Can Birth Control Cause Brain Tumors? Depo-Provera Linked to Meningioma in Recent Study.

A groundbreaking study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has revealed a concerning link between the popular contraceptive injection Depo-Provera and an increased risk of developing brain tumors, particularly meningiomas. This study has significant implications for the nearly 74 million people worldwide who once used or still use Depo-Provera for birth control.

If you or a loved one have used Depo-Provera and subsequently developed a meningioma, you may have grounds to file a product liability lawsuit against its manufacturer. Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor or meningioma, it’s essential to monitor for symptoms and consult a healthcare provider.

The New York Depo-Provera lawsuit lawyers at the Jacob Fuchsberg Law Firm have significant experience representing clients who’ve wrongfully developed injuries or health issues as a result of a manufacturer’s failure to properly test new drugs or devices, properly disclose side effects of drugs or devices, or the decision to release defective products into the market.

What Is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is the brand name for medroxyprogesterone acetate, which is a hormonal contraceptive injection that contains the hormone progestin. The drug is usually administered every three months through a 150 mg/1 mL intramuscular injection. Some prefer using oral contraceptives or Depo-Provera to other forms of birth control because it does not require a daily dosage and does not contain estrogen. However, the injection is associated with an increased risk of developing non-cancerous brain tumors.

Like most forms of birth control, Depo-Provera can cause side effects, including loss of bone mineral density, abdominal pain, bloating, decreased libido, depression, dizziness, headaches, bleeding, weakness and fatigue, or weight gain. Manufacturers of the drug also note that Depo-Provera should not be used as a long-term birth control for longer than two years unless other forms of birth control are considered inadequate.

Although Depo-Provera includes a warning for the symptoms listed above, there is no mention of the increased risk of meningioma associated with the drug, meaning that many women may be using the drug without knowledge of all of its side effects.

Study Findings on Meningioma Increased Risk After Depo-Provera

Recently, the British Medical Journal conducted an observational study with over 100,000 women living in France who underwent surgery for an intracranial meningioma between 2009 and 2018. The study found that there is an association between prolonged use of medroxyprogesterone acetate injection and the excess risk of intracranial meningioma requiring surgery. These findings are particularly alarming because meningiomas can lead to debilitating symptoms, and surgery to remove the tumor involves the risk of life-threatening complications.

According to the study, more than one in five sexually active women in France reported having used injected medroxyprogesterone acetate, otherwise known as Depo-Provera. The authors of the study stated that in countries that have high numbers of medroxyprogesterone acetate use, “the number of meningiomas attributable to this progestogen may be potentially high”.

Symptoms of Meningioma After Depo-Provera Injection

Meningiomas can develop in the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas grow very slowly and may not show symptoms for years; however, it is important to monitor your health for any unusual symptoms if you’ve ever received a Depo-Provera injection.

Meningioma symptoms may include:

• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Hearing loss
• Memory loss
• Loss of smell

If the meningioma grows, it may press on brain tissue, nerves, and vessels, leading to more severe symptoms such as seizures, trouble speaking, or weakness. A meningioma can be diagnosed using a CT scan or MRI, and treatment will likely depend on the size of the meningioma but may require surgery or radiation if the tumor grows.

Can Depo-Provera Cause Brain Tumors?

While the exact biological process linking hormonal contraceptive use, such as Depo-Provera, to brain tumors remains unclear, researchers have identified plausible mechanisms. Depo-Provera contains a synthetic progestogen that mimics the natural hormone progesterone. This synthetic hormone may overstimulate progesterone receptors in sensitive tissues, particularly in the brain and spinal cord’s protective layers known as the meninges, leading to abnormal cell growth and the formation of brain tumors, including a potential increase in glioma risk.

Key factors contributing to tumor development:

• Hormonal sensitivity: Meningiomas are known to be hormone-sensitive, especially to progesterone. Prolonged exposure to synthetic hormones in hormonal contraceptives like Depo-Provera may increase the risk of abnormal cell proliferation in hormone-receptor-rich areas.
• Extended use: Studies suggest that the likelihood of developing meningiomas rises with long-term Depo-Provera use, as extended hormonal exposure can exacerbate tissue changes.
• Localized growth: Tumors often develop in areas with a high density of blood vessels and hormone receptors, such as the base of the skull, making these regions particularly vulnerable.
• Cellular impact: Synthetic hormones in hormonal contraceptives like Depo-Provera may disrupt normal cell cycles in the meninges, fostering an environment conducive to tumor formation.

Though most meningiomas are benign, their growth and the risk of glioma can cause serious neurological complications due to their location and size. In severe cases, treatment may involve surgery or radiation to manage symptoms and prevent further health risks.

Factors Influencing Tumor Risk

The likelihood of developing brain tumors, particularly meningiomas, while using Depo-Provera can depend on a range of factors, with a slightly higher risk associated with prolonged use.

Key influences on tumor risk:

• Duration and dosage: Long-term use and repeated high doses of Depo-Provera may significantly increase the risk of tumor growth.
• Age and hormonal sensitivity: The likelihood of meningiomas rises with age, particularly in women over 45. Those with heightened sensitivity to progesterone may be more vulnerable.
• Genetic factors: Genetic predispositions, such as neurofibromatosis type 2, can amplify susceptibility to meningiomas when combined with hormonal influences from Depo-Provera.
• Concurrent therapies and health conditions: Using Depo-Provera alongside other hormonal treatments or having undiagnosed small meningiomas may exacerbate risks.
• Lifestyle and history: Factors like BMI and previous radiation exposure may also play a role in increasing tumor susceptibility, though further research is needed to clarify these relationships.

These risk factors highlight the importance of regular medical evaluations for Depo-Provera users, especially those with prolonged usage or additional susceptibility markers. Awareness and monitoring can help mitigate potential complications and support early detection.

Why File a Depo-Provera Meningioma Lawsuit?

Patients have the right to be fully informed about the medications they use, including hormonal contraceptives, allowing them to make confident and educated decisions about their health. Filing a lawsuit not only helps individuals secure compensation for medical expenses but also raises awareness about the risks linked to Depo-Provera.

Lawsuits are being filed against Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, alleging that the company failed to adequately warn users about the meningioma risk. Plaintiffs argue that Pfizer knew or should have known about the potential link between Depo-Provera and meningiomas given the drug’s 30-year presence on the market.

Taking legal action can:

• Cover treatment costs: Managing brain tumor-related medical expenses can be overwhelming, often exceeding $700,000. Lawsuits can help alleviate this financial burden.
• Hold Pfizer accountable: By filing claims, affected individuals can push Pfizer to take responsibility for failing to warn users of potential risks.
• Advocate for women’s health: Legal action emphasizes the importance of patient safety and ensures that pharmaceutical companies prioritize health over profits.

By stepping forward, you not only seek justice for yourself but also help protect future generations from similar risks posed by inadequate corporate transparency.

At the Jacob Fuchsberg Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact of defective drugs on individuals and families. With extensive experience in pharmaceutical litigation, our attorneys are dedicated to pursuing justice for clients who’ve suffered due to corporate negligence.

Real Results for Real People

Eli Fuchsberg and other attorneys at the Jacob Fuchsberg Law Firm have experience representing individuals who have been wrongfully injured due to medical negligence, defective drugs, and defective devices. Moreover, Eli Fuchsberg was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Counsel for Exactech.

Success Story #1

In a recent case, Brad Zimmerman and Eli Fuchsberg represented a family who tragically lost their mother and grandmother due to negligent post-operative care. The patient, who underwent mitral valve replacement surgery, suffered preventable complications when her anti-coagulation therapy was mismanaged. The hospital failed to diagnose and treat Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia and did not prevent the development of a stage IV bedsore. This negligence ultimately led to her passing, and the Jacob Fuchsberg Law Firm successfully settled the case, providing some measure of justice for the grieving family.

Success Story #2

Jaehyun Oh successfully represented a 21-year-old incarcerated individual who tragically developed Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma due to delayed and inadequate medical care at Upstate Correctional Facility. Despite being evaluated 65 times over five months, the medical staff failed to provide proper diagnostic testing, delaying critical treatment. Through dedicated advocacy, the firm secured a $950,000 settlement, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring that individuals receive the care and accountability they deserve.

References

Roland N, Neumann A, Hoisnard L, Duranteau L, Froelich S, Zureik M et al. Use of progestogens and the risk of intracranial meningioma: national case-control study BMJ 2024; 384 :e078078 doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-078078.