Depo-Provera has long been promoted as a hassle-free birth control option. With one injection every three months, women don’t need to worry about taking daily pills or using another form of contraceptive. But behind the convenience of Depo-Provera, there’s a growing body of evidence pointing to serious health risks, especially for long-term users.
This blog will explain the short-term side effects and long-term risks of Depo-Provera, its link to meningioma, a type of brain tumor, and the current Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuit. If you or a loved one have experienced health issues after using Depo-Provera, you’re not alone, and you may have legal options.
Short-term Depo-Provera side effects can range from bothersome to serious and often resemble those of other hormonal birth control options. Short-term side effects may not be a cause for concern and will usually resolve when the contraceptive is stopped. However, you should always speak to a trusted healthcare provider about your symptoms, as temporary side effects could lead to more significant concerns.
For those planning to get pregnant after stopping Depo-Provera, it may take up to 10 months for fertility to return. For some, this delay can be frustrating, especially if family planning is on the near horizon.
Depo-Provera has been shown to decrease bone mineral density (BMD), especially in users who start the contraceptive during adolescence or use it long-term. This BMD loss occurs because Depo-Provera suppresses estrogen—a hormone critical for maintaining bone health. The FDA added a warning to Depo-Provera labels in 2024 to educate users about this risk. Women who use Depo-Provera may be more prone to fractures, but this has been difficult to determine due to a lack of insight into an individual’s risk before starting Depo-Provera.
Although this BMD decrease could pose a serious risk for some users, most women will likely regain bone mineral density after stopping the contraceptive, especially those who used Depo-Provera for less than 5 years. The extent of recovery has been shown to vary depending on the location of BMD loss and the duration of Depo-Provera use.
Research suggests that Depo-Provera may elevate the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including blood clots like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). With DVT, a blood clot forms in the veins, often in the legs, and travels to the lungs. In the lungs, the blood clot can get stuck in an artery and block airflow, leading to a pulmonary embolism. PE is a severe condition that can even result in death.
Another study highlighted concern over Depo-Provera use and its potential cardiovascular effects. The research found that women who had used Depo-Provera for an extended period of time may be more susceptible to heart disease due to changes in lipid profiles.
While weight fluctuations are a reported side effect of Depo-Provera, the contraceptive may also disrupt how your body processes sugar. Women who used Depo-Provera were more likely to develop insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes in those already overweight or obese.
Perhaps the most alarming Depo-Provera risk emerging in recent years is the link between prolonged Depo-Provera use and meningioma, a type of brain tumor. Studies have suggested that women who used Depo-Provera for 1 year or longer may be at 5 times increased risk of meningioma development.
Meningiomas form in the meninges, the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord. Most are benign, but their growth can cause serious problems by pressing on surrounding brain tissue. Meningiomas are the most common type of brain tumor, accounting for about 30% of all brain tumors.
Meningiomas are classified into three grades based on severity:
Meningioma treatment depends on the size, location, and grade of the tumor.
Treatment options include:
We understand that dealing with confusing or debilitating symptoms is stressful and can take a toll on your livelihood. If you’ve used Depo-Provera and developed a meningioma brain tumor or symptoms of one, you may be able to take legal action to gain compensation, justice, and hope for a brighter future.
A Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuit is currently underway with claims that Depo-Provera’s manufacturer failed to adequately warn users and doctors about this serious risk. Women across the country are now filing legal claims to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or are not sure where to start, here are three practical steps you can take:
1. Receive a Medical EvaluationIf you suspect something is wrong, see a specialist or a trusted doctor right away. Only a healthcare provider can assess your symptoms and provide a diagnosis or advice. They can also use imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan to verify symptoms.
2. Talk to a LawyerIf you are diagnosed with meningioma after using Depo-Provera, legal support early on can make a huge difference. A lawyer can:
We know that keeping track of paperwork may be your last thought, but it’s important to take notes of your symptoms, medical visits, diagnoses, and any treatments you’ve received. The more detailed your records are, the stronger your case can be.
We believe that everyone deserves to be informed, protected, and treated fairly, especially when it comes to their health. For years, we've stood alongside individuals and families affected by dangerous pharmaceutical products, helping them gain compensation and hold manufacturers accountable for the harm they've caused. If you’ve been impacted by Depo-Provera, we’re here to do the same for you.
With Napoli Shkolnik, you receive:
Free Consultations: Get clear, honest guidance about your legal options with no pressure or upfront costs.
No Win, No Fee: You won’t pay anything unless we successfully win compensation for you.
Full Legal Support: We handle filing your case and assist with gathering all necessary medical, financial, and personal documentation.
Simplified Process: We take care of the paperwork and logistics so you can focus on your health and well-being. We streamline every step to minimize your involvement and speed up the process.
Personalized Attention: We treat every client with compassion and respect. You or your loved one are never just a case number.
Experienced Legal Team: Our attorneys have over 150 years of combined experience and have won over $20 billion for our clients.
If you have suffered serious side effects after using Depo-Provera, you deserve answers. And you deserve a legal team that treats your story with the care it warrants. Napoli Shkolnik is here to help you learn more about your legal options and take action.