Choosing a birth control method is a personal decision that requires careful consideration of the benefits and risks. For many women, Depo-Provera seems like an attractive option, offering long-lasting pregnancy prevention with only four injections per year. However, as with any medication, there are potential side effects to be aware of, including the possibility of developing jaundice.
While jaundice is more commonly associated with newborns and people with liver disease, Depo-Provera may also trigger this condition in some women. If you are using Depo-Provera and notice any signs of jaundice, make sure to seek medical care right away. You should also consider contacting an experienced Depo-Provera injury attorney for assistance with the potential legal ramifications of your situation.
What Is Jaundice and What Are the Symptoms?
Jaundice is a medical condition that occurs when your liver cannot properly process bilirubin, a yellow substance that is produced when red blood cells naturally break down. This condition typically occurs when the liver becomes inflamed or damaged, preventing it from effectively filtering toxins and waste products from your blood. Jaundice causes physical changes that may develop gradually, making them difficult to notice right away.
If you have jaundice, you may develop the following symptoms:
- Yellow discoloration of the skin
- Yellowing of the whites of your eyes
- Unexplained fever
- Body chills
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stool
- Fatigue and confusion
- Itchy skin
- Unexplained weight loss
Treatment Options for People with Jaundice
Without medical care, jaundice can lead to severe complications. It is important to seek treatment immediately if you develop any of the symptoms discussed above. There is no singular treatment for jaundice; your doctor will work to treat the underlying cause of the condition.
For example, if you develop jaundice from a virus, the infection could become chronic or spread to others. Your doctor will focus on administering antiviral medications while monitoring your liver function. If a drug’s side effects lead to jaundice, your healthcare provider will likely discontinue the triggering medication and implement supportive treatment to protect your liver function while your body recovers.
Is There a Link Between Depo-Provera and Jaundice?
Depo-Provera is a hormonal birth control shot that contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, which mimics a natural hormone called progesterone. Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a type of progestin, a synthetic hormone that helps prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thinning the uterine lining, and thickening cervical mucus. This makes it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg and for a fertilized egg to be implanted.
Scientific research has established a link between progestins like Depo-Provera and liver complications, including jaundice. Progestins can cause liver enzymes to rise above normal levels within one to two weeks of starting treatment, which indicates that your liver may be under stress. These medications can also affect how well your liver processes substances like bilirubin. When your liver struggles to process these substances properly, they can build up in your bloodstream and cause jaundice.
Your risk of developing these liver problems may increase if you are also taking other hormone-based medications. While some liver changes get better when you adjust the dose or stop taking Depo-Provera, others can become more serious if not caught early.
Depo-Provera’s label does warn about the risk of jaundice, which is why it is very important to talk to a doctor before starting the medication and to monitor yourself very closely while taking it. If you notice any unusual symptoms after starting this birth control method, seek medical care as soon as you possibly can.
What Other Complications Are Linked to Depo-Provera?
Jaundice is only one of the complications associated with Depo-Provera. Other people have developed osteoporosis, or the loss of bone density, while taking this medication. This side effect is especially pronounced in young women who have not completed their development. Additionally, Depo-Provera can raise the risk of blood clots, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.
The key is that these complications are disclosed in medication warnings and patient information materials. Unfortunately, Pfizer has not warned the public about all of the risks associated with Depo-Provera. A recent study published in The British Medical Journal has established a concerning link between this medication and meningioma, a type of tumor that develops in the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Although meningiomas are usually not cancerous, their location can cause severe neurological issues and potentially life-altering complications. These tumors exert pressure on the brain and spinal cord as they grow, leading to a range of debilitating symptoms that often require invasive surgery to address. Even after successful removal, meningioma may face lengthy recovery periods and potential long-term neurological effects.
The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of preventing permanent complications. Watch for these warning signs of meningioma while using Depo-Provera:
- Headaches that intensify over time and may not respond to usual treatment
- Sudden or gradual changes in your personality that others might notice
- Progressive difficulty with memory or thinking clearly
- The sudden onset of seizures or unusual body movements
- Gradual loss of vision, hearing problems, or persistent ringing in your ears
- Unexplained weakness or numbness in your arms or legs
- Problems maintaining balance or changes in your walking pattern
- Complete or partial loss of your sense of smell
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating that impacts your daily activities
If you have developed meningioma after using Depo-Provera, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer, Pfizer. By filing a claim, you can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care. An attorney can help gather medical evidence, establish the connection between your condition and Depo-Provera use, and negotiate aggressively to recover the compensation that you deserve.
Contact Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC and Explore Your Legal Options
Jaundice is a serious side effect that can occur with the use of Depo-Provera, but it is not the only complication that can occur. If you have experienced a dangerous and undisclosed side effect after receiving this birth control injection, you may have grounds for a legal claim.
The attorneys at Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC have extensive experience in handling cases involving the adverse effects of Depo-Provera. We will listen to your story and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (800) 220-0984 to schedule a free consultation.