Depo-Provera and Meningioma: What Women Need to Know

Attorney Michael Gunzburg

What Is Depo-Provera and How Does It Work?

Depo-Provera is an injectable form of birth control containing medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. It's given as a shot roughly every 12 to 13 weeks and works by preventing ovulation. According to the CDC, roughly one in four sexually active women in the United States has used Depo-Provera at some point, and Black women use it at nearly double the national rate.

Two formulations are available: Depo-Provera CI, given as an intramuscular injection, and Depo-SubQ Provera 104, given as a subcutaneous injection. Both are manufactured by Pfizer.

The Link Between Depo-Provera and Meningioma

Meningiomas are tumors that grow in the meninges, the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are benign, meaning they don't spread to other parts of the body, but depending on their size and location, they can still cause serious symptoms and require surgery.

Two major studies drove the recent FDA action. A study published in The BMJ found that women who used Depo-Provera for a year or more, particularly the higher-dose intramuscular formulation, faced roughly a fivefold increase in the odds of developing a meningioma serious enough to require surgery. A separate study published in JAMA Neurology, using a large U.S. population, found an approximately twofold increased risk among Depo-Provera users. The risk appeared highest among women who started using the injection after age 31 or who used it for four years or more.

In December 2025, the FDA approved an update to Depo-Provera's prescribing information adding a meningioma warning, applying to both injectable formulations. The agency had initially declined a similar request from Pfizer in 2024, saying the available research at that time didn't clearly support the warning. The additional studies published afterward changed that assessment.

It's worth noting that the overall risk of developing a meningioma remains low in absolute terms. Roughly 39,000 meningiomas are diagnosed in the United States each year across the general population. The concern raised by the recent research is that Depo-Provera use appears to meaningfully increase that baseline risk for long-term users.

Recognizing Meningioma Symptoms After Depo-Provera Use

Meningioma symptoms can develop gradually and are sometimes mistaken for less serious conditions. Women who have used Depo-Provera, especially for a year or longer, should be aware of the following symptoms and seek prompt medical evaluation if they occur:

• Persistent or worsening headaches
• Vision changes, including blurred or double vision
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Seizures
• Weakness or numbness, particularly on one side of the body
• Balance problems or difficulty walking
• Cognitive changes, such as memory or concentration problems

These symptoms don't automatically mean a meningioma is present, but they warrant medical attention, particularly for anyone with a history of long-term Depo-Provera use.

Other Serious Side Effects of Depo-Provera

Meningioma isn't the only health concern associated with Depo-Provera. Other side effects reported with long-term use include loss of bone density, irregular or unpredictable bleeding, weight gain, mood changes including depression, and cardiovascular risks in some patients. Women considering or currently using Depo-Provera should discuss their full health history and any of these symptoms with a doctor.

Who Is at Risk for Depo-Provera-Related Meningioma?

Based on the available research, certain factors appear to increase meningioma risk among Depo-Provera users:

• Duration of use. The studies driving the FDA's warning focused on women who used Depo-Provera for one year or more, with the highest risk associated with four or more years of use.
• Age at first use. Risk appeared elevated among women who began using the injection after age 31.
• Formulation and dosage. The strongest evidence relates to the 150 mg intramuscular formulation, though the FDA applied the warning to both injectable products.
• Family or personal history. A personal or family history of meningioma may increase overall risk.

Falling into one or more of these categories doesn't mean a meningioma diagnosis is guaranteed. It does mean it's worth discussing screening with a doctor and understanding your legal options if you're already diagnosed.

Legal Rights for Women Diagnosed with Meningioma

Women who used Depo-Provera and were later diagnosed with meningioma may have grounds for a product liability claim. Much of the ongoing litigation centers on a failure-to-warn theory: the argument that Pfizer knew or should have known about the meningioma risk earlier than it disclosed, and that women were not adequately warned before choosing to use the drug.

Compensation in these cases may cover medical expenses, including surgery and ongoing treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the cost of future care where needed. As with any pharmaceutical injury claim, the specific value of a case depends on the individual's diagnosis, treatment, and documented history of Depo-Provera use.

Because claims like these are subject to filing deadlines that vary by state, women who believe they may have a claim benefit from acting sooner rather than later, even while the broader litigation continues to develop.

If you used Depo-Provera and were diagnosed with a meningioma, a free case evaluation can help you understand your options. Call (212) 725-8500.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Depo-Provera cause brain tumors?

Recent research has linked long-term Depo-Provera use to an increased risk of meningioma, a typically benign tumor that grows in the tissue surrounding the brain. The FDA approved a label update in December 2025 warning of this risk, based on studies showing a meaningfully higher rate of meningioma among long-term users compared to non-users.

What are the symptoms of meningioma after using Depo-Provera?

Common symptoms include persistent headaches, vision changes, hearing loss or ringing in the ears, seizures, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, balance problems, and cognitive changes such as memory difficulty. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after Depo-Provera use should seek prompt medical evaluation.

How long does Depo-Provera stay in your system?

Depo-Provera is designed to remain effective for about 12 to 13 weeks per injection, though it can take longer for the hormone to fully clear the body after use stops, and effects on fertility can sometimes persist for several months to a year. A doctor can give guidance specific to your situation.

What should I do if I used Depo-Provera and was diagnosed with a meningioma?

Seek medical care first, and keep records of your diagnosis, treatment, and Depo-Provera prescription history. From there, a free case evaluation with an attorney experienced in pharmaceutical injury claims can help you understand whether you have a legal claim and what the next steps look like.

Is there a lawsuit for Depo-Provera brain tumors?

Yes. Thousands of women have filed lawsuits against Pfizer alleging the company failed to adequately warn patients about the meningioma risk associated with Depo-Provera. The FDA's December 2025 label update followed this litigation and the underlying research that prompted it. Women diagnosed with meningioma after using Depo-Provera may be eligible to file a claim of their own.