Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuit Today Update, File NOW Before Statute of Limitations Expires—$100K-$500K+ Settlements Expected (1,225+ Claims Filed)

CRITICAL ALERT: Over 1,225 women have filed Depo-Provera lawsuits after developing meningioma brain tumors from the birth control shot. Research published in The BMJ reveals women using Depo-Provera for just one year are 5.6 times more likely to develop brain tumors requiring surgery—yet Pfizer still hasn’t updated U.S. warning labels. All cases are consolidated in MDL-3140 in the Northern District of Florida under Judge M. Casey Rodgers, with bellwether trials projected for 2026 and settlement negotiations expected to begin soon. Attorneys estimate compensation between $100,000 to $500,000+ depending on injury severity, with some meningioma verdicts exceeding $3 million.

If you used Depo-Provera for one year or longer and developed a brain tumor, your time to file may be running out—state statutes of limitations could bar your claim forever.

What Is the Depo-Provera Class Action Lawsuit About?

The Depo-Provera litigation involves over 1,225 product liability lawsuits consolidated in federal multidistrict litigation (MDL-3140) against Pfizer Inc., Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC, and other manufacturers. Women allege these companies failed to warn that prolonged use of Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) significantly increases the risk of intracranial meningiomas—brain tumors that can cause devastating neurological symptoms.

The Core Legal Problem: Decades of Concealed Risk

Pfizer allegedly knew about the link between synthetic progesterone and meningiomas since at least 1983—nearly a decade before the FDA approved Depo-Provera for contraception in 1992. Studies linking progestins to tumor growth through progesterone receptors have been published for over 40 years, yet Pfizer never added meningioma warnings to U.S. labels.

The March 2024 BMJ study analyzing 18,000 women who underwent surgery for meningiomas found that Depo-Provera users faced a 555% increased risk of developing brain tumors requiring surgical intervention. Women who began injections after age 31 or used the shot for four years or more faced the highest risk.

Why U.S. Women Were Left in the Dark

While Pfizer updated Depo-Provera labels in the United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada to warn about meningioma risks, U.S. warning labels still contain no mention of brain tumors. Lawsuits allege Pfizer prioritized profits over patient safety, withholding critical information from American women and the FDA.

What Are Intracranial Meningiomas and Why Are They Dangerous?

Meningiomas are tumors that grow in the protective layers of tissue (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While approximately 85-90% are non-cancerous (benign), they can still be life-threatening.

Symptoms Women Are Experiencing:

Women with Depo-Provera-induced meningiomas report severe and debilitating symptoms:

Neurological Problems:

• Chronic severe headaches and migraines
• Vertigo and dizziness
• Double vision and blurred vision
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty understanding speech (some women reported people sounded like they were speaking foreign languages)
• Balance issues and coordination problems
• Seizures

Physical Complications:

• Tremors
• Numbness or weakness in limbs
• Facial numbness or paralysis
• Hearing loss or ringing in ears

Treatment Consequences:

• Invasive brain surgery (craniotomy)
• Radiation therapy
• Lifelong monitoring with repeated MRI scans
• Permanent neurological deficits
• Ongoing symptoms even after tumor removal

Real Case: Anita Petersen’s Wrongful Death

In July 2025, the family of Anita Petersen filed a wrongful death lawsuit after the 47-year-old Texas woman died in October 2024. An autopsy revealed she died from bleeding caused by an intracranial meningioma, which her family attributes to using Depo-Provera between 2006 and 2012.

What Is the Current Status of the Depo-Provera MDL?

Case Name: In re: Depo-Provera (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) Products Liability Litigation
MDL Number: MDL-3140
Court: U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
Judge: Hon. M. Casey Rodgers
Date Consolidated: February 2025
Current Case Count: Over 1,225 federal claims (as of November 2025), plus hundreds more in state courts

Rapid Growth Signals Widespread Harm

The MDL experienced explosive growth:

• March 2025: 78 cases
• April 2025: 130 cases
• May 2025: 289 cases
• June 2025: 348 cases (20.4% monthly increase)
• July 2025: 435 cases (25% monthly increase)
• August 2025: 550+ cases
• November 2025: 1,225+ cases filed

This unprecedented growth rate reflects both the widespread use of Depo-Provera (24.5% of sexually active U.S. women have used it) and increasing public awareness of the brain tumor connection.

Parallel State Court Litigation

In addition to the federal MDL, significant state court dockets are developing:

• California: 19 cases filed
• New York: 71 cases filed
• Connecticut: 12 cases filed
• Illinois, Missouri, Massachusetts, Nevada: Multiple cases pending

State court venues often produce larger verdicts due to more favorable plaintiff laws and jury pools.

Critical September 2025 Preemption Hearing: What’s at Stake?

Date: September 29, 2025
Issue: Pfizer’s Motion to Dismiss Based on Federal Preemption

Pfizer is arguing it cannot be sued under state law because the FDA allegedly prevented them from adding meningioma warnings to Depo-Provera labels. This is a technical legal defense attempting to avoid liability by blaming federal regulators.

Plaintiffs’ Powerful Rebuttal

The opposition brief filed by plaintiffs’ attorneys exposes critical flaws in Pfizer’s preemption defense:

Pfizer Never Gave FDA the Full Picture:

• Downplayed epidemiological studies showing tumor risks
• Ignored decades of mechanistic evidence linking synthetic progesterone to meningiomas
• Provided more detailed risk information to European and Canadian regulators than to the FDA

FDA Never Rejected an Adequate Warning:
The 2024 Complete Response Letter Pfizer received was NOT a final rejection. Pfizer’s subsequent decision to pull low-dose versions of Depo-Provera while resubmitting with new data proves that stronger warnings were always possible.

Vague Label References Are Insufficient:
A generic, class-wide mention of meningioma doesn’t satisfy Pfizer’s duty to warn about the specific, heightened risk tied to high-dose injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate.

Legal experts predict Pfizer’s preemption motion will likely fail, allowing the litigation to proceed to discovery and bellwether trials.

Who Qualifies to File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?

Basic Eligibility Requirements:

✅ Used Depo-Provera for at least one year (multiple injections given every 3 months)
✅ Diagnosed with intracranial meningioma (brain or spine tumor)
✅ Required or scheduled surgery and/or radiation to treat the tumor

Qualifying Tumor Types (Per Pretrial Order No. 23):

The following diagnoses make you eligible:

• Meningioma
• Intracranial meningioma
• Cranial meningioma
• Brain meningioma
• Meninges tumor
• Arachnoid tumor (but NOT arachnoid cyst)
• Convexity meningioma
• Falcine meningioma
• Parasagittal meningioma
• Intraventricular meningioma
• Skull base meningioma
• Sphenoid wing meningioma
• Olfactory groove meningioma
• Posterior fossa/petrous meningioma
• Suprasellar meningioma
• Recurrent meningioma
• Foramen magnum meningioma
• Meningothelial meningioma
• Fibrous meningioma
• Psammomatous meningioma
• Angiomatous meningioma
• Secretory meningioma

You May STILL Qualify Even If:

✅ You stopped using Depo-Provera years ago
✅ You used generic versions of medroxyprogesterone
✅ You also used Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (lower-dose version)
✅ You’re no longer receiving treatment
✅ Your tumor was successfully removed
✅ You have multiple meningiomas

CRITICAL: The statute of limitations clock may not start ticking until you reasonably could have known about the connection between Depo-Provera and your tumor—which for most women wasn’t until the March 2024 BMJ study was published. However, deadlines vary by state, so act immediately.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive?

While no global settlement has been announced, attorneys are providing settlement projections based on similar pharmaceutical injury cases and past meningioma litigation outcomes.

Projected Settlement Ranges (Tiered Structure Expected):

Tier 1 (Severe Cases): $300,000 – $500,000+

• Multiple brain tumors
• Required craniotomy (brain surgery)
• Permanent neurological deficits
• Ongoing radiation therapy
• Cannot return to work
• Significant quality of life impairment

Tier 2 (Moderate Cases): $150,000 – $300,000

• Single meningioma requiring surgery
• Temporary work disability
• Radiation therapy
• Recovered function but with ongoing symptoms
• Regular monitoring required

Tier 3 (Less Severe Cases): $75,000 – $150,000

• Meningioma diagnosed but surgery not yet required
• Monitoring with regular MRI scans
• Medication management
• Mild to moderate symptoms

Factors Influencing Your Settlement Amount:

Medical Severity:

• Tumor size, location, and grade
• Number of tumors (single vs. multiple)
• Type of treatment required (surgery, radiation, observation)
• Permanent vs. temporary disabilities

Economic Damages:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Cost of lifelong monitoring and follow-up care

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Impact on relationships and family

Case-Specific Factors:

• Length of Depo-Provera use (longer use = higher risk evidence)
• Age when tumors developed
• Your medical history and documentation
• Strength of causation evidence

Historical Comparison Data:

Past Meningioma Lawsuit Outcomes:

• Average meningioma settlement: $867,555
• Average meningioma jury verdict: $3 million+

Similar Pharmaceutical Settlements:

• Risperdal (gynecomastia): $500,000 – $2.5 million
• Taxotere (permanent hair loss): $100,000 – $500,000
• Vioxx (heart attack/stroke): $100,000 – $1.39 million

2021 Depo-Provera Canadian Settlement Precedent

In 2021, Pfizer paid over $2 million in a class action settlement for Depo-Provera in Canada—but that case involved bone density loss, a less severe side effect than brain tumors. This suggests Depo-Provera brain tumor settlements could be substantially higher.

How to File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Contact a Pharmaceutical Injury Attorney

Why You Need a Lawyer:

• MDL procedures are complex and require specialized expertise
• Top law firms handle these cases on contingency (no upfront costs)
• Attorneys have access to medical experts who strengthen your claim
• Law firms track critical deadlines and filing requirements
• Experienced attorneys know how to maximize settlement value

What to Look For:

• Experience with pharmaceutical mass torts and MDL litigation
• Track record of securing substantial settlements for clients
• Free case evaluation with no obligation
• Contingency fee structure (only pay if you win)
• Resources to fight against Pfizer’s billion-dollar legal team

Step 2: Gather Your Medical Records

Your attorney will need documentation proving:

• Depo-Provera prescriptions and injection dates
• Medical records showing duration of use
• Diagnostic imaging (MRI/CT scans) confirming meningioma
• Pathology reports identifying tumor type
• Treatment records (surgery reports, radiation therapy, medications)
• Ongoing monitoring and follow-up care

Recent Court Order Helps Victims: In April 2025, Judge Rodgers issued an order removing barriers for women retrieving medical records. The court is actively working to make the filing process more accessible.

Step 3: Complete Required Documentation

Proof of Use and Injury Questionnaire:
Per Pretrial Order #22 (issued May 2025), each plaintiff must submit a detailed questionnaire documenting:

• Dates and duration of Depo-Provera use
• Healthcare providers who prescribed/administered injections
• Pharmacies that filled prescriptions
• Diagnosis dates and tumor characteristics
• Treatment history and current medical status

Medical Authorization Forms:
You’ll need to sign releases allowing your attorney to obtain medical records from all relevant providers.

Step 4: File in MDL-3140

Your attorney will file your case directly into the federal MDL in the Northern District of Florida. You can join the MDL regardless of which state you live in—the federal court system allows nationwide consolidation for pretrial proceedings.

Step 5: Participate in Discovery and Case Development

What Happens Next:

Discovery Phase (2025-2026):

• Both sides exchange evidence and documents
• Deposition testimony from plaintiffs, doctors, and Pfizer employees
• Expert witness reports on causation and damages
• Review of Pfizer’s internal documents regarding meningioma risks

Bellwether Trial Selection (2026):

• Courts select representative “test cases” for early trials
• These trials help establish settlement baselines
• Strong bellwether verdicts increase overall settlement values

Settlement Negotiations (2026-2027):

• If bellwether trials succeed, Pfizer will likely propose global settlement
• Individual case values determined by tier assignments
• You can accept or reject settlement offers

Trial Option:

• If you reject settlement, your case returns to your home district for individual trial
• Risk vs. reward: trials can yield higher verdicts but take longer and carry uncertainty

What Documentation Do You Need to Prove Your Claim?

The good news: You don’t need perfect records to file. The court recognizes that many women face documentation challenges.

Essential Documents (If Available):

✅ Depo-Provera prescription records
✅ Pharmacy fill history
✅ Injection administration records from doctor’s office
✅ MRI or CT scan reports showing meningioma
✅ Pathology reports from biopsy or surgery
✅ Neurology/neurosurgery consultation notes
✅ Operative reports if you had craniotomy
✅ Radiation oncology treatment records

What If You Don’t Have Complete Records?

Court Provides Alternatives:
Judge Rodgers’ orders acknowledge documentation gaps and allow for:

• Affidavits or sworn statements about Depo-Provera use
• Insurance claim records showing injections
• Testimony from prescribing physicians
• Medical records from other providers who documented Depo use

Pfizer May Be Required to Help:
The court has requested information from Pfizer that could help fill gaps in women’s medical records, potentially making it easier to prove your claim.

Why Pfizer Hasn’t Updated U.S. Warning Labels

Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, Pfizer continues selling Depo-Provera in the United States without brain tumor warnings.

International Label Changes Pfizer Made:

United Kingdom (October 2024):
Package leaflet now instructs: “Tell your doctor if you have any history of meningioma.”

European Union (October 2024):
Added specific meningioma warnings to prescribing information.

Australia and New Zealand:
Labels state: “Meningiomas have been reported following long term administration of progestins, including MPA.”

Canada:
Updated warnings about progesterone-related tumor risks.

But NOT in the United States

Lawsuits allege Pfizer’s refusal to update U.S. labels stems from financial motives—warning about brain tumors would devastate sales of this highly profitable contraceptive.

Pfizer’s 2024 Label Change Was Inadequate

In July 2024, Pfizer made minor changes to prescribing guidelines but still didn’t add clear consumer warnings about meningiomas. The company only brought meningioma information to the FDA after the March 2024 BMJ study went public—decades after the risk was scientifically established.

What Happens If Pfizer Wins the Preemption Motion?

If Judge Rodgers grants Pfizer’s federal preemption defense, the federal MDL cases could be sent back to state courts. However, most legal experts consider this outcome unlikely.

Why Preemption Will Probably Fail:

Learned Intermediary Doctrine Still Applies:
Even under federal preemption, Pfizer had a duty to provide adequate warnings to prescribing physicians, which plaintiffs argue it failed to do.

Failure to Investigate and Report:
Pfizer’s duty to continuously investigate safety issues and report findings to the FDA is independent of whether FDA approved specific label language.

Evidence Pfizer Withheld Information:
If Pfizer concealed or downplayed meningioma risks in its communications with the FDA, federal preemption doesn’t apply.

If Preemption Succeeds:

Cases would return to state courts where they were originally filed. This could actually benefit plaintiffs in some ways:

• State courts often have more plaintiff-friendly juries
• No federal damage caps in state product liability cases
• Potential for punitive damages more readily available
• Ability to sue under state consumer protection laws

Who Else Is Being Sued Besides Pfizer?

The lawsuits name multiple defendants responsible for manufacturing and distributing Depo-Provera:

Primary Defendants:

• Pfizer Inc. (parent company and primary manufacturer)
• Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC (Pfizer subsidiary that produces Depo-Provera)
• Greenstone LLC (Pfizer-owned generic manufacturer)

Generic Manufacturers:

• A-S Medication Solutions
• Prasco Laboratories
• Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc.

New Trend: Suing Healthcare Providers

A November 2024 lawsuit filed by Madison Le in California’s Alameda County broke new ground by also naming:

• Kaiser Permanente International
• Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc.
• The Permanente Medical Group Inc.

Le’s attorneys argue these healthcare entities knew or should have known about Depo-Provera dangers through their own independent research and verification processes, yet continued profiting from administering the injections.

This expansion of defendants could significantly increase overall settlement funds available.

Real Women’s Stories: The Human Cost of Pfizer’s Failure to Warn

Monique Jones: Living With an Inoperable Tumor

Monique Jones filed one of the first Depo-Provera lawsuits in October 2024 after developing a cerebral meningioma. Her doctors refuse to perform surgery because the tumor is highly calcified and located in a dangerous brain region—operating would be too invasive and risky.

Jones lives every day with debilitating symptoms: chronic headaches, blurred vision, and vertigo. There is no cure for her condition, only lifelong monitoring and management of symptoms.

Nevada Woman: Two Brain Surgeries and Ongoing Complications

A Nevada woman used Depo-Provera for approximately 18 years before developing an intracranial meningioma. She underwent two invasive brain surgeries in 2015 to remove the tumor, followed by additional treatments for surgical complications.

Despite the surgeries, she continues experiencing neurological problems and requires ongoing medical care.

California Nurse: “People Sounded Like They Were Speaking Different Languages”

A California nurse filed suit after developing severe headaches and confusion while on Depo-Provera. Her symptoms became so severe she had difficulty understanding speech—she reported people sounded like they were speaking in foreign languages.

Medical tests revealed a brain tumor. She underwent surgery in May 2024 and continues suffering from memory issues during recovery.

Idaho Woman: Two Brain Tumors From Birth Control

A woman from Sandpoint, Idaho, filed suit alleging her Depo-Provera use caused TWO brain tumors to develop. Her lawsuit asserts claims for strict liability, negligence, fraudulent concealment, and breach of warranty.

North Carolina Woman: 20+ Years of Injections, Brain Surgery Required

A North Carolina woman began receiving Depo-Provera around age 20 and continued for over two decades. She experienced progressively worsening symptoms—headaches, tremors, balance issues, and memory loss—which doctors eventually traced to a meningioma.

Initially, physicians opted not to operate, but her condition deteriorated so severely she required brain surgery in 2023.

The BMJ Study That Changed Everything

Published: March 29, 2024
Journal: The BMJ (British Medical Journal)
Study Size: 18,000+ women who underwent meningioma surgery

Key Findings:

5.6-Fold Increased Risk:
Women who used Depo-Provera for one year or more were 5.6 times more likely to develop intracranial meningiomas requiring surgical intervention.

Even Higher Risk for Certain Groups:

• Women who began injections after age 31: Greatest risk
• Women who used Depo-Provera for 4+ years: Significantly elevated risk

Dose-Dependent Relationship:
The longer women used Depo-Provera, the higher their meningioma risk—establishing clear causation.

Injectable Form Most Dangerous:
The study found that injectable medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) carries risks that no other contraceptive does, including oral progestins.

Why This Study Matters for Litigation

The BMJ study eliminates Pfizer’s defense that there was “no U.S. population data” linking Depo-Provera to brain tumors. Plaintiffs now have peer-reviewed, large-scale evidence from a highly respected medical journal—the kind of study that shifts how judges and juries evaluate scientific causation.

September 2024 Follow-Up Study Strengthened the Evidence

An additional study published in September 2024 further confirmed the Depo-Provera/meningioma connection, analyzing data from different populations and reinforcing the dose-response relationship.

Pfizer responded to this study by issuing a carefully worded 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.”

But that update still hasn’t happened for U.S. consumers.

What Makes This MDL Move So Fast?

The Depo-Provera MDL is progressing at an unusually rapid pace compared to typical pharmaceutical mass torts.

Accelerated Timeline Indicators:

MDL Created in Record Time:
The JPML scheduled a hearing less than one month after the motion to create an MDL was filed—signaling the panel recognized the urgency and importance of these claims.

Bellwether Trial Preparation Already Underway:

• General causation discovery wraps September 23, 2025
• Expert witness disclosures due in staggered phases through fall 2025
• Expert depositions must be completed by January 10, 2026
• Daubert motions (challenging expert testimony) run through March 2026
• First bellwether trials expected mid-2026

Active Case Management:
Judge Rodgers holds regular case management conferences and issues frequent orders streamlining procedures—demonstrating judicial commitment to moving cases efficiently toward resolution.

25% Monthly Growth Rate:
The explosive increase in new filings (87 cases added in one month alone) reflects both widespread harm and attorneys’ confidence in the litigation’s strength.

Common Reasons Women Are Rejected From Filing

Not every woman who used Depo-Provera will qualify. Understanding disqualifying factors helps avoid wasting time:

Disqualifying Factors:

❌ Arachnoid Cysts (these are NOT meningiomas and don’t qualify)
❌ Used Depo-Provera for less than one year (insufficient exposure)
❌ No confirmed meningioma diagnosis (suspicion isn’t enough)
❌ Tumor diagnosed before starting Depo-Provera (no causation)
❌ Meningioma from documented genetic syndrome (independent cause)
❌ Statute of limitations expired (varies by state)

Borderline Cases That May Still Qualify:

✓ Used generic medroxyprogesterone (generics are included)
✓ Also used hormone replacement therapy containing progesterone
✓ Tumor is being monitored but surgery hasn’t occurred yet
✓ Underwent radiation instead of surgery
✓ Multiple small tumors rather than one large tumor

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, get a free case evaluation—attorneys review cases individually and can assess your specific situation.

What If You Already Settled With Pfizer or Received Compensation?

Prior Individual Settlements:
If you previously signed a release settling ALL claims against Pfizer related to Depo-Provera, you’re likely barred from the current MDL. However, most prior settlements involved bone density loss issues, not brain tumors—meaning you may still be able to file.

Workers’ Compensation:
Receiving workers’ comp benefits doesn’t prevent you from suing Pfizer. Workers’ comp covers lost wages and medical bills but doesn’t address product liability claims against manufacturers.

Insurance Payments:
The fact that insurance covered your medical treatment doesn’t impact your right to sue. However, your health insurance company may have a subrogation lien requiring repayment from any settlement you receive.

Disability Benefits:
Social Security Disability or private disability insurance payments don’t prevent you from joining the litigation.

Critical Statute of Limitations Information

THIS IS URGENT: Every state has different time limits for filing product liability lawsuits.

How the Clock Typically Works:

Discovery Rule:
In most states, the statute of limitations doesn’t begin until you knew or reasonably should have known your injury was caused by Depo-Provera—which for most women wasn’t until the March 2024 BMJ study was published.

Typical Timeframes:

• 2-3 years: Most common statute of limitations period
• Tolling for minors: Extended deadlines if you were under 18 when injured
• Fraudulent concealment: Clock may pause if Pfizer actively hid information

State-by-State Variations:

Some states have shorter deadlines (as little as 1-2 years), while others provide longer windows (up to 6 years for certain claims). Some states also have “statutes of repose” that create absolute deadlines regardless of when you discovered the harm.

Example: If you were diagnosed with meningioma in 2020 but only learned about the Depo-Provera connection in March 2024, your statute of limitations likely began in 2024—but state law determines the exact deadline.

Don’t Wait to Find Out

The safest approach is to contact an attorney immediately. Even if you think you have time, documentation requirements, medical record retrieval, and case preparation take months. Missing the deadline by even one day means losing your right to compensation forever.

How Attorney Fees Work (No Upfront Costs)

Contingency Fee Structure:
Reputable pharmaceutical injury attorneys handling Depo-Provera cases work on contingency, meaning:

✅ No upfront fees or retainers
✅ No hourly billing
✅ Attorney only gets paid if you receive compensation
✅ Typical fee: 33-40% of your settlement or verdict
✅ All case costs advanced by law firm (you don’t pay expenses)

Why This Model Benefits Victims:

• Anyone can afford top-tier legal representation
• Attorneys are motivated to maximize your recovery
• No financial risk if your case doesn’t succeed
• Law firms absorb all litigation costs

What Gets Deducted From Your Settlement?

Typical Deductions:

• Attorney fees (33-40%)
• Case costs (expert witnesses, medical record fees, court filing fees)
• Medicare/Medicaid liens (if applicable)
• Health insurance subrogation claims

Example Settlement Breakdown:

Gross Settlement: $300,000

– Attorney Fees (33%): -$99,000

– Case Costs: -$15,000

– Medicare Lien: -$10,000

= Net Payment to Client: $176,000

You should receive a clear accounting showing exactly how your settlement is calculated.

Resources for Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Victims

Depo-Provera MDL Information:

• Court: U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
• MDL Number: MDL-3140
• PACER: Access court filings at pacer.gov

Medical Support:

• National Brain Tumor Society: braintumor.org | 1-800-770-8287
• American Brain Tumor Association: abta.org | 1-800-886-2282

FDA MedWatch (Report Side Effects):

• Online: fda.gov/medwatch
• Phone: 1-800-FDA-1088

Legal Resources:

• Multi-District Litigation information: jpml.uscourts.gov
• State Bar Attorney Referral Services (find local pharmaceutical injury lawyers)

Financial Assistance:

• HealthWell Foundation: healthwellfoundation.org
• Patient Advocate Foundation: patientadvocate.org
• NeedyMeds: needymeds.org (medication and financial assistance programs)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does Depo-Provera stay in your system after you stop using it?

Depo-Provera can remain in your system for up to 12-18 months after your last injection, though fertility typically returns within 10 months. The meningioma risk, however, may persist or even increase for some time after discontinuation as synthetic progesterone continues affecting progesterone receptors in existing tumors.

Q: Can I file a lawsuit if I used generic medroxyprogesterone instead of brand-name Depo-Provera?

Yes! The MDL includes claims against both Pfizer (brand manufacturer) and generic manufacturers. California and Massachusetts laws specifically allow claims against Pfizer even for unauthorized generic use, which is why plaintiffs pushed for those jurisdictions. All forms of injectable medroxyprogesterone carry the same brain tumor risk.

Q: What if my tumor was discovered years after I stopped Depo-Provera?

You can still file. Many meningiomas grow slowly and aren’t diagnosed until years after exposure. The critical factors are: (1) you used Depo-Provera for at least one year, and (2) you developed an intracranial meningioma. The timing of diagnosis relative to when you stopped injections doesn’t disqualify you.

Q: Do I need to have had surgery to qualify for the lawsuit?

No, although having undergone surgery typically results in higher settlement values because it demonstrates severity. Women whose tumors are being monitored with “watch and wait” approaches, or who had radiation therapy instead of surgery, can also file claims—though they may fall into lower compensation tiers.

Q: Will joining the lawsuit affect my medical treatment or insurance coverage?

No. Filing a lawsuit is completely separate from your medical care. Your doctors won’t know you’ve filed unless you tell them, and your health insurance coverage is unaffected. The lawsuit is against Pfizer and other manufacturers, not your healthcare providers (unless you choose to specifically sue them, as some plaintiffs have done).

Q: How long will it take to receive compensation?

Pharmaceutical mass torts typically take 2-5 years from MDL creation to settlement. 

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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