The findings of a new study on Depo-Provera were recently published, shining light on the dangers of this type of medication commonly taken by women across the United States. After learning about this study and the risks associated with Depo-Provera, the personal injury lawyers at Kwartler Manus are ready to help victims take legal action against the drug manufacturer. We will look over the facts and details of your case, conduct our own investigation, and help you collect strong and convincing evidence showing the harm you have endured from taking Depo-Provera shots.
What is Depo-Provera?
According to Mayo Clinic, Depo-Provera is “a well-known brand name for medroxyprogesterone acetate, a contraceptive injection that contains a hormone progestin.” Depo-Provera is given in the form of a shot, which women receive every three months. The goal of taking this injection is to prevent the ovaries from ovulating or releasing an egg, which prevents pregnancy from occurring. However, some women take the Depo-Provera shot to help them manage other medical issues, such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and abnormal uterine bleeding.
What are the side effects of Depo-Provera?
Many women who take Depo-Provera experience side effects that may affect them in their daily lives. However, once they stop taking the injections, the side effects typically disappear. Some of the most common side effects include:
- Reduced bone mineral density
- Abdominal pain
- Feeling dizzy
- Bloating
- Depression
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Muscle weakness
- Feeling tired or fatigued
- Increased nervousness or anxiety
- Irregular periods or breakthrough bleeding
Those who stop taking Depo-Provera to get pregnant usually have to wait close to one year to begin ovulating again, which is a concern to some women. Another concern is the loss of bone mineral density that this injection can cause, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns could lead to bone fractures and osteoporosis later on. Therefore, it is highly recommended that women do not use Depo-Provera for more than two years.
What did the results of the new study reveal?
An article published in The Guardian explains that the French national healthcare system conducted a study and found more than 18,000 women who had surgery between 2009 and 2018 due to meningiomas, which are tumors on the brain and spine. After looking closely at the data, the researchers determined that prolonged use (over one year) of three different progestogens led to an increased risk of meningiomas that eventually required surgery to remove. The three medications that were connected to the increased risk of meningiomas were promegestone, medrogestone, and medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera). Depo-Provera had the highest risk (5.6-fold) of meningiomas when compared to the other two oral medications (2.7 and 4.1-fold).
The researchers urge for more studies on Depo-Provera to be conducted. The reason why they want more studies to be conducted as soon as possible is because “the number of attributable meningiomas may be potentially high.”
Who is the manufacturer of Depo-Provera?
Pfizer is the manufacturer of Depo-Provera. Therefore, Pfizer was made aware of the recent study and findings and gave the following statement: “We are aware of this potential risk associated with long-term use of progestogens and, in collaboration with regulatory agencies, are in the process of updating product labels and patient information leaflets with appropriate wording.”
Has there been a recall issued on Depo-Provera?
No, there has not been a recall issued on Depo-Provera injections. However, in 2004, the FDA announced that Pfizer would need to ensure that all Depo-Provera packages had a black box warning on them informing women about the reduced bone mineral density associated with the product and to not take Depo-Provera for more than two years.
Can I sue Pfizer for my brain and spinal tumors caused by Depo-Provera?
Those who have suffered brain and spinal tumors after taking Depo-Provera may be eligible to file a lawsuit and seek financial recovery for their losses. However, it is important to know that in order to take legal action against Pfizer, you must be able to successfully prove that your brain and spinal tumors were directly caused by taking the birth control injection. Therefore, you will need evidence showing that you took Depo-Provera in the past and that you also suffered brain and spinal tumors. Here are some of the forms of evidence that may be able to help you prove this:
- Doctor’s notes
- Medical records
- Surgery records
- Medical bills
- Imaging tests (CT, MRI, or X-ray)
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert witness testimonies
If you or a loved one took Depo-Provera and suffered meningiomas or any other illness or injury, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a Depo-Provera lawsuit attorney from Kwartler Manus, LLC at your earliest opportunity. We know and understand that you are going through a difficult time right now, which is why we will do all we can to hold the pharmaceutical companies liable for your spinal or brain tumors or other injuries associated with taking this birth control injection. We will also inform you of your rights, determine the best course of action to take, and pursue the maximum compensation you need and deserve to rebuild your life again. If you are ready to get started, please contact our team today. We have offices in Philadelphia, PA and Cherry Hill, NJ for your convenience.