Depo-Provera
“A birth-control shot linked to brain tumors.”
Millions of women relied on Depo-Provera for years. A growing body of science now links long-term use to meningioma brain tumors — and lawsuits allege the manufacturer failed to warn.
Meningioma (brain tumor) — often requiring surgery
Long-term Depo-Provera users diagnosed with meningioma
Pfizer (and generic medroxyprogesterone makers)
MDL 3140 (N.D. Fla.) — settlement framework reported, 2026
What is alleged
Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a long-acting injectable contraceptive given every three months. A 2024 study published in the BMJ found that prolonged use significantly increased the risk of intracranial meningioma — a tumor of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord that can require brain surgery and cause lasting neurological harm.
Lawsuits allege that Pfizer knew or should have known of this risk and failed to adequately warn U.S. patients and physicians — even as stronger warnings were added to the drug’s labeling in other countries.
Who may have a claim
Women who used Depo-Provera — typically for a year or more — and were later diagnosed with a meningioma or other brain tumor. The longer the use, the stronger the reported association.
The legal theory
Failure to warn, design defect, and negligence — with the central allegation that a safer warning would have let women and their doctors make an informed choice.
Where the litigation stands
The cases are consolidated in a federal MDL (No. 3140) before Judge M. Casey Rodgers in the Northern District of Florida. Reports in 2026 indicate Pfizer has reached an agreement to resolve the MDL — which makes prompt evaluation of new claims especially important, because deadlines to participate can close quickly.
Talk to the lawyers who actually try these cases.
Free, confidential case review. If we take your case, you pay nothing unless we win. Our attorneys — not a call center — evaluate every claim.