For decades, Depo-Provera — the injectable birth control known generically as depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) — has been one of the most widely used contraceptives in the United States, chosen by millions of women for its convenience: a single shot every three months. In 2024, however, a large peer-reviewed study reshaped the conversation around the drug's long-term safety, and it has since become the focus of a growing wave of litigation.
What the 2024 Study Found
Researchers examining the long-term use of injectable progestogen contraceptives reported that women who used medroxyprogesterone acetate on a regular basis for one year or longer faced a substantially elevated risk of developing an intracranial meningioma — a tumor that forms in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The findings pointed to a risk increase on the order of several hundred percent compared with women who did not use the drug over a comparable period.
Meningiomas are known to carry receptors that respond to hormones, which gives researchers a plausible biological explanation for why prolonged exposure to a synthetic progestogen could contribute to their growth. The longer the reported duration of use, the stronger the association appeared to be.
Understanding Meningiomas
Most meningiomas are classified as non-cancerous, but "benign" can be misleading. Because these tumors grow inside the fixed space of the skull, even a slow-growing meningioma can press on the brain, cranial nerves, and blood vessels, producing serious and sometimes permanent effects.
Symptoms to Watch For
Depending on the tumor's size and location, symptoms can include:
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- Changes in vision, including blurring or loss of peripheral sight
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Memory problems or difficulty concentrating
- Seizures
- Weakness in the arms or legs
Treatment frequently involves brain surgery, radiation, or long-term monitoring — each of which can carry significant medical, financial, and personal consequences.
Who Might Be Affected
The people most closely examined in the research were those who received Depo-Provera injections on a regular basis over an extended period — generally a year or more — and who were later diagnosed with a meningioma. Many patients say they were never warned that prolonged use of the drug might be associated with the development of brain tumors.
Did you or a loved one use Depo-Provera and later receive a brain tumor diagnosis?
You may be eligible for a free, confidential case review to understand your options. There is no cost and no obligation to speak with someone about what happened.
See If You Qualify →What Depo-Provera Users Are Doing Now
Following the 2024 findings, women across the country have begun filing claims alleging that the manufacturer knew, or should have known, about the potential link between long-term use and meningiomas and failed to adequately warn patients and prescribers. These claims are being reviewed and organized as the litigation develops. No outcome is guaranteed, and every situation is evaluated on its own facts.
Because legal claims are subject to strict filing deadlines that vary by state, patients who believe they may be affected are generally encouraged not to wait to learn where they stand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using Depo-Provera mean I will get a brain tumor?
No. The research describes an increased risk associated with long-term use — not a certainty. The vast majority of people who use the drug will not develop a meningioma. The findings are about relative risk across large groups, not a prediction for any single person.
How long did someone need to use it to be part of the concern?
The strongest associations were reported among women who used the injection on a regular basis for roughly one year or longer. Longer durations were linked to greater risk.
What does a case review cost?
A case review is free and confidential. Attorneys who handle these matters typically work on a contingency basis, meaning there are no fees unless there is a recovery.
Disclaimer: This article is sponsored content and constitutes attorney advertising. It is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship, and no result is guaranteed. Individual circumstances vary. If you have medical concerns, consult a licensed physician; for legal questions, consult a licensed attorney. Depo-Provera is a registered trademark of its manufacturer, referenced here for identification purposes only.
