Depo-Provera is an injectable birth control that contains a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. This “birth control shot” is administered every 3 months. Depo-Provera prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries).
Depo-Provera Lawsuits
What is Depo-Provera?
Side Effects of Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera, a widely used injectable contraceptive, offers effective long-term birth control with the convenience of a single injection every three months. However, like all medications, it comes with potential side effects that users should be aware of. Below is an overview of the common and less common side effects of Depo-Provera.
- Menstrual Changes: Irregular menstrual bleeding is a common side effect, especially in the first few months of use. Some users may experience heavier or lighter periods, or their periods may stop altogether.
- Weight Gain: Some women report weight gain while using Depo-Provera.
- Bone Density: Long-term use has been associated with decreased bone mineral density, which may increase the risk of osteoporosis. This risk may be reversible after discontinuation of the drug.
- Other Side Effects: Other potential side effects include headaches, breast tenderness, mood changes, and a delay in the return of fertility after stopping the injections.
Although the majority of side effects are listed for Depo-Provera, there are unlisted possible side effects of this drug that have risen. Meningioma is a type of tumor that develops from the meninges, the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas are typically slow-growing and most are benign (noncancerous), though some can be malignant (cancerous) or atypical (somewhere between benign and malignant).
How Serious is Meningioma?
Meningiomas arise from the meninges, specifically from the arachnoid cap cells in the arachnoid layer, which is one of the three layers of the meninges. Meningiomas tend to grow slowly, often over many years, and may not cause symptoms until they reach a significant size.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a meningioma depend on its size and location. Common symptoms include:
– Headaches
– Seizures
– Weakness in limbs, vision problems, hearing loss, or speech difficulties.
– Memory loss, personality changes, or difficulty concentrating.
– Pain or Numbness
Treatment options for meningiomas depend on various factors including the size, location, and growth rate of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health and symptoms. Common treatments include:
- Observation: Small, asymptomatic meningiomas may be monitored with regular imaging tests to track growth.
- Surgery: Surgical removal is often the preferred treatment, especially for accessible tumors causing symptoms.
- Radiation Therapy: Used to target and shrink tumors that cannot be completely removed surgically, or for those that recur.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery: A precise form of radiation therapy that targets the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
- Medications: In some cases, medications may be used to manage symptoms or slow tumor growth.
If you’ve taken Depo-Provera, it’s best to talk with your primary care physician about the potential risks of developing meningioma.
First Depo-Provera Lawsuits
The first significant lawsuit involving Depo-Provera was filed in 2006 in Youngstown, Ohio. The lawsuit was centered around the drug’s side effects, particularly its association with a decrease in bone mineral density and other health risks.
In the early 2000s, numerous lawsuits were filed against Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, alleging that the company failed to adequately warn users about these potential risks.
Who is Responsible if I Develop Side Effects From Depo-Provera?
Consumers trust that their products, especially medications, are safe and effective. Holding manufacturers, such as Pfizer Inc. liable ensures they maintain high safety standards. If a drug causes harm due to manufacturing defects, inadequate warnings, or improper marketing, the manufacturer should be held accountable for causing injury.
If you or a loved one has developed serious side effects from using Depo-Provera, product manufacturer Pfizer Inc. should be named responsible. Hiring experienced attorneys in Mass Tort law would be best for your potential case. Our nationwide product liability lawyers are knowledgeable and trained in product liability laws.
Contact Our Product Liability Lawyers Today
Meningiomas are a common type of brain tumor that originates from the meninges. While they are often benign and slow-growing, their impact on health can vary greatly depending on their size and location. Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial in managing meningiomas and improving patient outcomes.
If you or a loved one has taken Depo-Provera and developed life-threatening side effects, contact Freese and Goss today for a FREE consultation. Our product liability lawyers have helped individuals all across the US and can give legal guidance regarding your potential Depo-Provera case.