New studies have come to light showing some serious health risks linked to Depo-Provera, an extremely popular contraceptive injection. The drug has been associated with a higher risk of meningiomas, a type of brain tumor, after prolonged use. At the Monsour Law Firm, we seek to offer timely information and advice for patients who could potentially be impacted by this news. As advocates for patients’ interests and health, we are closely monitoring the developments surrounding the Depo-Provera lawsuit and its implications for those affected.
This blog is here to explain some of the issues involved in Depo-Provera lawsuit, tell you what your legal rights are, and point you in the right direction to get involved. We want you to be well-informed about your options so you can find the best way to hold those responsible accountable and seek justice and compensation through legal means if necessary.
Depo-Provera is a birth control shot that is composed of the progestogen medroxyprogesterone acetate. Given every three months, it has been a very convenient method of contraception for many women. However, recently, some studies have sounded an alarm about its safety.
A study published in The BMJ this March 2024 reported that long-term use of certain progestogens, such as medroxyprogesterone acetate, increases the risk of intracranial meningiomas, a kind of tumor in the brain. Several lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer, manufacturer of Depo-Provera, over the product. The lawsuits filed against Pfizer detail how the company failed to warn users of the potential risks related to long-term use of the contraceptive.
November 26 marked a big legal move when a petition to consolidate 22 existing and any new federal actions involving Depo-Provera was filed with the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML). Not only does this action aim to expedite the legal process, but it also seeks to address the alleged relationship between the long-term use of Depo-Provera and the formation of meningiomas, a type of brain tumor. The plaintiffs are seeking to consolidate these cases in the Northern District of California, a venue that has a history of handling sophisticated pharmaceutical litigation cases. To their credit, the judges assigned to this likely multidistrict litigation (MDL), Hon. William H. Orrick III and Hon. John S. Tigar, are experienced in managing high-profile cases against large pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer.
Its choice of the Northern District of California capitalizes on its considerable demographic presence there and its judicial experience with complex drug cases. This strategic choice is further underscored by the invocation of California’s “innovator liability” doctrine. This legal principle is crucial as it may determine Pfizer’s responsibility for harm caused by both the branded and generic forms of Depo-Provera. The doctrine’s application underscores the state’s pivotal role in addressing corporate accountability in pharmaceutical practices.
The goal of consolidating these cases into a MDL is to improve judicial efficiency through uniformity of decisions in separate jurisdictions, which reduces duplicative litigation and synchronize the discovery phases. In addition to being more cost-effective than each individual’s case being fought independently, this collaborative method leads to better and more effective negotiations to settle.
This update transcends typical procedural milestones by highlighting the broader implications of the Depo-Provera cases. It brings to light the heightened risk awareness associated with the drug and underscores the substantial legal responsibilities that companies like Pfizer may hold in these situations. This growing awareness facilitates a more informed approach to legal remedies for those harmed by pharmaceutical products, emphasizing the importance of adhering to strict filing deadlines to maximize the impact of legal actions.
As this MDL continues to unfold, the developing proceedings will shed much light on how such litigation strategies prove effective in holding large pharmaceutical companies accountable. The petition is representative of a critical juncture in the ongoing legal discourse surrounding Depo-Provera, with a concerted effort toward securing justice and comprehensive relief for the individuals adversely affected by the drug. This phase of litigation not only tends to address the grievances of those affected but also sets a bar for how such cases might be handled in the future; which makes this a pivotal moment in pharmaceutical litigation.
Several studies have linked long-term use of Depo-Provera to an increased risk of meningioma, a rare tumor of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Because of this risk, the FDA recommends that Depo-Provera not be used routinely as a long-term birth control method unless there is a lack of adequate alternatives.
Meningiomas are usually benign tumors originating from membranes of the brain and spinal cord. Tumors like this sometimes have a hormone influence. Hormonal side effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate, an ingredient within Depo-Provera, create this risk. Women with familial diseases concerning brain tumors can be at heightened risk.
If you suspect that your brain tumor is associated with Depo-Provera, then there are some things you need to do without wasting any more time. You must consult your doctor immediately and discuss the symptoms and case history with him. A medical expert will be able to tell whether your case is related to the use of Depo-Provera or not.
After you have obtained a medical opinion, you may want to consult with a competent pharmaceutical liability attorney who can help you assess your case and lead you through the legal procedure for filing a claim. It is very important to keep detailed documentation of the Depo-Provera used, the diagnosis of your medical condition, and the expenses related to your injury, as this will be vital in developing a strong case.
Key pieces of evidence to support a successful Depo-Provera lawsuit include:
This evidence will be critical in proving the connection of your health condition with the use of Depo-Provera. The more solid the evidence presented, the better the possibility of receiving fair compensation for all damages.
While it’s challenging to provide exact figures, settlements in similar defective product cases have ranged widely based on individual circumstances, factors such as the severity of your condition, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering will influence the settlement amount.
In addition, previous cases involving defective products have settled for several thousand dollars to millions of dollars, depending on the circumstances of each case.
Several factors can affect the amount of damages you may be entitled to receive, including:
Other factors are the strength of evidence linking your condition to Depo-Provera. For instance, plaintiffs with readily identifiable medical records that show prolonged use of the contraceptive followed by the diagnosis of meningioma are more likely to be awarded higher settlements.
A settlement can help cover the medical expenses resulting from Depo-Provera and punish the company for failing to warn about the possible risks. The compensation will cover all medical treatments, lost wages, and other damages arising out of the administration of Depo-Provera
For many victims, filing a lawsuit is not about financial compensation but justice and holding big pharmaceutical companies accountable for their actions.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to Depo-Provera, The Monsour Law Firm is here to help. With years of experience holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their failure to ensure the safety of their products. You can trust our lawyers to handle your case with professionalism and dedication. Feel free to contact us to discuss your unique situation and how our lawyers can help you fight for justice.
Our commitment to you goes way beyond just representing you legally. We will make sure the person liable for your injury is held to the fullest measure of accountability possible under the law. Contact The Monsour Law Firm today to start addressing this challenge. Allow us to assist you in moving forward with the assurance that your interests are being vigorously defended.
Douglas C. Monsour, or Doug Monsour, is a trial lawyer who handles important and significant injury cases in Texas and across the nation. He is one of a handful of trial lawyers who have successfully tried multiple pharmaceutical, medical device, and mass tort product liability cases as the lead lawyer. He also vigorously represents injured oil field workers, victims of 18-wheeler wrecks, industrial accident victims, and those that have been severely burned.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Monsour who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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