What Is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is a form of birth control administered through an injection containing the hormone progestin. Typically, people receive the Depo-Provera injection every three months, making it more convenient than taking daily birth control pills.
The drug works by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining, making pregnancy less likely. Beyond preventing pregnancy, Depo-Provera is also sometimes used to manage other conditions, such as endometriosis and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Unfortunately, alongside the benefits Depo-Provera provides, there are also substantial risks associated with its use.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Using Depo-Provera?
The potential side effects of Depo-Provera use range from mild to severe. While many women may experience minor side effects like changes in weight or menstrual patterns, some face more severe complications, including:
Prolonged use of Depo-Provera can reduce bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, fractures, and other health complications.
Blood clot conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolisms can be life-threatening and require immediate medical treatment.
Some Depo-Provera users report experiencing significant mood swings or depression.
According to the National Institutes of Health, high doses of progestin can cause abnormalities in liver function that may cause organ damage.
Additional side effects reported by women using Depo-Provera that may require medical treatment include:
- Headaches
- Delayed return to fertility
- Nausea
- Injection site reactions
- Menstrual irregularities
- Vision problems
If you are experiencing adverse side effects after Depo-Provera use, fill out our questionnaire to determine whether you may be eligible to join a mass tort lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries.
Depo-Provera’s Link to Brain Tumors
A study published in the British Medical Journal found an increased risk of typically benign brain tumors called meningiomas among those who injected progestins, the main component of Depo-Provera. Despite often being benign, these tumors can cause significant health issues, especially if they grow large enough to put pressure on brain tissue.
Symptoms of brain tumors can include:
- Persistent headaches
- Vision problems
- Seizures
- Cognitive difficulties
If you used Depo-Provera and experience any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical treatment. While these tumors are treatable, early diagnosis and intervention are the best ways to limit the damage they can do and reduce the chance of suffering permanent injuries.
How to Establish Eligibility for a Depo-Provera Mass Tort Lawsuit
To establish eligibility for a Depo-Provera mass tort lawsuit, you must have sufficient evidence connecting your use of the drug to your injury and showing that you suffered financial losses as a result. Some of the evidence you will need includes:
The first piece of evidence you need is documentation proving that you used Depo-Provera and not a different progestin injection. This evidence can include medical records from your healthcare provider or prescription records that name Depo-Provera.
To join the mass tort lawsuit, you must also have a brain tumor diagnosis following your Depo-Provera use. A formal diagnosis from a neurologist or oncologist is crucial.
Having comprehensive records of all medical treatments related to your brain tumor, including surgeries, radiation, and medications, is essential. These documents demonstrate the extent of your condition and the medical care for which you’re seeking compensation.
You must have documentation of financial losses related to your brain tumor diagnosis, such as medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses incurred due to your injury.
You must establish a clear timeline that links your use of Depo-Provera to your brain tumor diagnosis. The timeline should show when you started using Depo-Provera, how long you used it, and when your diagnosis happened.
Compensation Available to Depo-Provera Injury Victims
Through a mass tort lawsuit, victims of Depo-Provera-related injuries may be eligible for various types of compensation, including:
- Past Medical Expenses – You can seek recovery for the expenses related to your brain tumor diagnosis and treatments, including hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, and doctor visits.
- Future Medical Expenses – You can seek recovery for your ongoing and future medical care necessary for the long-term treatment of your condition, including monitoring, rehabilitation, and additional surgeries.
- Lost Wages – If your brain tumor impacted your ability to work, you can seek compensation for the wages you lost while you were undergoing treatment.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity – If your brain tumor impacts your ability to work in the future, you can seek compensation for your loss of future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering – You can seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering you experience due to your condition resulting from Depo-Provera use.
- Permanent Disability – If your diagnosis results in permanent disability, you may be able to recover compensation, such as for home and vehicle modifications to accommodate your disability or for long-term care.
- Loss of Consortium – If your diagnosis impacted your relationship with your spouse, they may be able to seek compensation for that loss.
Contact a Mass Tort Injury Lawyer
Were you diagnosed with a brain tumor after multiple uses of Pfizer’s Depo-Provera injections? You may be eligible to participate in a mass tort lawsuit to seek compensation for your injury.
At Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers, our team provides comprehensive legal support for victims and their families. Fill out our questionnaire today to determine your eligibility and to learn more about how our team of mass tort injury lawyers can help you seek the compensation you deserve.