Many women want to use birth control but struggle to remember to take a pill at the same time every day. These women have sought other, more long-lasting forms of contraception. One such solution is Depo-Provera, an injection that is administered every three months.
Depo-Provera became a popular form of contraception in the early 90s and maintained popularity throughout the 2000s. Unfortunately, a new study has linked Depo-Provera with brain tumors and raised significant health concerns for people who have used Depo-Provera.
If you believe that you may have been adversely affected by using Depo-Provera, we invite you to call one of our Michigan Depo-Provera lawyers and schedule a free consultation. There is no obligation to retain our firm; this is an opportunity for you to speak with an experienced Depo-Provera injury attorney to learn about your options for seeking compensation.
We represent injured clients on a contingency fee basis (no fee unless compensation is recovered), and we also advance all litigation costs and expenses (these are normally repaid through a settlement or verdict). In the interim, the following provides more information about Depo-Provera injury matters.
What is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera, commonly referred to as the depo shot or the birth control shot, is an injectable contraceptive that works by preventing ovulation and thickening the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. It is 96% effective at preventing pregnancies in women who stick to the prescribed injection schedule. In addition to contraception, Depo-Provera has been used to treat the symptoms of conditions such as endometriosis.
Who Makes Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is made by Pfizer, Inc.
What is the Active Ingredient in Depo-Provera?
The active agreement in Depo-Provera is medroxyprogesterone acetate.
What are the Risks of Depo-Provera?
Possible side effects of Depo-Provera include headaches, anxiety, depression, appetite changes, weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth, hair loss, and loss of bone density.
Additionally, a new study has found that Depo-Provera is linked with an alarming five-fold increased risk of developing a type of brain tumor called a meningioma. Despite these findings, the manufacturer has not updated warning labels or taken action to further investigate the risks associated with the injections. Many users are not aware of their increased risk for brain tumors and do not know the signs to watch out for.
What is a Meningioma?
A meningioma is a tumor affecting the meninges, which are layers of tissue protecting the brain and spinal cord. Meningiomas are the most common type of brain tumor. They tend to be slow-growing and can take years to detect. Meningiomas can grow anywhere on the meninges, and symptoms can vary based on where the tumor is located.
Some symptoms of meningioma include:
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Loss of smell
- Hearing loss or ringing in ears
Muscle weakness - Numbness
- Balance issues
- Memory loss
- Difficulty speaking
- Changes in personality
If you notice these symptoms after using Depo-Provera, ask your doctor about the possibility of a meningioma.
How Are Meningiomas Diagnosed?
Meningiomas can be diagnosed through a physical examination, neurological examination, and imaging. Meningiomas are treatable with surgery, radiation, or a combination of both.
What is the Basis of the Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
Lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer alleging that they knew about the significant increase in the probability of developing meningiomas and related conditions but failed to adequately warn physicians or patients of these significant risks.
What is the Legal Theory Behind the Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
Drug manufacturers have the legal duty to notify physicians and patients about all known potential adverse risks of using a drug so that doctors and patients can make an informed decision about whether to use the drug. When drug manufacturers do not make such notification, or if the notification downplays the actual risk of using the drug, they can be held accountable for the injuries suffered.
Who May Be Entitled to Compensation in a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
Anyone who has suffered harm based upon drug manufacture negligence may be entitled to compensation based upon the injuries they suffered. This includes not only those who have suffered from a meningioma and other neurological impairment, but also those who have suffered from anxiety and emotional distress out of fear of sustaining a meningioma or impaired condition.
What Should I Do if I Think I May Have Been Harmed by Using Depo-Provera?
You should contact both your prescribing physician and a Depo-Provera lawyer.
Your doctor can advise of any testing that may be prudent to determine any neurological or other harm. A Michigan Depo-Provera attorney can speak with you about your conditions and the compensation to which you may be entitled.
How can a Depo-Provera Attorney Help?
As an injury and medical malpractice law firm, we are accepting cases concerning Depo-Provera injury. If you or a loved one used Depo-Provera or another form of injectable birth control and were diagnosed with a brain tumor, you may be entitled to compensation, potentially including:
- Medical costs for diagnosis and treatment of the meningioma and any long-term health problems caused by the tumor or treatment.
- Lost wages for work missed to treat the meningioma.
- Lost earning capacity if the meningioma caused permanent disability.
- Pain and suffering.
- Wrongful death if a loved one died from their meningioma.
Even if you do not have physical injury but suffer from significant fear and anxiety associated with potential injury from Depo-Provera use, you may be entitled to compensation.
We have the knowledge, experience, and passion to build a strong case and fight for the compensation to which you may be entitled. Call today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.