The Depo-Provera Lawsuit

Depo-Provera is an injectable form of birth control that contains medroxyprogesterone, a synthetic formulation of the hormone progestin. The medication, administered as a shot deep in the muscle tissue, works for approximately 12 to 14 weeks. After this time, patients must receive another injection to maintain its effectiveness. Depo-Provera works by suppressing ovulation, or preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg as they normally would.

Many patients have experienced dangerous complications after receiving the medication, leading some to file claims in the Depo-Provera lawsuit. While headaches are listed as a possible side effect of the medication, they may also be indicative of a severe complication called pseudotumor cerebri. This condition occurs when intracranial pressure increases without an apparent cause, and symptoms can mimic those of a brain tumor.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri after Depo-Provera treatment, you may be eligible to file a claim against Pfizer for failing to provide adequate warnings about the possible dangers associated with the drug. Please contact Impact Law to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced pharmaceutical attorney from our legal network.

Woman crying with hand over eyes — Depo-Provera has been linked to an increased incidence of pseudotumor cerebri, a severe complication in which intracranial pressure increases without an apparent cause.

Pseudotumor Cerebri

Pseudotumor cerebri, also commonly referred to as idiopathic intracranial hypertension or benign intracranial hypertension, is a condition that is defined by increased intracranial pressure and symptoms mimicking those of a brain tumor, even though there is no tumor present. This condition can occur in patients of any age but is most commonly seen in women of childbearing age who are overweight.

Increased intracranial pressure can cause swelling of the optic nerve, resulting in vision problems or loss. Other signs and symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri may include:

Moderate to severe headaches
Migraines
Neck, shoulder, or back pain
Nausea
Dizziness
Disorientation
Short-term memory loss
Light sensitivity
Loss of sensation in the hands
Ringing in the ears
Loss of peripheral vision
Double vision
Blurred vision

If you have experienced any neurological side effects after being injected with Depo-Provera, it is imperative that you see a doctor immediately to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

Case Studies Linking Pseudotumor Cerebri to Birth Control

As early as 1995, researchers had found an increased incidence of pseudotumor cerebri among birth control patients. A study that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine had found that birth control medications containing synthetic formulations of certain hormones were associated with at least 56 cases of pseudotumor cerebri.

A more recent study that was funded by the Faculty of Sexual Reproductive Healthcare in the U.K. reported on a case in which a 23-year-old woman was diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri after being given a Depo-Provera shot. She was not taking any other medications, and the condition resolved after she discontinued the treatment.

Claims Filed in the Depo-Provera Lawsuit

Many Depo-Provera patients have already come forward and filed claims against Pfizer. These product liability lawsuits allege that the company was aware of the inherent risks of their products, but failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers. Additionally, some lawsuits claim that Pfizer failed to adequately test the medication before marketing the drug to the public.

Recently, the majority of claims against Pfizer in the Depo-Provera lawsuit were consolidated under multidistrict litigation (MDL). In this type of action, similar case types are consolidated before a single judge in an effort to expedite pretrial processes, such as evidence discovery, and eliminate any inconsistencies in rulings. Each individual claimant can retain their own legal counsel and their case will be tried separately. Any settlement offers or jury awards will be based on the injuries that each claimant sustained, rather than a portion of a large amount as is common in class action lawsuits.

Contact Impact Law

If you have been diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri after taking Depo-Provera, you may have a claim against Pfizer. Attorneys from our legal network are currently offering complimentary case evaluations for patients who may have been affected by this dangerous drug. Please contact Impact Law to find a local attorney who can help.