In the last several months, Depo-Provera has made headlines due to the discovery of a new health concern. Medical researchers released a study showing a direct connection between brain and spinal tumors, called meningiomas, and the Depo-Provera shot. Therefore, many women are filing lawsuits against the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, which is Pfizer, stating that the widely known pharmaceutical company failed to disclose this alarming risk.
How does Depo-Provera work?
Depo-Provera is a type of medication that is used to prevent pregnancy. While it is most commonly used as a form of birth control, it can also be used to manage various gynecology conditions, such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, abnormal uterine bleeding, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and menopause. Depo-Provera is injected into the arm by a medical provider. It works by:
- Preventing ovulation, which means that the woman’s body will no longer release an egg while taking the Depo-Provera shot
- Making the cervical mucus thicker, which blocks the sperm from ever reaching an egg
Although the Depo-Provera shot is given every 12 weeks, it can act as a contraceptive for up to 14 weeks.
What did the new study bring to the attention of women who use Depo-Provera?
According to a recent article by Top Class Actions, researchers at France’s National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety recently carried out a study involving over 100,000 women who had taken medroxyprogesterone acetate. The study found that more than 18,000 of these women required surgical intervention between 2009 and 2018 because they developed meningiomas. Therefore, the researchers linked medroxyprogesterone acetate, which is one of the prominent ingredients in Depo-Provera, to the development of meningiomas. The conclusion of the study was that Depo-Provera users had a much higher chance (5.6 times) of developing meningiomas compared to those who have never taken Depo-Provera.
What are meningiomas?
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons explains that meningiomas are “the most common benign intracranial tumor.” These tumors usually develop in the “thin, spider web-like membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord,” which is known as the meninges. While most meningiomas are non-cancerous, they can grow very big, causing disabling effects.
It is more common for individuals to only develop one meningioma. However, some people do develop more than one, which can be found in various areas of the brain and spinal cord. The longer than they are left undetected or ignored, the larger they will grow and cause life-altering consequences.
What are the symptoms of illness or injury following the use of Depo-Provera?
If you have used Depo-Provera in the past, you may benefit from knowing the symptoms that meningiomas cause. Here are the symptoms you should keep a look out for if you suspect that you might have a meningioma:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Paralysis in the legs or lower body
- Loss of smell
- Bulging of one or both eyes
- Hearing loss
- Seizures
- Mood swings
- Sudden behavior or personality changes
- Chronic pain or discomfort
- Over responsive or lack of response to reflexes
- Muscle weakness
It is important to know that Pfizer is required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to place a black box warning on every Depo-Provera Package, which is the strongest level warning that medical products can contain. However, this warning is not for the newly discovered meningioma risk. Instead, it is for the bone mineral density loss associated with the product. Bone mineral density can lead to osteoporosis and multiple broken bones or fractures.
Who is eligible to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit against Pfizer?
Only individuals who meet certain criteria can file a Depo-Provera lawsuit against Pfizer for their meningiomas. These are the required criteria:
- You used Depo-Provera for an extended period of time: You will first need to prove that you used Depo-Provera at some point in the past. You may be able to prove this by gathering medical bills, receipts, invoices, doctor’s notes, or medical records. You will also need to prove that you received the Depo-Provera shot for at least several months or even one year. That means that you want your documents to state when you first received the shot, how many shots you received, and when you last received it.
- You were diagnosed with a meningioma: Next, you will need to show proof of your meningioma diagnosis. You may be able to prove this by collecting medical records, doctor’s notes, diagnostic tests, and imaging results that state or show that you have a meningioma.
It is very important that you meet these criteria in order to file a successful Depo-Provera lawsuit and seek compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
At Kwartler Manus, LLC, we offer our clients a lending hand through the entire legal process. While this may be a stressful, overwhelming, and complicated time in your life, our Depo-Provera lawyers have the knowledge, skills, resources, and tools to help you secure maximum compensation and regain a sense of normalcy again. Our team is committed to fighting for every woman in Pennsylvania or New Jersey who has been affected by Depo-Provera. and we will do everything in our power to hold Pfizer and any other liable party accountable for the injuries they have caused you. Please schedule a free consultation to start taking action today.