Depo-Provera Lawsuit: Drug Labels Warned of Meningioma in Other Countries but Not United States

Why would a pharmaceutical company place warnings on a drug’s label in some countries and not others?

Lawsuits are being filed over claims that the injectable contraceptive Depo-Provera is linked to the development of certain tumors and that warning labels for the drug omit key information in the United States that has been added to warning labels in other countries.

The European Union and United Kingdom labels now list meningioma, a tumor that grows in the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, under “special warnings and precautions for use” on drug labels. The European labels also advise patients to speak with their doctors before being administered Depo-Provera if they have a history of meningioma.

The Canadian label for the drug has also mentioned meningiomas as a potential “post-market adverse drug reaction” for nearly 10 years.

Unfortunately, no such warnings are on the American labels for the exact same drug.

The American FDA sometimes approves food and drugs that European regulators would ban and vice versa, and this labeling inconsistency may become a key point in the growing litigation involving Depo-Provera.

If you believe that you or someone you love has experienced adverse effects from taking Depo-Provera, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options. 

What Is a Meningioma?

Meningiomas are tumors that form in the meninges: the tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord. They are typically benign but can still cause serious health issues and may require surgery to remove.

Symptoms of a meningioma can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor, but common signs include:

• Headaches
• Seizures
• Vision problems
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Numbness or weakness in the limbs
• Cognitive or memory issues

Some meningiomas may grow slowly and remain asymptomatic for years, only being discovered incidentally during imaging for unrelated issues.

Why Are Women Filing Lawsuits Against Depo-Provera?

Lawsuits have been filed that claim that Depo-Provera’s manufacturers, such as Pfizer, Viatris, Greenstone LLC, and Prasco Labs, failed to warn customers about the risks of developing a meningioma.

The first named victim in the lawsuit had received regular injections for nearly 20 years until she began having memory issues and headaches while also experiencing lethargy and disorientation. An MRI revealed that she had developed a tumor that caused fluid to accumulate in her brain. She needed a serious surgical procedure to remove the mass.

Another victim started having headaches, vertigo, and blurred vision after 20 years of Depo-Provera usage. A CT scan uncovered a meningioma, but doctors were not comfortable removing it due to the risks involved with its location near the brain and its significant calcification.

Pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer and Viatris shouldn’t have withheld warnings about the risks of taking a medication, and a medication with such side effects should have never gone to market.

What Should I Do If I've Taken Depo-Provera?

If you experience adverse side effects from taking Depo-Provera, stop use and seek medical attention immediately. Even if your symptoms seem minor, some meningiomas can take years to show symptoms or cause issues, so be sure to get a proper medical evaluation, as these conditions can worsen over time.

Follow the directions of your healthcare provider and document your treatments. This may be used as evidence should you need to file a lawsuit against those responsible for your health issues.

Also important, contact Morgan & Morgan to learn more about your legal options, including who is at fault for your meningiomas and what compensation you may be owed. You can help hold negligent companies accountable for putting consumers at risk and prevent this from happening to others.

Don’t wait. You can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.