New Research Raises Alarms About Long-Term Use of Injectable Birth Control
For decades, millions of women have relied on Depo-Provera as a long-term birth control solution. However, a newly published U.S. study is raising serious concerns, especially for women over the age of 31.
Researchers have found that extended use of the injectable contraceptive significantly increases the risk of developing meningiomas, a type of brain tumor that can be benign or malignant. For many, this revelation comes too late, after years of unexplained symptoms and invasive medical procedures.
If you or someone you love used Depo-Provera and was later diagnosed with a brain tumor, you may have legal options. At the Ferrell Law Group, we are pursuing Depo-Provera lawsuits on behalf of women across the country.
You deserve answers, accountability, and financial compensation for what you’ve been through, and we can help get everything you deserve.
What the New Study Revealed About Depo-Provera and Brain Tumors
Published in JAMA Neurology in September 2025, the population-based cohort study examined health records from more than 10 million women using various types of contraceptives.
The findings were clear: Women who used Depo-Provera (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate) had a significantly higher risk of developing meningioma compared to women using other forms of birth control or none at all.
The most alarming risk increase was observed among:
- Women who had used Depo-Provera for more than 4 years
- Women who began using it after age 31
The study found a relative risk of 2.43 times higher for these women compared to those who never used the drug. While the overall number needed to harm was calculated at 1 in 1,152, that number drops dramatically in the subgroups with prolonged exposure or older age at first injection.
Understanding the Risk: What Is a Meningioma?
A meningioma is a tumor that forms in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While some meningiomas are noncancerous, they can still cause severe neurological problems depending on their size and location. Others may be cancerous and require aggressive treatment.
Symptoms of a meningioma may include:
- Persistent or severe headaches
- Changes in vision
- Seizures
- Cognitive impairment
- Memory loss
- Trouble with coordination or balance
In many cases, these symptoms develop gradually and can be misdiagnosed or ignored, leading to delayed treatment and worsening conditions.
Why Did This Risk Go Unnoticed for So Long?
Depo-Provera was introduced to the U.S. market in the 1990s and has since become one of the most widely used injectable contraceptives. Despite decades of use, the connection to brain tumors was not clearly established in the U.S. until now.
Past studies had hinted at a link, but no large-scale population-based research had quantified the risk with the level of detail presented in this recent analysis.
Critics say pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, should have acted sooner. Plaintiffs in lawsuits across the country allege the company failed to warn doctors and patients, even after studies in Europe and other regions began to surface with similar concerns.
What the Lawsuits Allege Against Pfizer
Women who used Depo-Provera and were later diagnosed with meningioma are now filing lawsuits, claiming that Pfizer:
- Failed to properly test Depo-Provera for long-term safety
- Did not disclose known risks of brain tumors
- Ignored emerging scientific data pointing to neurological side effects
- Continued to market the product without adequate warnings
- Put profit over patient safety
These lawsuits are not just about holding Pfizer accountable. They're also about recovering the financial losses and emotional toll this negligence has caused.
Can You File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
You may qualify to file a lawsuit if:
- You received Depo-Provera injections for birth control
- You were later diagnosed with a benign or malignant meningioma
Even if your diagnosis happened years after stopping Depo-Provera, you could still have a valid legal claim. The Ferrell Law Group is actively investigating cases involving women across the country, and we can determine whether you may be eligible during a free consultation.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A successful Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuit may help you recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including MRIs, neurosurgery, and follow-up care
- Lost income if your condition forced you to stop working
- Pain and suffering related to physical or emotional trauma
- Permanent disability or reduced quality of life
- Punitive damages to hold Pfizer accountable for its actions
Each case is different. At the Ferrell Law Group, we take the time to evaluate every detail of your situation to build the strongest possible claim.
How the Ferrell Law Group Can Help
Taking legal action against a major pharmaceutical company like Pfizer is no small task. You need a legal team with the right resources, focus, and determination to fight back. That’s where we come in.
At the Ferrell Law Group, we have a proven track record in dangerous drug litigation and toxic exposure cases. We offer:
- Nationwide representation: We can handle your claim no matter where you live.
- Free consultations: You don’t pay to talk to us.
- No upfront fees: We only get paid if we win your case.
- Personalized care: You’ll work directly with a dedicated attorney, not a call center.
We understand how a brain tumor diagnosis can turn your life upside down. From medical appointments and lost income to anxiety about your future, you deserve support and accountability.
Don’t Wait. Contact Us Today.
The statute of limitations for filing a Depo-Provera lawsuit varies by state, and waiting too long could prevent you from recovering anything at all. If you used Depo-Provera and later developed a brain tumor, now is the time to speak up.
Call the Ferrell Law Group today or contact us online to schedule your free, confidential consultation. We’re here to fight for you, and we won’t stop until we get justice.
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