What Is the Depo-Provera Shot?
The Depo-Provera shot is a long-acting injectable contraceptive. It prevents pregnancy by disrupting the menstrual cycle and stopping ovulation.
The Depo shot injection is:
- Given every 3 months, though usually not for more than 2 years
- Utilized by roughly 1 in 4 sexually experienced women in the U.S.
- More commonly used by Black and Hispanic women, those in rural areas, and women without a college degree
- Often chosen for its convenience, since it doesn’t require daily action like oral contraceptives
- Now linked to meningiomas, a type of brain or spinal cord tumor
Recent studies have shown that women who use Depo-Provera for over a year have an increased risk of developing meningiomas, which can cause serious neurological issues. However, patients in the U.S. weren’t warned about this risk.
At Sokolove Law, we’re committed to helping women seek justice after a meningioma diagnosis. Our firm has already secured over $1.6 Billion total for clients injured by dangerous drugs and medical devices.
Our experienced Depo shot attorneys may be able to file a lawsuit on your behalf. Let us get you the money you deserve.
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Who Manufactures Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is currently manufactured by Pfizer Inc., one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.
This contraceptive was initially developed by the Upjohn Company, which later merged with Pharmacia in the 1990s to create Pharmacia & Upjohn. Pfizer acquired the company in 2003.
Since then, Pfizer has continued to manufacture and distribute Depo-Provera to millions of women worldwide.
How Does Depo-Provera Work?
Depo-Provera is often used to help avoid unwanted pregnancies. The injections release a synthetic hormone into the body that reduces the likelihood of conception in 3 main ways.
To prevent pregnancies, Depo-Provera:
- Stops the ovaries from releasing an egg
- Thickens the cervical mucus to block sperm
- Thins the uterine lining to reduce the chances of a fertilized egg implanting
Depo-Provera shots are typically administered every 3 months and can be given at home, at your doctor’s office, or at a pharmacy. They’re considered highly effective when used correctly.
However, the risk of serious side effects like meningiomas may increase when this medication is taken for more than 1 year.
What Is in the Depo-Provera Shot?
The Depo-Provera shot contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic progestin designed to mimic the effects of the hormone progesterone.
Meningiomas often have progesterone receptors that make them sensitive to medroxyprogesterone acetate. Each Depo-Provera injection typically contains 150 mg of this synthetic hormone, which may contribute to the development of these tumors.
Inactive ingredients in Depo-Provera include polyethylene glycol 3350, polysorbate 80, sodium chloride, methylparaben, propylparaben, and water.
How Often Is Depo-Provera Given?
Depo-Provera is usually administered every 12 to 13 weeks, or about once every 3 months. Missed or delayed doses can increase the risk of unintended pregnancy.
Some women choose to stop receiving the injection for a time and resume it later in life, during which time fertility may return if no other form of birth control is used.
However, Depo-Provera is only intended for temporary use. While Pfizer recommends not taking this medication for longer than 2 years, studies have shown that just 4 Depo-Provera injections can increase your risk of meningiomas.
Can Depo-Provera Cause Brain Tumors?
Depo-Provera has been linked to an increased risk of brain tumors known as meningiomas in patients who have used the medication for an extended period.
Researchers found that women who used Depo-Provera for longer than 1 year (or received at least 4 doses) are over 5 times more likely to develop a meningioma, according to The BMJ.
The elevated risk is thought to stem from the way meningiomas respond to hormones. These tumors frequently have progesterone receptors, and prolonged exposure to the synthetic hormone in Depo-Provera may trigger tumor development by activating these receptors.
Meningiomas are typically slow-growing, noncancerous tumors that form in the tissue surrounding the brain or spinal cord. They can cause serious neurological symptoms and other health issues as they press on different parts of the brain or spine.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if you may be able to file a Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuit. It costs nothing to speak with us.
What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Tumor from Depo-Provera?
Symptoms of a meningioma, the type of brain tumor linked to long-term Depo-Provera use, can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor.
Depo-Provera brain tumor symptoms may include:
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking
- Headaches
- Hearing loss
- Loss of smell
- Memory difficulties
- Seizures
- Vision problems
- Weakness in the arms or legs
In some cases, symptoms may develop slowly over time, making them easy to overlook. If you've used Depo-Provera and begin experiencing any of these issues, consider making an appointment with your doctor.
What Is the Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
Hundreds of women have filed Depo-Provera lawsuits against Pfizer, claiming the birth control shot caused them to develop meningioma tumors.
Depo shot lawsuits allege that Pfizer knew about the link between Depo-Provera and meningiomas, but they didn’t include this risk on the drug’s warning label in the United States.
In fact, countries like Canada and those in the European Union previously added warnings about meningiomas to the drug’s packaging, but American patients and providers were left in the dark.
Women who were diagnosed with a meningioma after using Depo-Provera may be eligible to take legal action against the drug’s manufacturer and seek compensation.
When Did the Depo-Provera Lawsuit Start?
The first Depo-Provera lawsuit was filed in October 2024 by Kristina Schmidt, who received approximately 64 injections of Depo-Provera or an authorized generic between 2005 and 2021.
In 2022, Schmidt was diagnosed with a meningioma after experiencing headaches, vertigo, and dizziness. She had brain surgery to remove the tumor and was forced to miss more than a month of work during her recovery.
Schmidt claimed she didn’t learn about the connection between Depo-Provera and brain tumors until March 2024, when a study was released that linked long-term use of the contraceptive to an increased risk of meningiomas.
This study helped many women draw a connection between their brain tumor diagnoses and their use of Depo-Provera, leading them to take legal action against Pfizer. As of August 2025, at least 550 Depo shot lawsuits have been filed.
Can I Sue Depo-Provera?
Yes. If you used Depo-Provera or an authorized generic and were later diagnosed with a meningioma, you may be able to sue the manufacturer of Depo-Provera.
Patients have the right to be fully informed about the risks of any medication they use. By pursuing legal action, women who developed meningiomas may be able to receive a Depo-Provera settlement to help with medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Depo-Provera Lawsuit: How to File
If you developed a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, you may be able to join hundreds of other women and take legal action against Pfizer for failing to warn about this risk.
To file a Depo-Provera lawsuit, contact an experienced dangerous drug lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options. Your lawyer can then gather evidence to file a strong case on your behalf and handle the settlement negotiations or trial process.
An experienced Depo shot lawyer can help make the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible while also improving your chances of securing compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File?
State laws called statutes of limitations determine how long you have to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit. In some states, you may have as little as 1 year, while in others you may have up to 6 years.
It’s important to get started with your claim as soon as possible, so you don’t miss your chance for justice.
Let Sokolove Law Fight for You
We have over 45 years of experience filing dangerous drug claims for families nationwide. See if you may qualify for a Depo-Provera lawsuit now.
When Did Depo-Provera Come Out?
The key ingredient in Depo-Provera, medroxyprogesterone acetate, was first developed in the early 1950s. It was designed to help with menstrual issues and other gynecological conditions. However, the drug’s intended use varied over time.
Find out more about the history of Depo-Provera:
- 1954: Medroxyprogesterone acetate, the active ingredient in Depo-Provera, is first synthesized by the Upjohn Company
- 1958: Clinical trials begin to evaluate Depo-Provera for treating conditions like endometriosis and threatened miscarriage
- 1959: The Depo shot receives initial FDA approval for treating issues like abnormal uterine bleeding and habitual miscarriage
- 1967: After noticing that women using Depo-Provera for premature labor had a delayed return of fertility, Upjohn applies for FDA approval to market Depo-Provera as a contraceptive
- 1974: Depo-Provera receives approval and becomes available in the U.S. as a contraceptive
- 1978: The FDA withdraws approval of Depo-Provera as a contraceptive due to concerns over potential health risks, including cancer
- 1992: After additional safety studies were conducted, the FDA reapproved Depo-Provera as a birth control option
Since 1992, Depo-Provera has been widely available to women in the United States and used by millions as a long-acting contraceptive.
What Was Depo-Provera Used For?
Originally, Depo-Provera was prescribed to women with certain gynecological conditions, like:
- Endometriosis
- Irregular uterine bleeding
- Recurrent miscarriages
The drug’s hormone-based effects were believed to help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce inflammation.
Over time, Depo-Provera also became widely used as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancies. Today, it’s commonly referred to as the birth control shot.
When Was Depo-Provera Invented?
Medroxyprogesterone acetate, Depo-Provera’s active ingredient, was first synthesized by the Upjohn Company in 1954. However, it was originally developed to help with issues like endometriosis and miscarriages.
By the 1970s, it was on the market in the United States as an injectable contraceptive known as Depo-Provera. Although it temporarily lost FDA approval, it was reapproved in 1992 following the completion of additional safety studies.
Why Was Depo-Provera Banned?
In 1978, the FDA reversed their approval of Depo-Provera due to concerns that the drug could increase the risk of cancer. At the time, studies raised questions about the birth control shot’s long-term safety.
It wasn't until 1992 that Depo-Provera was approved again for birth control in the U.S., after further safety reviews.
When Was Depo-Provera Approved by the FDA?
Depo-Provera was first approved by the FDA in 1959 to manage certain gynecological conditions, but it wasn’t cleared to be used for birth control at that time.
In 1974, the FDA approved Depo-Provera as a contraceptive, but this approval was withdrawn in 1978 due to concerns about potential cancer risks. After further review, the FDA reapproved Depo-Provera for contraceptive use in 1992.
What Are the Side Effects of Depo-Provera?
Because Depo-Provera is a hormone-based injection, it can affect multiple systems throughout the body. Some women may experience mild to moderate side effects, while others may have more serious reactions.
In some cases, Depo-Provera use has also been linked to the development of brain tumors. If this occurs, neurological symptoms may appear.
Side effects of Depo-Provera may include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Vision changes
If you received more than 4 Depo shot injections, it’s important to continue monitoring for symptoms of a brain tumor, even after you’ve stopped the medication.
Can Depo-Provera Cause Headaches?
Headaches are a common side effect of Depo-Provera, especially during the first few months of use. As your body adjusts to the hormonal changes, the headaches may become less frequent or go away altogether.
However, if you experience ongoing or severe headaches after extended Depo-Provera use, talk to your doctor. In rare cases, persistent headaches could be a sign of a more serious issue, like a brain tumor caused by the birth control shot.
Can Depo-Provera Cause Seizures?
While seizures are not a common direct side effect of Depo-Provera, there is a link between the drug and meningioma tumors, which may cause seizures.
If a patient develops a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, the tumor may grow and press against nearby brain tissue. This can interfere with normal electrical signaling and potentially trigger seizure activity.
Our team is standing by to answer any questions you may have about your meningioma and the Depo shot. Call (800) 995-1212 now.
How Long Can You Be on Depo-Provera?
According to Pfizer, patients should not use Depo-Provera for more than 2 years unless they have no other birth control options available to them.
This recommendation is based on the potential for serious long-term side effects, like bone density loss.
However, some studies have found that serious side effects may emerge even sooner. Being on Depo-Provera for over a year, for example, can lead to an increased risk of meningiomas.
Can You Be on Depo-Provera Long Term?
While some women use Depo-Provera for years, long-term use has been linked to health concerns. In fact, the risk of developing brain or spinal tumors known as meningiomas increases by 450% after just 1 year of use, according to the BMJ.
Since Depo-Provera is administered every 3 months, this risk applies to those who have received 4 or more injections. If you begin experiencing symptoms like vision changes ot headaches, talk with your doctor about your history of Depo-Provera use.
Do I Need a Depo Shot Lawyer?
If you developed a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, an experienced Depo shot lawyer may be able to help you take legal action and improve your chances of receiving compensation.
Depo-Provera claims are incredibly complex, requiring extensive knowledge of both medical evidence and product liability laws. Having an attorney on your side can even the playing field against Pfizer, which has vast resources and a powerful legal team.
A birth control shot lawyer can also handle every step of the legal process for you, from gathering evidence and filing your claim to negotiating settlements on your behalf. This way, you can stay focused on your health and your loved ones.
Why Choose Sokolove Law?
At Sokolove Law, we’re committed to helping women across the country seek justice and compensation for brain tumors caused by the birth control shot.
Find out why families put their trust in our Depo-Provera law firm:
- Over 45 years of experience taking on powerful companies like Pfizer
- No upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our team
- Ability to help families in all 50 states
- More than $1.6 Billion secured for patients harmed by dangerous drugs and medical devices
We have the resources and skills needed to fight for the results you deserve. Let us help you take the first step toward justice.
"I finally reached a law firm that truly understands the gravity of damage done by the Depo manufacturer."
– Syble, Depo-Provera Victim in Georgia
Call (800) 995-1212 now or fill out our contact form to get started with a free, no-obligation case review.
Top Depo-Provera Questions
Depo-Provera injections are shots that are given every 3 months in order to prevent pregnancy. They contain medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone.
If you were diagnosed with a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, you are not alone. Get a free case review now to see if you may qualify for the Depo-Provera litigation.
Depo-Provera is a form of birth control. It works by preventing ovulation, which means it stops the body from releasing an egg each month.
This medication also thickens cervical mucus to block sperm from entering the uterus and thins the lining of the uterus, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant.
The drug’s warning label recommends that patients stop using Depo-Provera after 2 years, unless no other options are available.
However, studies have shown that even after just 1 year of taking this medication, patients face an increased risk of tumors known as meningiomas.
Call (800) 995-1212 now if you developed a meningioma after taking Depo-Provera. You may be eligible for compensation from a birth control shot lawsuit.
Using Depo-Provera for over a year can increase a patient’s risk of brain and spinal tumors called meningiomas.
Women who have gotten at least 4 Depo-Provera injections are 450% more likely to develop a meningioma, according to the BMJ. The tumors may cause serious health issues, with some patients undergoing major surgery to remove their meningiomas.
In some cases, patients taking Depo-Provera have developed a tumor in the tissue surrounding their brain or spinal cord, which is known as a meningioma.
These tumors can lead to changes in vision, hearing loss, seizures, dizziness, and other neurological side effects.
Yes. Depo-Provera contains a synthetic hormone called progestin, which mimics progesterone and can interact with hormone-sensitive tissues in the body. Some types of tumors, like meningiomas, have progesterone receptors that respond to progestin.
As a result, long-term use of Depo-Provera (4 or more injections) may increase the risk of developing brain or spinal tumors.
Yes. Mood swings are a reported side effect of Depo-Provera and are usually caused by the hormonal changes triggered by the medication. Many women experience emotional ups and downs as their bodies adjust to the synthetic hormone.
However, sudden or severe mood changes after long-term use could also be a sign of more serious issues, like brain tumors linked to Depo-Provera. These tumors can affect brain function and lead to changes in mood or behavior.
Yes. Research suggests that women who use Depo-Provera for longer than a year are over 5 times more likely to develop meningiomas.
This increased risk is believed to be related to hormone receptors found in meningiomas that respond to the synthetic progestin in Depo-Provera. Prolonged exposure to this hormone may stimulate tumor growth.
Depo-Provera’s contraceptive approval was withdrawn by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in 1978 amid concerns over cancer risks raised by early studies. After additional safety evaluations, the FDA reinstated its approval for birth control use in 1992.
The lawsuit against Depo-Provera alleges that Pfizer, the drug’s manufacturer, failed to warn users that the birth control shot can increase the risk of brain and spinal tumors known as meningiomas.
Hundreds of women who developed meningiomas after using Depo-Provera have filed lawsuits to seek compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if you may qualify for a Depo-Provera lawsuit. It costs nothing to speak with us.
To join the Depo-Provera lawsuit, contact a law firm as soon as possible after your meningioma diagnosis. A lawyer will be able to review your case, ensure it qualifies for litigation, and get your claim filed within any legal deadlines.
If you’re eligible to take legal action, Sokolove Law may be able to file the lawsuit on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to get started for free.
