Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuits: What You Need to Know

Millions of Women Used This Birth Control Shot. Many Were Never Warned.

If you or someone you love developed a brain tumor after receiving Depo-Provera injections, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Recent research and litigation have uncovered a disturbing link between this long-used birth control method and a serious medical condition: intracranial meningiomas, a type of brain tumor.

Over 348 women have already filed mass tort lawsuits nationwide. Don’t wait—evidence preservation is critical and statute of limitations deadlines vary by state.

Current Mass Tort Status: June 2025 Update

The Depo-Provera brain tumor mass tort litigation is rapidly growing. Here are the key facts:

• 348+ federal mass tort lawsuits filed as of June 2025
• MDL 3140 established February 7, 2025 in Northern District of Florida
• Judge M. Casey Rodgers presiding—she oversaw the largest MDL in U.S. history
• Discovery deadlines set for July 2025
• Additional cases in state courts proceeding in Pennsylvania, California, and Illinois
• Cases filing rapidly—new lawsuits added weekly

What Is Mass Tort vs. MDL?

Mass tort litigation refers to the type of legal claims—individual lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies for similar injuries. MDL (Multidistrict Litigation) is the federal court mechanism for efficiently managing these individual mass tort cases in one location for pretrial proceedings.

In this case, each woman has her own individual mass tort claim, but they’re all being coordinated through MDL 3140 for efficiency. This is not a class action—you maintain control over your individual case.

What Is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive that uses a high dose of a synthetic hormone called medroxyprogesterone acetate to prevent pregnancy. It works by:

• Stopping ovulation
• Thickening cervical mucus
• Thinning the uterine lining

Approved by the FDA in 1992, Depo-Provera became popular because it required only one shot every three months. It was especially promoted to women who couldn’t take estrogen-based birth control. But as its use spread among millions of women, so did reports of serious side effects—including an elevated risk of brain tumors.

The Science: How Depo-Provera Causes Brain Tumors

A groundbreaking study published in The BMJ in March 2024 provided the strongest evidence yet of the link between Depo-Provera and brain tumors.

Key Study Findings:

• 5.6-fold increased risk of intracranial meningiomas for women using Depo-Provera for one year or more
• 18,061 women studied who underwent brain tumor surgery between 2009-2018
• No increased risk for women who used Depo-Provera for less than one year

Why This Happens:

Research shows that meningioma tumors often have progesterone receptors, meaning they can grow in response to the synthetic hormone used in Depo-Provera. The high dose of synthetic progesterone in Depo-Provera may stimulate these receptors, promoting tumor growth over time.

Even benign meningiomas can press on the brain, leading to:

• Chronic headaches that worsen over time
• Seizures and neurological episodes
• Vision changes or loss
• Memory problems and cognitive decline
• Personality changes
• Loss of coordination

Women who used Depo-Provera for multiple years may not experience symptoms until significant harm has occurred, as meningiomas grow slowly over time.

What Is an Intracranial Meningioma?

An intracranial meningioma is a tumor that develops in the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While most meningiomas are benign (non-cancerous), they can still be highly dangerous due to their location.

Living with a Meningioma: The Hidden Impact

Even “benign” brain tumors can devastate a person’s life. Patients often face:

• Invasive brain surgery with significant risks
• Long-term neurological complications
• Inability to work or perform daily activities
• Ongoing medical monitoring and treatment costs
• Emotional trauma and family stress
• Potential tumor regrowth requiring additional surgery

Common Symptoms Include:

• Severe or persistent headaches
• Visual disturbances
• Loss of coordination or balance
• Seizures
• Cognitive or personality changes

Diagnosis typically requires MRI or CT imaging, and treatment may involve surgery, radiation, or ongoing neurological care.

Why Didn’t Anyone Warn You?

This is perhaps the most outrageous aspect of the Depo-Provera brain tumor scandal: other countries have warned about meningioma risks for years, but the U.S. never did.

International Warnings vs. U.S. Silence:

• Canada: Meningioma warnings on labels since at least 2015
• United Kingdom: Product leaflet instructs patients to tell doctors about any meningioma history
• European Union: Labels warn patients with meningioma history
• Australia & New Zealand: Clear warnings about long-term progestin use and meningioma risk

Meanwhile in the U.S.: The FDA never required such warnings. Many doctors had no idea, and patients were left completely unaware. As a result, thousands of women may have received repeated injections of a drug linked to dangerous tumors—without ever knowing the risks.

Pfizer Finally Acknowledges the Risk

In April 2024, after the BMJ study was published, Pfizer issued a statement acknowledging “this potential risk associated with long-term use of progestogens” and said they were working with regulatory agencies to update labels. But for millions of women, this acknowledgment came decades too late.

Current Mass Tort Litigation Status: MDL No. 3140

The Depo-Provera brain tumor mass tort lawsuits are proceeding through a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in federal court. Here’s what you need to know:

MDL 3140 Key Facts:

• Established: February 7, 2025
• Location: Northern District of Florida
• Judge: M. Casey Rodgers (presided over the largest MDL in U.S. history)
• Current case count: Over 348 federal mass tort lawsuits
• Growth rate: New cases filed weekly
• State court activity: Additional cases proceeding in Pennsylvania, California, and Illinois

Why Mass Tort MDL Benefits Plaintiffs:

This mass tort MDL allows plaintiffs across the country to:

• Coordinate discovery and expert testimony
• Share evidence and reduce costs
• Avoid duplicative litigation
• Leverage collective legal power against pharmaceutical giants

Important: Each woman maintains her own individual mass tort case. This is not a class action. You maintain control over your case and can pursue individual settlement or trial.

What About Generic Depo-Provera?

Many women took generic versions of Depo-Provera. You may still qualify for the mass tort litigation. Most generic versions were actually manufactured by Pfizer and sold under different brand names. Our legal team can help determine if your specific generic version qualifies.

Do You Qualify for a Depo-Provera Mass Tort Lawsuit?

Time is running out. Statute of limitations deadlines vary by state, and evidence preservation is critical. You may qualify if:

Primary Qualification Criteria:

• You received two or more Depo-Provera injections (brand name or qualifying generic)
• You were later diagnosed with an intracranial meningioma
• You were not adequately warned about the risk of brain tumors
• You required medical treatment, surgery, or long-term care as a result

Common Concerns Addressed:

“I’m not sure about my exact dates”

Our legal team can help you obtain medical records and determine your Depo-Provera usage timeline. Don’t let uncertainty prevent you from seeking justice.

“My tumor was small”

Size doesn’t matter for legal qualification. Even small meningiomas require monitoring, cause symptoms, and represent a significant health concern.

“I used Depo-Provera decades ago”

Many meningiomas take years to develop and become symptomatic. Recent diagnosis may still be connected to past Depo-Provera use.

“I don’t have all my medical records”

We can help you obtain necessary medical records from doctors and hospitals. Start with what you have.

The Strongest Mass Tort Cases Involve:

• Multiple years of Depo-Provera use
• Confirmed diagnosis via imaging (MRI or CT scan)
• Surgical or neurological treatment records
• Clear timeline between Depo use and tumor development

What to Expect in Mass Tort Legal Process

Realistic Timeline for Mass Tort MDL Cases:

• 2025: Discovery phase, expert depositions
• 2026: Bellwether trials (test cases)
• 2026-2027: Settlement negotiations likely based on trial outcomes
• Individual cases: May resolve sooner through early settlement

Potential Mass Tort Compensation:

While every case is unique, Depo-Provera brain tumor settlements may include compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Neurological complications
• Ongoing monitoring and care
• Family impact and loss of consortium

Why Filing Early in Mass Tort Matters:

• Better settlement positioning in MDL negotiations
• Stronger evidence preservation
• Meeting statute of limitations deadlines
• Access to leading expert witnesses

No Upfront Costs:

We handle Depo-Provera mass tort claims on a contingency basis. That means:

• No attorney fees unless we win your case
• We advance all case expenses
• Free initial consultation and case review
• No obligation to proceed if we don’t think you have a strong case

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my brain tumor was caused by Depo-Provera?

If you used Depo-Provera for more than a year and later developed a meningioma brain tumor, there may be a connection. Our legal team works with medical experts to establish causation in each mass tort case. The timing between your Depo use and tumor diagnosis is a key factor.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a Depo-Provera lawsuit?

Statute of limitations varies by state, typically ranging from 1-4 years. However, many states have “discovery rules” that start the clock when you learned or should have learned about the connection between Depo-Provera and brain tumors. Since this connection wasn’t widely known until the 2024 BMJ study, many cases may still be timely. Don’t wait—contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

How much compensation might I receive from a Depo-Provera mass tort lawsuit?

Every case is unique, and potential compensation depends on numerous factors specific to your situation. These include the severity of your medical condition, the extent of treatment required, impact on your quality of life, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the strength of the medical evidence linking your condition to Depo-Provera use. The best way to understand your case’s potential value is to have an experienced mass tort attorney review your specific circumstances. Submit your information for a free case evaluation to get a personalized assessment of your claim.

What if I’m not sure about my exact Depo-Provera diagnosis or dates?

Don’t let uncertainty prevent you from seeking legal help. Our team can help you obtain medical records from doctors and hospitals to establish your Depo-Provera usage and meningioma diagnosis. We work with medical professionals to piece together your case timeline.

Do I need my medical records to start a mass tort case?

While medical records are important, you don’t need to have everything before contacting us. Start with what you have, and we’ll help you obtain the rest. The sooner you contact us, the better we can help preserve evidence and meet legal deadlines.

What if I used Depo-Provera decades ago?

Meningiomas often take years to develop and become symptomatic. Even if you used Depo-Provera in the 1990s or early 2000s, a recent brain tumor diagnosis may still be connected. The key is establishing the link between your Depo use and tumor development through medical evidence.

Can family members file a wrongful death lawsuit if the patient died?

Yes, in cases where a person died due to complications from a Depo-Provera-related meningioma, family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These cases have different requirements and deadlines, so immediate legal consultation is critical.

What if I live in a different state than where I used Depo-Provera?

Since federal Depo-Provera mass tort cases are consolidated in MDL 3140 in Florida, we can represent clients nationwide regardless of where they live or where they used Depo-Provera. State law may still apply to certain aspects of your case, but the federal court system allows for nationwide representation.

What if I took generic Depo-Provera instead of the brand name?

Many generic versions of Depo-Provera may still qualify for the mass tort lawsuit. Most generics were actually manufactured by Pfizer (the brand-name manufacturer) and sold under different names. Our legal team can review your specific generic version to determine if it qualifies for litigation.

How long will my Depo-Provera mass tort lawsuit take?

Mass tort MDL cases typically take 2-4 years to resolve through settlement or trial. However, some individual cases may settle earlier. The timeline depends on factors like case strength, defendant cooperation, and whether your case is selected for early bellwether trials.

Why You Can’t Afford to Wait

Evidence Preservation Is Critical

Every day that passes makes it harder to preserve crucial evidence:

• Medical records may be destroyed after certain timeframes
• Witness memories fade over time
• Doctor and hospital records may become harder to obtain
• Pharmaceutical company documents are preserved through litigation hold orders

Statute of Limitations Deadlines

Each state has different deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. Missing these deadlines means losing your right to compensation forever. While some deadlines may be extended due to the recent discovery of the Depo-Provera brain tumor link, waiting is extremely risky.

Early Filers Often Get Better Results

In mass tort litigation, early cases often receive:

• Better settlement offers as defendants want to avoid setting high precedents
• More attorney attention and resources
• Access to top medical experts before they become overbooked
• Stronger negotiating position in MDL proceedings

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

If you or a loved one used Depo-Provera and developed a brain tumor, time is of the essence. Here’s what you should do immediately:

Step 1: Document What You Know

• Approximate dates of Depo-Provera use
• Healthcare providers who administered the shots
• When you first noticed symptoms
• Brain tumor diagnosis date and details
• Treatment received and ongoing medical care

Step 2: Gather Available Records

• Medical records from gynecologists or family doctors
• Hospital records from brain tumor treatment
• MRI or CT scan results
• Surgical reports if you had tumor removal
• Current treatment plans and medications

Step 3: Contact Our Mass Tort Legal Team Immediately

Don’t wait for the “perfect” time or until you have every document. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and preserve evidence.

About Mass Tort Litigation

The Depo-Provera brain tumor cases represent a growing area of mass tort litigation. Unlike class action lawsuits where everyone gets the same settlement, mass tort cases allow for individual compensation based on each person’s specific injuries and circumstances.

Benefits of Mass Tort Litigation:

• Individual attention to your specific case
• Compensation based on your injuries
• Shared resources for expensive expert witnesses and research
• Stronger collective leverage against pharmaceutical companies
• Efficiency of coordinated legal proceedings

Your Rights in the Depo-Provera Mass Tort MDL:

• You maintain control over your individual case
• You can accept or reject settlement offers
• You can opt out and pursue individual litigation if desired
• You benefit from shared discovery and expert witnesses
• You have the right to trial if no acceptable settlement is reached

Corporate Accountability Matters

This mass tort case isn’t just about individual compensation—it’s about holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for putting profits over patient safety. By taking legal action, you’re helping to:

• Ensure proper warnings are provided to future patients
• Encourage better safety testing of pharmaceutical products
• Prevent other women from suffering the same harm
• Send a message that patient safety must come first

Every mass tort case filed makes it more likely that pharmaceutical companies will prioritize patient safety over profits in the future.

Important Legal Disclaimer

Contact Information and Availability

Our experienced legal team is standing by to help you understand your rights and options. We handle Depo-Provera brain tumor mass tort cases nationwide and offer:

• Free initial consultation and case review
• No attorney fees unless we win your case
• 24/7 availability for urgent legal matters
• Nationwide representation in MDL 3140
• Experienced mass tort referral services with proven track records

Don’t wait another day. Statute of limitations deadlines are approaching, and evidence preservation is critical. Contact us now to protect your rights and begin the process of seeking the compensation you deserve.