Understanding Meningioma Risks From the Depo Shot
California women who were prescribed Depo-Provera as a birth control drug are finding out with increasing frequency that use of the drug has caused them to develop meningioma brain tumors. The birth control team at Walkup Personal Injury law is representing women across the state who have suffered this fate and has filed cases for these women against the drugs maker ( Pfizer ) and the California medical providers who prescribed and injected the drug.
Most women were never warned of this risk and emerging medical research now shows a clear association between prolonged exposure to medroxyprogesterone acetate (the drug in Depo-Provera) and meningioma tumor formation.
California residents who received the Depo shot and later developed a meningioma may have the right to pursue a claim against the drug manufacturer. Our California Meningioma Lawsuit Attorneys have decades of experience handling complex pharmaceutical and medical-device litigation in California Superior Courts.
How Depo-Provera Works
Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive given every three months. It contains depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), a synthetic progestin that suppresses ovulation. Many California women rely on the shot because of its convenience, effectiveness, and long-acting formulation.
Current research including findings supported by UCSF’s women’s health researchers—has identified a relationship between long-term progestin exposure may stimulate the growth of certain hormone-sensitive brain tumors. Meningiomas, although typically benign, can cause severe complications.
What Is a Meningioma?
A meningioma is a tumor that forms in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Even when non-cancerous, these tumors can grow large enough to compress brain tissue, leading to serious medical symptoms such as:
- Chronic or worsening headaches
- Visual disturbances or blurred vision
- Hearing problems or ringing in the ears
- Seizures
- Memory or cognitive changes
- Balance issues, weakness, or numbness
Many of these symptoms resemble other medical conditions, which can delay accurate diagnosis. For many women, the connection to Depo-Provera is discovered only after a brain scan reveals one or more meningiomas.
Research Linking Depo-Provera and Meningioma Development
Over the past decade, scientists have increasingly studied the relationship between hormonal contraceptives and meningioma growth. Several studies now indicate:
- Women who use Depo-Provera face an elevated risk of developing meningiomas, especially after extended or repeated exposure.
- These tumors frequently appear in areas of the brain sensitive to prolonged hormone stimulation.
- Some tumors grow slowly for years before symptoms become noticeable.
California public-health agencies, including the California Department of Public Health, continue to monitor hormonal-medication safety trends. As more data is published, many patients and physicians are now questioning whether women were adequately warned about long-term Depo-Provera risks.
California Women Were Not Warned
The legal action surrounding Depo-Provera is based in part on allegations that the manufacturer failed to provide proper warnings about the risk of developing hormone-sensitive brain tumors. Many women report that:
- The risk of meningioma was never discussed during their appointments.
- They continued receiving injections for years without updated safety information.
- They were unaware of any need to monitor for neurological symptoms.
When drug manufacturers do not provide full and accurate risk information, patients cannot make fully informed choices about their health.
A meningioma diagnosis is life-altering, especially when the tumor affects critical brain structures. While some meningiomas grow slowly, they may require surgery, ongoing neurological monitoring, or long-term treatment. The consequences may include:
- Loss of income or difficulty working
- Chronic pain or neurological symptoms
- Impaired cognitive function
- Significant lifestyle changes
- Emotional distress and anxiety
Women who trusted Depo-Provera as a safe long-term contraceptive option often feel betrayed and overwhelmed when facing a diagnosis they were never warned about. If this has happened to you, the Walkup Melodia Meningioma Lawsuit Attorneys can help and will defend your rights.
Can I File a Depo-Provera Meningioma Lawsuit in California?
You may be eligible to file a claim if:
- You received Depo-Provera injections in California
- You used the medication for a sufficient period of time
- You have been diagnosed with a meningioma or multiple meningiomas
Our team can evaluate your medical history, imaging results, and Depo-Provera usage Every case is unique, which is why personalized review is essential. If you have not already done so, you can review additional case types and background information at Walkup’s Depo-Provera lawsuit page.
How Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger Can Help
Walkup has long been recognized as one of California’s leading plaintiff law firms, especially in cases involving defective products and dangerous pharmaceuticals. The firm’s approach emphasizes:
- Detailed medical and scientific review of your diagnosis
- Collaboration with experts
- Thorough case investigation, including medical timelines, imaging, and Depo-Provera dosage records
- Clear communication and ongoing support for clients and families
Women statewide—from rural counties to major metro areas such as Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Bay Area—trust Walkup to advocate for them during an overwhelming and medically complex situation.
California-Specific Considerations
California is home to several of the nation’s most advanced women’s health centers, including Stanford, UCSF, UC Davis and UCLA where treatment and diagnosis of meningiomas is common.
Many Depo-Provera claims originate from women who received injections through:
- Kaiser Permanente
- Sutter Health
- California college and university health centers
- County clinics and public-health programs
- Women’s health practices
No matter where in California your injections were administered, Walkup can work with your medical providers to gather the records necessary to evaluate your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Depo-Provera lawsuit?
A Depo-Provera lawsuit is a legal claim filed by women who developed a meningioma after long-term use of the Depo shot. These claims allege that the medication’s manufacturer failed to warn about known or discoverable tumor risks.
2. How do I know if Depo-Provera contributed to my brain tumor?
Only a medical professional can diagnose the connection, but patterns such as extended Depo use, hormone-sensitive tumor characteristics, and imaging results often raise red flags that support a legal claim.
3. Do all Depo-Provera users develop meningiomas?
No. While most users will never experience this complication, research suggests that prolonged exposure may significantly increase risk for those with susceptible biology.
4. Can I file a claim if I stopped using Depo-Provera years ago?
Yes. Many meningiomas grow slowly over time, and symptoms may not appear until long after injections stop. An attorney can evaluate when your symptoms were discovered to determine whether your case is viable.
5. Will I need extensive medical records?
Yes. Imaging studies, Depo-Provera dosage history, and neurological evaluations help strengthen your claim and demonstrate medical causation.
6. How can a California Depo-Provera attorney help me?
An attorney reviews your medical history, consults with experts, handles communication with manufacturers, and builds the legal arguments necessary to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Speak With a California Meningioma Lawsuit Attorney
If you or a loved one developed a meningioma after using Depo-Provera in California, you deserve clear answers about your legal options. Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger is ready to help you understand the connection between your diagnosis and Depo use, guide you through the claims process, and advocate for your rights every step of the way.
Depo Provera and Tumor Risks
One of the most concerning areas of birth control litigation involves hormone-sensitive tumors, especially meningiomas. These tumors arise from the meninges — the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord — and are strongly influenced by hormonal signals. While many meningiomas are technically benign, they can still cause serious and permanent damage by pressing on vital brain structures.
Common Symptoms and Complications to Watch For
Some women experience sudden and obvious complications, such as severe pain or a stroke. Others notice subtle changes over time that eventually lead to a serious diagnosis. Potential warning signs can include:
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- Changes in vision, hearing, or balance
- Seizures or new neurological symptoms
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek medical evaluation right away. After that, a California birth control lawsuit attorney can review whether your condition may be linked to a defective drug or device.
Why Women in California Are Filing Birth Control Lawsuits
Women typically pursue legal action for several reasons:
- Lack of adequate warnings – Many say they were never informed about tumor, clotting, or device-migration risks, particularly with long-term or repeated use.
- Failure to update safety information – Lawsuits allege that manufacturers did not move quickly enough to revise labels or inform patients as adverse data emerged.
- Life-changing injuries – Brain surgery, chronic pain, reproductive harm, and permanent neurological deficits can alter every aspect of a woman’s life.
How a California Birth Depo Provera Injury Attorney Can Help
The attorneys at Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger bring decades of experience in complex injury and pharmaceutical cases. When you contact the firm for a potential birth control lawsuit, the team can:
- Review your full medical history, imaging, and medication records
- Determine which birth control products you used and for how long
- Consult with neurologists, gynecologists, and other specialists familiar with hormonal risks
- Evaluate whether manufacturers failed to adequately test or warn about your specific injury
- Advise you on your legal options and potential avenues for recovery
From initial intake through resolution, the firm’s focus is on providing clear communication, compassionate support, and strong advocacy for women whose lives have been upended by dangerous contraceptives.
Talk With a California Birth Control Lawsuit Attorney
If you believe hormonal birth control contributed to a tumor or other serious health problem, you do not have to navigate the situation alone. The team at Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger is here to listen to your story, review your records, and help you understand your legal options.
To discuss a potential California birth control lawsuit, contact Walkup today for a confidential consultation.
