DEPO-PROVERA CAUSES BRAIN TUMORS VIA KAISER ADMINISTRATION IN CALIFORNIA
ARE YOU A KAISER PATIENT WHO RECEIVED DEPO-PROVERA BIRTH CONTROL INJECTIONS AND DEVELOPED A MENINGIOMA BRAIN TUMOR? If you are a current or former Kaiser member diagnosed with a Meningioma Tumor after using the birth control drug Depo-Provera given to you by Kaiser, call a California Depo-Provera Lawsuit Attorney.
What is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is a commonly used contraceptive medication given by injection once every three months. It has been given by Kaiser to many members for many years. Most members received injections for longer than one year.
Medical Condition and Legal Support
If you are a Kaiser member living in California who developed a meningioma brain tumor and required surgical treatment after receiving the drug as a Kaiser member, call the Depo-Provera defective drug team at Walkup Melodia Kelly and Schoenberger.
Meningiomas are non-malignant tumors that grow from the meninges. Meningiomas are not usually cancerous but can press on the brain, nerves, or vessels and cause pain, symptoms, and disability. Treatment usually requires surgery to remove the tumor. Surgical removal of these tumors has risks due to the possibility of nerve or brain damage.
Depo Provera Drug History and Risks
The development of Depo-Provera dates back to the 1950s. It was initially introduced in 1960 as an injection for treating endometrial and renal cancer. Depo-Provera was approved for contraception in international markets, including France, as early as 1969.
The FDA finally approved Depo-Provera as a contraceptive in 1992. The maker was Upjohn a company owned by Pfizer.
Based on medical research, there is an association between the use of Depo-Provera (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate or DMPA) and an increased risk of developing meningiomas. Meningiomas are often progesterone-receptor-positive tumors. Since Depo-Provera is a progestogen, it can potentially stimulate the growth of these tumors through these receptors.
- The risk appears to be dose and duration-dependent
- Higher cumulative doses over longer periods show stronger associations
- Several studies have shown an increased incidence of meningiomas in long-term Depo-Provera users
- The risk may be reversible, with some studies showing tumor regression after discontinuation of the medication
Litigation and Regulatory Action
We are involved in evaluating litigation against Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo Provera. Our efforts focus on whether Kaiser and Pfizer failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the potential risk of developing meningiomas.
The first lawsuits began emerging in France, where studies showed a strong connection between prolonged use of progestins (including Depo Provera) and meningioma development. This led to regulatory action in France and increased scrutiny worldwide.
Current Cases Worldwide
In the United States, cases which have been filed to date allege that:
- Pfizer knew or should have known about the risk of meningioma
- The company failed to provide adequate warnings about this risk
- Patients developed meningiomas after using the drug
- Many patients required surgery to remove these tumors
Our California Depo-Provera Lawsuit Attorney is actively evaluating claims for Kaiser patients who developed meningiomas after receiving Depo-Provera injections at Kaiser, including those who:
- Used the medication for extended periods
- Developed meningiomas
- Required surgical intervention
The European experience with Depo Provera and meningiomas, particularly in France, has been significant in uncovering this association. Here are the key developments:
French Experience:
- In 2018-2019, French researchers identified a significant signal through their pharmacovigilance system
- A major French study showed that women using high-dose progestins had up to 20 times higher risk of developing meningiomas
- By 2021, French health authorities (ANSM) implemented strict restrictions on high-dose progestin use
- They required informed consent forms specifically addressing the meningioma risk
Pharmacovigilance Reports:
- The European pharmacovigilance database (EudraVigilance) began receiving increased reports of meningiomas associated with progestin use.
- Cases typically involved:
- Long-term use (often 5+ years)
- Multiple meningiomas in some patients
- Cases requiring surgical intervention
- Tumor regression after drug discontinuation in some cases
Regulatory Response:
- The European Medicines Agency (EMA) reviewed the evidence
- Several European countries implemented stronger warning requirements
- Some countries restricted high-dose progestin prescriptions
- Required brain MRI monitoring for long-term users in certain cases
Contact Our Kaiser California Depo-Provera Lawsuit Attorney Today
If you are a current or past Kaiser Health Plan member who received Depo-Provera injections for birth control for two years or longer and you developed a meningioma tumor that has required surgical treatment, call the Walkup Melodia Depo-Provera defective drug team today. We will investigate on your behalf. You do not pay us any fee unless we successfully recover money on your behalf.
There are strict time limits for prosecuting these claims so do not delay. Do not take the chance of letting the statute of limitations expire. Contact our Kaiser Depo-Provera team today and learn about your rights. Call the Dep-Provera defective drug team at Walkup Melodia Kelly and Schoenberger today.
