Depo-Provera and Cancer: How This Injectable Contraceptive Is Connected to Tumors
As a Memphis Depo-Provera lawyer who has taken on some of the biggest pharmaceutical companies and won, I wanted to let you know about this potentially dangerous drug and what you can do about it.
Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive used by millions of women worldwide. It’s long been a trusted method of birth control. But the latest research raises serious concerns about its potential link to brain tumors.
Specifically, it can cause meningiomas – a type of tumor that develops in the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord. If you’re wondering how Depo-Provera leads to tumors or even cancer, here’s everything we know so far.
What is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is a birth control shot that contains the hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate. It’s typically administered every three months to prevent pregnancy.
Women have relied on Depo-Provera for decades because of its convenience and long-lasting effectiveness. But like many hormonal treatments, it comes with serious potential side effects. And recently, those side effects have become a lot more concerning.
The Link Between Depo-Provera and Tumors
The major concern surrounding Depo-Provera revolves around recent findings that link long-term use of the contraceptive to a higher risk of developing meningiomas.
Meningiomas are typically benign, non-cancerous brain tumors, but they can grow large and press on important areas of the brain, causing serious health issues like seizures, memory problems, and vision loss. In addition, some of these tumors can become malignant. And some even lead to cancer.
A 2024 study published in the British Medical Journal found that women who used Depo-Provera were 5.6x more likely to develop meningiomas than women who didn’t use it.
This study focused on women who had used Depo-Provera for a year or longer, and the findings suggest that the longer the exposure, the higher the risk.
How Do These Tumors Form?
Depo-Provera contains something called synthetic progestogen. It mimics human hormones, but it’s actually a man-made compound. Researchers believe the synthetic progestogen in the Depo-Provera shot may be the problem.
Progestogens like medroxyprogesterone acetate can stimulate cells in the meninges (the protective layers around the brain). And that stimulation may lead to abnormal growth and tumor formation over time.
Are Meningiomas Dangerous?
While meningiomas are usually benign, they are still dangerous because of their location in the brain or spine. As they grow, they can compress parts of the brain, leading to a variety of symptoms, including:
- Chronic headaches
- Vision problems
- Seizures
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Memory loss
- Cognitive impairments
In some cases, they can become malignant and spread, or lead to brain cancer.
In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the tumor. Recovery can be long and complicated – so it’s something to take very seriously.
What Should You Do If You’ve Used Depo-Provera?
If you’ve used Depo-Provera, especially for an extended period, make sure you can recognize any warning signs of problems.
If you experience symptoms like persistent headaches, vision changes, or memory problems, take these steps:
- Consult a medical professional. Your doctor can run tests, such as MRIs or CT scans, to check for brain or spinal tumors.
- Keep track of your symptoms. If you notice any neurological symptoms, even if they seem minor at first, keep a detailed record and report them to your healthcare provider.
- Consider legal action. If you’ve been diagnosed with a brain or spinal tumor after using Depo-Provera, you may be entitled to compensation.
Pharmaceutical companies have a responsibility to inform you about potential risks. If they fail to do so, you can hold them accountable through legal action.
Filing a Lawsuit Against Depo-Provera’s Manufacturer
Many women are now seeking justice for the harm they believe Depo-Provera has caused. As a Memphis Depo-Provera lawyer, I’m filing claims against drug manufacturer Pfizer for failing to warn women about the risk of meningiomas and other complications.
We’re currently representing clients who have used Depo-Provera for a year or more and developed meningiomas, or brain tumors.
If you need a Memphis Depo-Provera lawyer who has successfully taken on big pharmaceutical companies, let us help.
Our award-winning team is dedicated to helping women harmed by Depo-Provera get the justice they deserve. We fight for you every step of the way, and we don’t make a penny unless and until we win your case.
Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your options, no strings attached.