Depo-Provera Injection Lawsuit

A substantial number of lawsuits have been launched against Pfizer, the company behind Depo-Provera, a popular contraceptive injection. The plaintiffs in the Depo-Provera lawsuits claim Pfizer failed to warn them about several risks linked to the injection. Depo-Provera has been linked with causing breast cancer, brain tumors, osteoporosis, and infertility.

December 1, 2024

Birth control shots caused brain tumors and speech issues for Nevada mom

November 11, 2024

Depo-Provera can be a very effective birth control method. Users do not need to remember to take the daily pill. Depo Provera can also cause very light periods or no period at all for some women. Depo-Provera can cause weight gain, irregular bleeds, and bone loss.

November 10, 2024

Losing periods can be a relief for many women, as it relieves symptoms like premenstrual anxiety and period pain. Depo Provera may also reduce the risk of ovarian, endometrial, and uterine cancers, as well as endometriosis, pelvic infection, and endometriosis.

November 7, 2024

To qualify for a Depo-Provera suit, the plaintiff must have used Depo-Provera (Pfizer), depo-SubQ Provera (an authorized generic version) at least twice, and be diagnosed with meningioma after use.

November 6, 2024

Depo Provera can cause the following side effects: nausea, bloating and headaches, changes in appetite or weight, fatigue, swelling, acne breakouts, hot flashes, breast tenderness or pain, irritation/pain around the injection site. It is possible to experience vaginal bleeding (spotting), missed/irregular cycles, or irregular periods during the first months of using Depo-Provera.

• November 1, 2024 - There has been medical literature for decades that showed the potential risks of meningiomas with Depo-Provera. Pfizer could have run a registry decades ago.

Right now, Depo Provera lawsuits are at the initial stage. The main concern for lawyers is for more potential claimants to come forward. This will lend weight to the medical evidence in the case, as well as show the scale of the problem with Depo Provera injections. As of the summer of 2024, the lawsuits have been focused on the evidence from new studies, particularly those that link Depo Provera to cancers.

A significant portion of the Depo-Provera lawsuits are focused on a link between the injection and breast cancer. While investigations have been conducted into Depo-Provera and cancer since the 1980s, the first significant study on this link was published in 2012 by the Cancer Research journal. The study found that using Depo-Provera for 12 months or longer was associated with a 2.2-fold increased risk of being diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Since 2012, a combination of public awareness campaigns, advocacy groups, and evidence presented in further studies have influenced the rise in the number of Depo-Provera breast cancer lawsuits against Pfizer.

Some of the lawsuits against Pfizer have been based on the association with Depo-Provera and infertility. As a contraceptive, Depo-Provera works to prevent conception in the short and medium term, but some lawsuit plaintiffs have claimed it has caused longer-term or permanent infertility. Evidence has been drawn to support this from personal testimonials, as well as evidence from wider-ranging studies conducted globally. Certainly, not all women will experience delayed fertility or permanent infertility after discontinuing Depo-Provera use, but even if the number remains small, claimants maintain they deserved to have the full facts about Depo-Provera before they used it.

Depo-Provera has not been recalled by the FDA at the time of writing. The FDA and other organizations will constantly review products like Depo-Provera, taking initiatives like updating warning labels. For example, Depo Provera now carries a boxed warning label over potential loss of bone density when using Depo Provera. In addition, it’s worth noting that bodies like the FDA will carry out risk-benefit analyses when approving products. As such, the FDA may recognize that Depo Provera could be harmful yet deem it not necessary to recall it.

Investigations over the potential risks of Depo Provera have been ongoing for decades. Depo Provera (approved as a contraceptive in the US in 1992) is a brand name for a drug with the active ingredient medroxyprogesterone acetate, which is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. Earlier forms of the drug have been in use since the 1960s. While not all have been proven to be directly caused by Depo Provera, serious risks linked to it include bone density loss, cancer, infertility, brain tumors, heart issues, and severe allergic reactions.

Some women have experienced withdrawal symptoms when stopping Depo Provera injections. As medroxyprogesterone acetate is a synthetic hormone, the body can react to the sudden drop in hormone levels. Symptoms of withdrawal from Depo Provera will vary depending on hormone imbalance, overall health, and other factors, but they may include mood swings, anxiety, weight changes, breast tenderness, irregular periods, and heavy menstrual bleeding.

As with all drugs and medicinal treatments, users of Depo Provera have reported numerous side effects. Physical side effects of Depo Provera may include headaches, joint pain, bleeding, hair loss, acne, allergic reaction around the injection site, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, heavy menstrual bleeding, and breast tenderness.

Depo Provera Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is usually caused by (a combination of) genetic, neurochemical, and environmental factors, so there is no strong evidence to suggest that Depo Provera can act as a trigger. However, there are signs that Depo Provera – or other hormone therapies – may exacerbate bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. Anyone with concerns should speak to a healthcare professional before starting Depo Provera injections. 

Depo Provera Depression

Some of the reported side effects of Depo Provera include depression. As a synthetic hormone injection, Depo Provera may cause hormonal imbalances in women that cause or increase levels of depression.

Depo Provera Mood Swings

As above, hormone treatments may lead to imbalances in how the body regulates emotions. Depo Provera has been linked with mood swings, both when injecting the hormone regularly and when withdrawing from Depo Provera injection courses.

Depo Provera Tiredness

A reported side effect of Depo Provera is tiredness (lethargy). If you have this reaction, you should speak to your doctor to get expert advice.

Depo Provera Libido

Some users of Depo Provera have reported that their libido (sex drive) has fallen since starting the hormone injections. If necessary, check with your healthcare provider.

The most concerning reported long-term side effects include osteoporosis (lowering bone density), infertility, and the increased risk of breast cancer. Some evidence suggests that Depo Provera may have an impact on long-term health issues like cholesterol and blood pressure.

Long-term evidence has shown that most ‘sex’ hormonal injections, such as estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone, can potentially cause mental health issues. Hormones are essential in regulating our emotions. As Depo Provera’s active ingredient is a synthetic form of progesterone, it has been linked with mental health issues. Speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about mental health and Depo Provera; speak to your doctor or healthcare provider.

It’s worth reiterating that those experiencing problems with Depo Provera may encounter them after stopping the contraceptive injections. These issues may include reactions to the sudden hormonal imbalance or physical side effects, such as heavy menstrual bleeding. Again, if you have side effects after stopping Depo Provera, contact your healthcare provider for more advice.

The Depo Provera lawsuits are still at an early stage. Right now, lawyers are asking more women who have had problems with Depo Provera to come forward and join the suit. Payouts and settlements will depend on many factors, including evidence of whether Pfizer knew about the potentially harmful effects of Depo Provera, particularly the links to cancer, infertility, and osteoporosis. Settlement awards, if applicable, would likely be linked to the level of injury caused by Depo Provera. Finally, it’s worth noting that Pfizer has settled a significant Depo Provera lawsuit in Canada before. Pfizer agreed to pay close to $2 million CAD to settle a class action that accused the company of mispresenting the risks of Depo Provera, especially the risk of osteoporosis and related bone density issues.

If you have been injured or suffered mental health issues and believe it is caused by Depo Provera injections, you can speak to an experienced lawyer to see if you qualify for compensation. Lawyers are calling for more women to join the growing number of lawsuits against Pfizer, particularly those with serious issues like cancer, infertility, or osteoporosis.

Is there a lawsuit on Depo-Provera?

Yes. Several lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer, the maker of Depo Provera contraceptive injection.

Can Depo-Provera cause infertility?

Some users of Depo Provera have reported short, medium, and long-term infertility problems.

Does Depo cause ovarian cysts?

As a suppressant of ovulation, it is possible that Depo Provera can cause ovarian cysts. Most ovarian cysts are benign, but you should contact your doctor if you have concerns.

Does the Depo shot have bad side effects?

Some people taking – or coming off – Depo Provera have reported serious side effects, ranging from infertility to mood swings to serious physical issues like osteoporosis. 

What are the symptoms of Depo wearing off?

Everyone will react differently to coming off Depo Provera, with many not feeling any symptoms at all. Reported withdrawal symptoms of Depo Provera include mood swings, increased menstrual bleeding, tiredness, nausea, weight loss/gain, and tenderness around the breasts.

Who Is the Manufacturer of Depo-Provera?

Pfizer. Depo Provera has been produced by Pfizer since it acquired the Pharmacia Corporation in 2003.

Why was Depo banned?

Depo Provera has not yet been banned, nor is it yet subject to an FDA recall. Investigations continue into the potential links between Depo Provera injections and serious issues like cancer, loss of bone density, and fertility problems.