Depo-Provera can stimulate tumor growth. It contains synthetic progesterone, and meningiomas have been found to have receptors for progesterone.
This means long-term use of Depo-Provera may cause elevated levels of these hormones in the brain and promote the abnormal growth of cells in the meninges. This can eventually lead to the formation of tumors.
Extended Use Increases Risk
The BMJ study showed that women who received multiple injections over several years were particularly vulnerable to these complications. So the longer a woman uses Depo-Provera, the greater her risk of developing a meningioma.
Why Pfizer May Be Responsible
Our plaintiffs in the lawsuits against Pfizer, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Depo-Provera, allege the company failed to properly warn users about the elevated risk of developing meningiomas.
We believe Pfizer knew about the risks but didn’t take adequate steps to inform healthcare providers and patients.
As a result, many women who relied on Depo-Provera for birth control are now facing severe health consequences.
What to Do If You Suspect Depo-Provera Caused Your Tumor
If you or a loved one has used Depo-Provera and developed symptoms of a brain or spinal tumor, take action:
1. Seek medical evaluation. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and ask for an MRI or CT scan to check for meningiomas.
2. Get your records in order. Document your history of Depo-Provera use, including when you started, how long you used it, and your medical history since using it.
3. Contact an experienced attorney. If you’ve been diagnosed with a meningioma or another related tumor, speak with an attorney who specializes in pharmaceutical litigation.
Our award-winning legal team can help you determine if you have a case. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Speak with A Depo-Provera Lawyer Memphis Trusts
Meningiomas are a serious condition that can profoundly affect your quality of life.
If you’ve taken Depo-Provera and developed tumors, you shouldn’t have to bear the consequences alone. Take legal action to get the compensation you deserve and hold Pfizer accountable for failing to protect consumers from these risks.
We are currently representing clients who have used Depo-Provera for a year or more and developed meningiomas, or brain tumors.
Our team has taken on some of the biggest companies in the world, and won. As a Depo-Provera lawyer Memphis has trusted with their biggest cases, we want to help you, too. We fight for you every step of the way, and we don’t win anything unless we win your case.
We’re here to answer your questions and discuss your options, no strings attached. To get started, call us today at 901-327-2100 or fill out the form on our website.
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