Depo Provera, a long-acting injectable contraceptive containing depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), was approved by the FDA in 1992. Since its approval, it has been widely used due to its convenience. However, recent medical studies have uncovered a troubling correlation between prolonged DMPA use and an increased risk of intracranial meningiomas. While the majority of intracranial meningiomas are benign, they often require extensive surgical intervention and can result in significant complications. These findings have led to heightened scrutiny of Pfizer's actions and the safety of the drug.
Women who used Depo Provera and were diagnosed with a meningioma, have come forward to hold Pfizer accountable for these life altering diagnoses. Plaintiffs allege that Pfizer and its affiliates failed to adequately warn women about the risk of developing meningiomas with Depo-Provera use. Plaintiffs believe that Pfizer knew or should have known about these risks but failed to update U.S. warning labels, despite international regulatory actions.
Due to the mounting number of Depo Provera lawsuits, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated federal lawsuits into MDL 3140 on February 7, 2025. Although the MDL is still in its infancy, the Court has already made significant strides. As of June 2025, over 400 cases have been filed in the MDL in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida under Judge M. Casey Rodgers, with expectations of significant growth. Judge Rodgers has already appointed a leadership team for the plaintiffs and issued scheduling orders for the initial "pilot" cases. The pilot cases, five representative cases, have been fast-tracked to address core issues such as general causation and preemption. Results of pilot case discovery could reveal information such as internal communications on safety, dosage decisions, and labeling. Additional discovery such as depositions of key corporate witnesses have also been scheduled.
Judge Rodgers ordered a Proof-of‑Use/Injury Questionnaire be completed within 120 days of filing a Depo Provera claim in the MDL. This mandates case specific information as well as medical/pharmacy/insurance records to enable plaintiffs to prove exposure to Depo‑Provera early in the litigation process. Judge Rodgers has also entered a direct file order which will likely increase the number of cases filed in the MDL. With monthly status conferences scheduled, the expectation is that Judge Rodgers will keep this litigation in forward motion.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, it’s crucial to seek both medical and legal advice. Legal advocates, like Anapol Weiss, can assist in exploring potential Depo Provera claims. If you think you might be eligible to join the women pursuing Depo Provera lawsuits, email Anapol Weiss partner Shayna Slater at sslater@anapolweiss.com to schedule a free consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
