Many women around the United States use Depo-Provera as either a form of birth control or to help them manage other gynecology issues, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian cysts, and more. It is given as an injection in the arm and lasts about three months. Women typically opt for this product because it is much more convenient to go get a shot every three months than remembering to take a pill by mouth each day. However, a recent study revealed an increased risk of meningiomas that comes with this convenient birth control injection, which is very concerning.
What are meningiomas?
According to Mayo Clinic, a meningioma is “a tumor that grows from the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges.” Meningiomas may be referred to as brain tumors, but they are actually located in close proximity to the brain. The larger that they grow, the more likely they are to cause intense pressure to the brain, nearby vessels, nerves, and more. Although it is less common, meningiomas can also be found around the spine.
What are the symptoms of meningiomas?
Meningiomas are known to form and grow slowly. Therefore, it can take several years before you begin noticing any type of symptoms. However, that does not mean that they should not be taken seriously. If they are ignored or left untreated for long periods of time, meningiomas can grow larger and press directly against the brain or spinal cord tissue, nerves, and blood vessels, resulting in debilitating effects. Here are some of the symptoms that you should keep an eye out for if you have taken Depo-Provera in the past and believe that you could have a meningioma:
- Headaches
- Blurry or double vision
- Trouble remembering or recalling information
- Loss of smell
- Difficulties talking, speaking, or communicating
- Muscle weakness in arms and legs
- Seizures
- Ear ringing
- Hearing loss
- Numbness
- Balancing issues
- Paralysis of legs or lower body
- Feeling dizzy
- Nausea and vomiting
- Recurring pain and discomfort
Why are meningiomas a concern when using Depo-Provera?
A new study conducted by the French national healthcare system and published in the British Medical Journal found a risk of meningiomas associated with Depo-Provera. After studying over 100,000 women, it was determined that more than 18,000 of the women had to have surgery because they developed meningiomas. Even though the findings showed that two other medications also had an increased risk of meningiomas, Depo-Provera had the highest risk (5.6-fold) for these tumors.
It is important to keep in mind that the study only looked at surgeries between 2009 and 2018, and since Depo-Provera was first introduced in 1959 to help women manage their menstrual cycles and in 1992 as a contraceptive, there are likely many other cases of meningiomas and surgeries that we are not aware of. Therefore, meningiomas is a concern that every woman should know and be informed of when using Depo-Provera.
After explaining that Depo-Provera is a very popular birth control used by women in the United States and a few other countries, the researchers expressed the need for more research on the connection between meningiomas and Depo-Provera, stating that “the number of attributable meningiomas may be potentially high” in countries where Depo-Provera is frequently used as a form of birth control.
How are meningiomas diagnosed?
It can be difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis for a meningioma. This is because the symptoms often mimic other conditions or injuries. Therefore, you may have to continue to advocate for yourself in order to get a proper diagnosis. Most of the time, meningiomas cannot be diagnosed until they are large enough to be seen and cause certain symptoms. The following are a few ways that a meningioma may be found and diagnosed:
- An MRI on the brain or spine
- A CT on the brain or spine
- An X-ray on the brain or spine
- A physical examination
- A neurological examination
- Surgery or a biopsy
Can a meningioma be treated?
Depending on how severe your meningioma is and whether it is benign or cancerous, you may need to undergo various types of treatment. Most meningiomas are benign. However, even benign meningiomas can grow very large and press on critical nerves, vessels, and other areas of the spine or brain, making them dangerous and life-threatening. The following are a few treatments used to remove, treat, or reduce the size of a meningioma:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Medications
- Changes in diet
- Neurological procedures
- Chemotherapy
Were you or a loved one recently diagnosed with a meningioma after using Depo-Provera? If so, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit and receive financial compensation for your losses. The Depo-Provera attorneys at Kwartler Manus, LLC are dedicated to helping victims of these harmful injections. If you decide to work with us, you can have peace of mind knowing that you will receive the legal guidance and support that you need and deserve. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our firm for a free consultation today. Other women have already filed lawsuits against Pfizer after developing meningiomas. Therefore, we want you to know that you are not alone. Let us help you today!