Depo-Provera Lawsuit Attorneys in Connecticut
Helping Clients Hold Drug Manufacturers Responsible for Their Negligence
Depo-Provera is a contraceptive injection containing a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone called depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). It's administered every 12 weeks as a long-acting birth control method. Reportedly, 302,000 women received a Depo-Provera injection in 2022 alone, and approximately one in four women have ever used this contraceptive method.
New scientific evidence has proven that Depo-Provera can cause brain tumors, especially after prolonged use. The attorneys at RisCassi & Davis, P.C. have over 65 years of experience representing clients in high-profile cases, including product liability claims involving manufacturer defects.
If you or a loved one have taken Depo-Provera injections and developed a brain tumor, please reach out to our team. We have a proven track record of success and are known for aggressively representing our clients.
Let our Connecticut attorneys help you fight for fair compensation. Call (860) 245-2412.
Side Effects of Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera works by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy.
Common side effects of Depo-Provera that any user may experience include:
- Irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting
- Weight gain
- Headaches
- Mood changes
- Decreased bone density
- Delayed return to fertility after stopping use
Does Depo-Provera Cause Meningiomas?
Prolonged use of Depo-Provera has been linked to meningiomas brain tumors because of compelling evidence from a large-scale study published in the British Medical Journal in March 2024. This research, which analyzed data from the French National Health Data System, included over 108,000 women, with more than 18,000 having undergone surgery for meningioma.
The results showed a markedly increased risk of meningioma development in women who used Depo-Provera for more than a year. The study reported an odds ratio of 5.55 for MPA users, meaning they were over five times more likely to develop meningiomas compared to non-users. This is an unusually high odds ratio in medical research, indicating a strong association between Depo-Provera use and meningioma risk.
Importantly, this recent study builds upon earlier research that had already suggested a potential link. As far back as 1986, studies were identifying a high concentration of progesterone receptors in meningioma cells, suggesting that progesterone-based drugs like Depo-Provera could potentially influence tumor growth.
A 1990 study further supported this hypothesis by demonstrating that blocking progesterone receptors with an anti-progesterone agent (mifepristone) could inhibit meningioma growth. This finding indirectly implicated progesterone-like substances, such as those in Depo-Provera, in potentially promoting meningioma development.
These earlier studies, combined with the recent large-scale research, paint a concerning picture of the long-term safety of Depo-Provera, particularly regarding meningioma risk. The accumulation of evidence over several decades suggests that the potential link between Depo-Provera and meningiomas should have been a point of concern for manufacturers and healthcare providers for some time. However, drug manufacturers are still fighting accountability.
Who Can File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit?
Potential plaintiffs typically include:
- Users of Depo-Provera who have been diagnosed with meningiomas, brain or spinal cord tumors, or pseudotumor cerebri.
- Family members of deceased individuals who used Depo-Provera and developed meningiomas or other types of brain tumors.
What Sets Us Apart
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Significant Honors & Recognition
In our 70+ years of experience, we have received both national & regional recognition for our handling of injury cases, and many honors from our legal colleagues.
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An Expert Team Approach
We have an extensive national network of experts available to us in the fields of medicine, engineering, traffic safety, accident reconstruction, and more – each available to work on your case should it require their expertise.
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Over Half a Billion Dollars RecoveredWe've taken hundreds of cases to trial and we've won some of the largest personal injury verdicts and settlements in Connecticut history.
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Board-Certified Trial LawyersOur seven attorneys who have achieved this honor demonstrated they have the training & depth of experience to help you get the best possible outcome for your case.
Liable Parties in Depo-Provera Claims
The potential defendants in these lawsuits include:
- Pfizer Inc.: The primary defendant, as they currently hold the New Drug Application (NDA) for Depo-Provera and are responsible for the drug's labeling and safety information. Pfizer acquired Pharmacia & Upjohn in 2002 and has maintained control over Depo-Provera since then. Several legal documents allege that the company knew or should have known about the risks associated with the injections.
- Viatris Inc.: Formed after the merger of Upjohn, Greenstone, and Mylan N.V. in 2020, they are accused of participating in the distribution and sale of Depo-Provera and its authorized generic versions.
- Greenstone, LLC: A Pfizer subsidiary that allegedly acted as an authorized generic distributor, producing and distributing Depo-Provera without brand labeling but chemically identical to the branded version.
- Prasco Labs: Another authorized generic distributor alleged to have marketed Depo-Provera as a generic product without altering its chemical composition or labeling.
- Pharmacia & Upjohn: The original NDA holder for Depo-Provera before Pfizer's acquisition. They are accused of failing to address safety issues with Depo-Provera prior to the acquisition.
These lawsuits generally allege that the defendants failed to adequately warn users about the potential risk of developing meningiomas associated with long-term use of Depo-Provera. The legal actions seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages related to the development of meningiomas in users of the contraceptive.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
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