Depo-Provera Lawsuit Litigation Updates
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May 7, 2025:
- Plaintiffs in the Depo-Provera MDL are prioritizing the strongest cases involving extensive medical documentation, long-term drug use, and severe outcomes like multiple meningiomas.
- A new safety study from the University of British Columbia supports the link between Depo-Provera use and an increased risk of meningiomas, even after controlling for other risk factors.
May 6, 2025:
- A new safety study from researchers at the University of British Columbia found that women who used Depo-Provera for more than one year had a 3.55-fold increased risk of developing a meningioma compared to users of a combination oral contraceptive.
May 2, 2025:
- The Depo-Provera MDL added only two new cases in April, bringing the total to 289. A significant increase in filings is expected this summer.
April 28, 2025:
- A new lawsuit has been filed in the Depo-Provera MDL by a Utah woman who developed a meningioma after years of using the contraceptive injection.
April 23, 2025:
- New FL Case Added To MDL: A newly filed complaint in the MDL adds a Florida plaintiff who alleges she developed a symptomatic intracranial meningioma affecting her hearing after receiving Depo-Provera injections in the early 2000s.
April 22, 2025:
- Dealing with the Generic Defendants: Judge Rodgers' order clarifies the status of the authorized generics Greenstone, Viatris, and Prasco. The court accepted affidavits from these companies and will not order an early deposition period. The anticipated dismissal of Prasco is noted, while litigation against Greenstone and Viatris will proceed absent a stipulation.
April 21, 2025:
- New Kentucky Lawsuit: A family from Bardstown, Kentucky, has filed a new lawsuit alleging that prolonged use of Depo-Provera caused the wife to develop an intracranial meningioma requiring brain surgery and leaving her with lasting neurological complications.
April 11, 2025:
- Judge Stays on Top of Defendants: Judge Rodgers confirmed that Greenstone and Viatris have now provided their affidavits of non-involvement as required by a prior order, emphasizing strict compliance with court orders.
April 8, 2025:
- New Lawsuit: New claims are pouring into the MDL. A woman from Goodlettsville, Tennessee, is suing Pfizer and others, alleging that they caused injuries by long-term use of Depo-Provera, leading to multiple intracranial meningiomas.
April 1, 2025
- MDL Growth: The Depo Provera brain tumor MDL nearly doubled in size last month, with 52 new cases added, bringing the total to 130 pending cases. This growth is expected to continue as the filing process is streamlined.
March 31, 2025
- Proof of Product Use: The court has established a uniform process for plaintiffs to obtain proof of Depo-Provera usage.Plaintiffs must complete a "Plaintiff Proof of Use/Injury Questionnaire" within 120 days of March 14, 2025. The order compels third parties (pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, insurers) to provide relevant records using a court-approved release form. The court will enforce compliance with these requests, preventing providers from imposing unnecessary obstacles to record production.
March 25, 2025: MDL Progress and Structure
- Judge Rodgers is managing the Depo-Provera MDL with a focus on efficiency. BrownGreer has been appointed as Data Administrator, Judge Herndon as Special Master, and a Common Benefit Special Master has been appointed. Agreements have been reached on procedures for direct filing, service, confidentiality, and initial proof requirements. The parties are working to resolve the issue of handling deficiencies in plaintiffs' initial submissions.
March 19, 2025: Litigation Strategy
- Depo-Provera lawsuits are being pursued in both federal court (MDL) and state courts (especially Pennsylvania, California, and Illinois). State courts offer plaintiffs potential strategic advantages due to differing procedural rules and jury tendencies.
March 17, 2025: Plaintiffs' Leadership and Case Management
- Judge Rodgers has appointed a Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC) to oversee the MDL. A new Case Management Order has been issued, setting deadlines for initial "pilot" cases, including discovery and motions related to federal preemption.
March 20, 2025: Direct Filing Order
- A court order now allows plaintiffs to file Depo-Provera lawsuits directly in the MDL in the Northern District of Florida. This order aims to streamline the filing process and avoid delays associated with transferring cases from other courts.
March 14, 2025
- Direct Filing Allowed in Depo-Provera MDL: Judge Rodgers has issued Pretrial Order No. 10, allowing plaintiffs to file their cases directly into the MDL, streamlining the process and eliminating the need for initial filings in other federal districts. This order aims to improve efficiency and reduce procedural hurdles.
March 11, 2025
- Depo-Provera MDL Progresses with Joint Discovery Plan: Attorneys in the Depo-Provera MDL have submitted a Joint Rule 26(f) Report, outlining a proposed discovery plan and case management schedule. This report reflects significant progress in organizing the litigation, with agreements reached on several key areas, including:
- Direct filing and electronic service of complaints.
- A pilot case schedule with deadlines for amended complaints, discovery, expert disclosures, and dispositive motions.
- Protective orders and confidentiality agreements.
- Threshold proof of use and injury requirements.
- Document production and ESI protocols.
- Deposition protocols.
- Potential dismissal of authorized generic distributors.
- Agreement to forego a Science Day at this time and to keep medical monitoring class actions stayed.
- Appointment of a Special Master and CPA.
March 5, 2025
- New Study Raises Concerns About Depo-Provera and Blood Clots: A recent case study highlights a potential link between Depo-Provera and a rare but life-threatening blood clotting condition. This raises questions about whether Pfizer adequately disclosed the full scope of clotting risks associated with the contraceptive injection.
March 4, 2025
- Judge Rodgers Faces Misconduct Complaint: Judge M. Casey Rodgers, overseeing the Depo-Provera MDL, is facing a judicial misconduct complaint for her comments emphasizing the need for female attorneys in leadership roles in the litigation.
March 3, 2025
- Depo-Provera MDL Grows: The Depo-Provera MDL has added 8 new cases in its first month of existence, bringing the total to 78 pending cases.
March 1, 2025
- First Depo-Provera Case Management Order Issued: Judge Rodgers has issued the first Case Management Order in the Depo-Provera MDL, outlining the initial steps for organizing the proceedings and scheduling a case management conference for March 10, 2025.
February 22, 2025
- New Depo-Provera Lawsuit Filed in California: A California woman has filed a lawsuit alleging that her use of Depo-Provera caused her to develop a meningioma brain tumor.
February 19, 2025
- New Study Confirms Meningioma Risk: A new study has confirmed a link between Depo-Provera and an increased risk of meningiomas, a type of brain tumor.
February 18, 2025
- Magistrate Judge Appointed: Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon has been appointed to assist Judge Rodgers in the Depo-Provera MDL.
- First Depo-Provera MDL Status Conference: The first status conference in the newly established Depo-Provera MDL is scheduled for Friday, February 21, 2025.
February 17, 2025
- Pretrial Order Issued: Judge Rodgers has issued Pretrial Order No. 4, establishing rules and procedures for handling all Depo-Provera lawsuits within the MDL. The order aims to streamline the litigation process and ensure efficient management of the cases.
February 8, 2025
- Depo-Provera MDL Consolidated in Florida: The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has consolidated over 70 Depo-Provera lawsuits into a single MDL in the Northern District of Florida, under the oversight of Judge M. Casey Rodgers. This decision was unexpected, as many anticipated the MDL would be located in either California or New York.
February 5, 2025
- New Depo-Provera Lawsuit Filed in Ohio: An Ohio woman has filed a lawsuit against Pfizer, alleging that her use of Depo-Provera caused her to develop a meningioma brain tumor. The lawsuit claims that Pfizer failed to adequately warn about the risk of meningiomas associated with the contraceptive injection.
February 4, 2025
- European Regulators Took Action on Similar Drugs Years Ago: This update highlights that similar progestogen-containing drugs have already been restricted or withdrawn from the market in Europe due to their association with meningiomas. This raises questions about why the U.S. has not taken similar action and whether Pfizer is adequately informing patients about the potential risks of Depo-Provera.
February 1, 2025
- Decision on Depo-Provera MDL Location Expected Soon: The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) is expected to announce its decision on where to centralize the Depo-Provera lawsuits in the coming days. If the MDL is not located in California, it could lead to a more active state court docket in the litigation.
January 30, 2025
- JPML Hearing Held on Depo-Provera MDL: The JPML held a hearing to consider consolidating Depo-Provera lawsuits into a single MDL. Plaintiffs' attorneys argued for California as the venue, citing the number of cases filed there and the state's recognition of innovator liability. Pfizer, on the other hand, is pushing for New York as the venue. A decision is expected soon.
January 23, 2025
- New Medical Monitoring Class Action Filed for Depo-Provera Users: A new class action lawsuit has been filed against Pfizer and other manufacturers of Depo-Provera, seeking the establishment of a medical monitoring program for individuals who used the contraceptive injection for an extended period. This lawsuit aims to provide early detection and diagnostic screenings for those at an increased risk of developing intracranial meningiomas, even if they haven't yet been diagnosed with these brain tumors. This approach differs from traditional personal injury lawsuits, which focus on seeking compensation for injuries or deaths that have already occurred.
January 21, 2025
- Pfizer's Preemption Defense in Depo-Provera Litigation: Pfizer has indicated its intention to utilize a preemption defense in the Depo-Provera litigation, claiming that the FDA blocked its attempt to update the drug's label to include a warning about the risk of meningiomas. This defense strategy, while common in pharmaceutical litigation, is rarely successful and could potentially backfire on Pfizer by implying an acknowledgment of the drug's link to serious health risks.
January 12, 2025
- New Depo-Provera Lawsuit Filed in Boston: A woman from Massachusetts has filed a lawsuit alleging that her use of Depo-Provera between 1996 and 2005 caused her to develop a meningioma brain tumor. The lawsuit raises questions about the strategic timing of filing cases outside of California, where most Depo-Provera lawsuits have been filed and where the potential MDL might be located.
January 10, 2025
- MDL Panel to Hear Depo-Provera Consolidation Motion: The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) will hold a hearing on January 30, 2025, to consider consolidating Depo-Provera lawsuits into a single MDL. The decision on whether to create an MDL and where to locate it (likely California or New York) is expected in early February.
January 6, 2025
- Understanding the Link Between Depo-Provera and Meningiomas: Scientific evidence suggests that Depo-Provera's high levels of synthetic progestin may contribute to the development of meningiomas by stimulating hormone receptors and promoting tumor growth. The risk appears to increase with prolonged exposure to the drug.
January 3, 2025
- New Depo-Provera Lawsuit Filed in California: A California woman has filed a lawsuit alleging that her use of Depo-Provera between 2009 and 2015 caused her to develop a meningioma brain tumor. The lawsuit claims that Pfizer and related entities failed to warn about the risks of meningiomas despite having knowledge of the association.
January 2, 2025
- Pfizer's Preemption Defense Strategy in Depo-Provera Litigation: In its response to the MDL petition, Pfizer has revealed a key element of its defense strategy: the company plans to argue that federal law preempts state law claims regarding the adequacy of warnings on Depo-Provera's label. Pfizer claims it sought FDA approval to add a meningioma warning but was denied, thus attempting to shield itself from liability for failing to warn about this potential risk. This strategy, while common in pharmaceutical litigation, is often unsuccessful, suggesting that Pfizer may face an uphill battle in defending against these claims.
December 27, 2024
- Venue Dispute in Potential Depo-Provera MDL: While both plaintiffs and defendants agree that a Depo-Provera MDL should be established, there's disagreement over the most appropriate venue. Defendants advocate for the Southern District of New York, citing Pfizer's headquarters location and the court's experience with pharmaceutical MDLs. However, plaintiffs favor California, where most of the lawsuits have been filed. A decision from the MDL Panel is expected in February.
December 21, 2024
- New Depo-Provera Lawsuit Filed in Louisiana: A Louisiana woman has filed a lawsuit alleging that Depo-Provera caused her to develop a meningioma brain tumor. The lawsuit claims the manufacturers failed to warn about this risk, despite evidence in medical literature and updated warnings in other countries.
December 18, 2024
- Depo-Provera Class Action Hearing Scheduled: The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) will hold a hearing on January 30, 2025, to consider consolidating Depo-Provera lawsuits into a single MDL. A decision is expected in early February.
December 11, 2024
- Another Depo-Provera Lawsuit Filed in California: A California woman has filed a lawsuit alleging that her long-term use of Depo-Provera caused her to develop a meningioma brain tumor. The lawsuit claims that the manufacturers failed to adequately warn about the risks of meningiomas associated with the contraceptive drug.
December 7, 2024
- New Depo-Provera Lawsuit Filed in Pennsylvania: A Philadelphia woman has filed a lawsuit alleging that her prolonged use of Depo-Provera caused her to develop a debilitating meningioma. The lawsuit claims that the manufacturers failed to adequately warn about the risks associated with the drug and seeks compensatory and punitive damages.
December 3, 2024
- New Depo-Provera Lawsuit Filed in California: A California woman has filed a lawsuit against Pfizer and other pharmaceutical companies, alleging that long-term use of Depo-Provera caused her to develop two meningioma brain tumors. The lawsuit claims the companies knew about the risk of meningiomas associated with Depo-Provera but failed to adequately warn patients and physicians in the United States, despite including warnings on labels in other countries. The plaintiff, who used Depo-Provera for 19 years, underwent brain surgery and continues to experience complications. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages.
November 26, 2024
- ACOG's Response to Meningioma Study Criticized: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has faced criticism for its response to a recent study linking Depo-Provera to an increased risk of meningiomas. Critics argue that ACOG downplayed the significance of the findings and misrepresented the potential severity of meningiomas.
November 23, 2024
- New Depo-Provera Lawsuit Filed: A California resident has filed a lawsuit alleging that long-term use of Depo-Provera caused her to develop two meningioma brain tumors, requiring invasive surgeries and extensive treatment.
November 21, 2024
- New Depo-Provera Lawsuit Filed in Missouri: A woman in Missouri has filed a lawsuit against Pfizer and its affiliates, alleging that long-term use of Depo-Provera caused her to develop a meningioma brain tumor. The lawsuit claims the companies failed to adequately warn about this risk, despite having knowledge of the potential connection between the contraceptive drug and meningiomas.
November 19, 2024
- Questions Raised About Depo-Provera Dosage: As Depo-Provera lawsuits increase, questions are being raised about the necessity of the drug's high dosage (150 mg) and whether Pfizer conducted sufficient clinical trials to explore the safety and efficacy of lower doses.
November 15, 2024
- Nevada Woman Sues Over Depo-Provera-Related Brain Tumors: A Nevada woman and her husband have filed a lawsuit alleging that her prolonged use of Depo-Provera caused her to develop multiple meningiomas, leading to invasive surgeries and ongoing health complications. The lawsuit names Pfizer and other manufacturers as defendants, claiming failure to warn, negligence, and defective design.
November 5, 2024
- New Depo Provera Lawsuit Filed in California: A woman from Fontana, California, has filed a lawsuit alleging that the contraceptive injection Depo-Provera caused her to develop a life-threatening meningioma brain tumor. The lawsuit claims that Pfizer and Viatris, the manufacturers of Depo-Provera, failed to warn about this risk despite existing scientific evidence linking the drug to meningiomas. The plaintiff used Depo-Provera from 1999 to 2018 and subsequently underwent surgery to remove the tumor. This case, filed in the Northern District of California, could potentially influence the location of a future Depo Provera MDL, should one be established.
October 22, 2024
- Depo-Provera & Meningioma Risk: Discrepancy in Warning Labels Raises Concerns: A discrepancy in warning labels for Depo-Provera between the U.S. and Europe is raising concerns about transparency and patient safety. While the European label includes a warning about the potential risk of meningiomas (a type of brain tumor), the U.S. label does not, despite research linking hormonal contraceptives to this condition. This difference in labeling raises questions about why the FDA has not mandated a similar warning in the U.S. and whether Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, is adequately informing patients about potential risks.
Is Depo-Provera Harmful?
Depo-Provera, a widely used contraceptive injection, is facing questions about a possible link between its use and the development of meningiomas, a type of brain tumor. This has led to increased inquiries from women who have used Depo-Provera and later experienced health problems.
But you don't have to face this alone. You have rights. At Injury Claims, we connect you with experienced Depo-Provera attorneys who will advocate for you and help you pursue the compensation you deserve if you’ve been affected by Depo-Provera’s harmful side effects.
Speak to a Depo Provera Law Firm Today!
Depo-Provera Use and Meningioma Development
Recent studies have suggested a possible association between long-term Depo-Provera use and an increased risk of meningioma. Meningiomas are tumors that form in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While often slow-growing and benign, they can cause a range of neurological symptoms depending on their size and location.
The possible link between Depo-Provera and meningiomas raises questions about the adequacy of information provided to patients regarding the medication's risks.
What Is a Meningioma?
A meningioma is a tumor that silently developes arises from the meninges, the protective layers of tissue that surround the brain and spinal cord.
There are three types of meningiomas:
- Benign. These are the most common type and are non-cancerous.
- Atypical. These are faster-growing than benign meningiomas and have a higher chance of recurring after treatment.
- Malignant. These are cancerous and are the least common type.
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Symptoms of a Meningioma
Meningiomas often grow slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms for years. However, as they increase in size, they can press on the brain or spinal cord, leading to various neurological problems.
Common symptoms include:
- Changes in vision, such as blurred or double vision;
- Headaches, often worse in the morning;
- Hearing loss;
- Memory problems;
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs; and
- Seizures.
Depo-Provera Lawsuits
Women in the US who developed meningiomas after using Depo-Provera are seeking legal action against the drug's manufacturer, alleging a failure to adequately warn about this potential risk. Women in Canada can now also file Depo Provera Lawsuits. These lawsuits aim to hold the manufacturer accountable and secure compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
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