Depo-Provera Lawsuit: Should Patients Receive Medical Monitoring for Meningioma Risks?

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Pfizer failed to warn about the risk of meningiomas associated with Depo-Provera and seeks medical monitoring for affected patients.

Consumers Affected: California residents who received four or more injections of Depo-Provera or its generic equivalents.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Pfizer, along with several related pharmaceutical companies, is facing a class action lawsuit over allegations that its injectable contraceptive, Depo-Provera, increases the risk of intracranial meningioma—a type of brain tumor—in patients who received the drug for over a year. The lawsuit seeks to hold these companies accountable while requesting a court-ordered medical monitoring program for impacted individuals.

Lawsuit Claims Pfizer Hid Brain Tumor Risk from Depo-Provera Users

Plaintiff Makisha Greeno filed the proposed class case in California against Pfizer Inc., Pharmacia & Upjohn Co., LLC, Prasco Labs, Greenstone LLC, and Viatris Inc. Together, these companies are responsible for the development, manufacturing, and distribution of Depo-Provera and its generic equivalents.

The case alleges that these companies were aware for decades that synthetic progestin, the primary ingredient in Depo-Provera, could lead to the development of intracranial meningiomas. Despite this, the companies continued selling the drug without providing clear warnings to patients or doctors about this potential risk.

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Depo-Provera and the Risk of Meningioma Brain Tumors

Depo-Provera is a progestin-based injectable contraceptive, often administered every three months. According to the lawsuit, patients receiving at least four injections—typically covering one year of treatment—face heightened risk of developing meningiomas, a type of tumor that forms in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

While many meningiomas are classified as benign, they can still cause serious complications. Symptoms vary based on location but may include severe headaches, seizures, vision problems, hearing loss, memory issues, and changes in personality or behavior. In some cases, meningiomas can become malignant and spread to other parts of the body.

Greeno’s complaint states that she received Depo-Provera injections regularly from 1996 through 2014, then again from 2015 to 2019. During this time, no warnings were ever provided indicating that long-term use could increase the likelihood of brain tumor development.

According to the filing, Greeno—along with other proposed class members—would not have continued using Depo-Provera if the manufacturers had disclosed the risk. Many would have either discontinued use or requested regular medical imaging to monitor for tumor formation.

“Had Plaintiff known that taking Depo-Provera increased her risk of developing severe brain tumors, she would not have used it,” the lawsuit states.

Scientific Research Allegedly Linked Progestin to Meningiomas for Decades

The filing claims that scientific research highlighting a potential connection between synthetic progestin and intracranial meningiomas dates back several decades. Pharmaceutical companies allegedly had access to data indicating that progestin-based drugs could trigger tumor growth, particularly in women who used these medications for extended periods.

Despite accumulating evidence, manufacturers failed to investigate further or issue updated warnings to healthcare providers or consumers. The case argues that this lack of transparency left long-term users unaware of the need for regular medical monitoring.

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Medical Monitoring Program Sought for Depo-Provera Users

Greeno and her legal team are requesting court approval to establish a medical monitoring program for patients who received four or more injections of Depo-Provera or its generic versions between October 1992 and the present. This program would provide regular brain scans and medical evaluations to detect early tumor growth.

The goal of this proposed program is to catch tumors at earlier stages when treatment options may be less invasive. Early detection could also help prevent debilitating symptoms associated with larger, more advanced meningiomas.

Similar progestogen-based drugs have already faced restrictions or removal from the market in parts of Europe due to concerns over meningioma risks. Despite this, Depo-Provera and similar products have remained widely available in the United States.

In addition to medical monitoring, Greeno seeks compensatory damages, punitive damages, and reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by patients who purchased Depo-Provera without knowing the full extent of its risks. She is pursuing claims for breach of express warranty, breach of implied warranty, failure to warn, and violations of California consumer protection laws.

The proposed class would cover California residents who received four or more injections of Depo-Provera or generic equivalents during the covered period. 

Learn more about how to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit here.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Greeno v. Pfizer, Inc. et al
• Case Number: 2:25-cv-607
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• “Eddie” Jae K. Kim, Tiffine E. Malamphy, and Kelly K. Iverson (Lynch Carpenter, LLP)

Have you or someone you know been affected by potential side effects of Depo-Provera? Share your experience in the comments below.