Depo Provera, a long-acting injectable contraceptive containing depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), was approved by the FDA in 1992. However, studies have linked prolonged DMPA use to an increased risk of developing 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 litigation and scrutiny of Pfizer's actions surrounding the safety of the drug.
Women who were administered Depo Provera and were subsequently diagnosed with a meningioma, have come forward to hold Pfizer accountable for these life altering diagnoses. Plaintiffs claim that Pfizer failed to provide adequate warnings regarding the risk of developing meningiomas with Depo-Provera use. Plaintiffs believe that Pfizer knew of these risks but did not update the warning labels in the United States accordingly.
Depo-Provera Lawsuits Move Forward Amid Safety Concerns
In February 2025, the Depo-Provera claims were centralized in the Northern District of Florida, before Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Following the formation of the MDL, Judge Rodgers quickly selected five pilot cases. These pilot cases will serve as proving grounds for resolving key issues in the litigation including preemption. Judge Rodgers has moved the litigation forward quickly with the MDL docket now amassing almost 2,000 cases as of mid-October 2025.
Recently, on September 29, 2025, Judge Rodgers heard preemption arguments from both sides. Preemption is a legal defense which argues that state law claims are preempted by federal law. In a pharmaceutical case, preemption addresses whether claims such as failure-to-warn, can survive in light of federal drug-labeling oversight by the FDA. A ruling has not yet been received but preemption is an important issue as a large portion of the litigation’s future depends on how the court ultimately rules on it. If, as Plaintiffs hope, the court rejects the preemption defense, the litigation will proceed forward with discovery, expert testimony, and bellwether trials. As we wait on the Court’s preemption ruling, cases continue to be filed and unfortunately women continue to deal with the effects of their meningioma diagnoses and often the necessary surgeries, complications and radiation.
Legal Options for Women Diagnosed After Depo-Provera Use
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.
