Birth control methods offer many people greater control over their reproductive health. However, like any medication, contraceptives can come with potential side effects. While most are mild and manageable, some users may face more severe complications. Depo-Provera, a widely used injectable contraceptive, has been linked to various health concerns—including potential liver issues. The lawyers at Shapiro Legal Group PLLC have experience litigating Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuits.
Depo-Provera and Its Impact on Liver Function
Depo-Provera is a birth control shot that is administered every 12 weeks. This medication is a synthetic progestin, which mimics the hormone progesterone. This hormone plays an important role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, helping to prepare the uterus for pregnancy and regulating the menstrual cycle. While highly effective at preventing pregnancy, Depo-Provera may affect liver function in some users.
The liver helps metabolize hormones, including the synthetic versions found in contraceptives. For patients with existing liver conditions or a predisposition to liver problems, Depo-Provera use may exacerbate these issues. Healthcare providers usually do not prescribe this medication to patients who have liver disease.
Identifying Liver Disease Symptoms in Depo-Provera Users
While not all users will experience liver-related complications, being vigilant about potential symptoms is important. Liver disease can be dangerous and lead to serious complications; the earlier that you detect these symptoms, the sooner you can seek medical treatment and potentially alleviate your condition.
Symptoms to watch out for include:
- Jaundice
- Abdominal swelling
- Persistent fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dark urine
- Pale stool
- Itchy skin
- Abdominal pain
- Easy bruising
- Loss of appetite
What to Do If You Are Diagnosed with Liver Disease
If you are diagnosed with liver disease while using Depo-Provera, seek medical care as soon as possible and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations closely. Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your liver function and overall health. You will also need to stop using this medication as soon as possible.
Depo-Provera has also been associated with other serious health conditions, such as meningioma and brain tumors. Make sure to monitor yourself for symptoms of these diseases as well; common signs include vision and hearing loss, cognitive changes, seizures, and physical weakness. Seek medical care as soon as possible to diagnose, document, and treat this condition if you develop these or any other unusual symptoms.
If you develop brain tumors while using Depo-Provera, you may have grounds for legal action. Many former patients are filing lawsuits against Pfizer, the manufacturer of this drug, for failing to warn about this serious and dangerous side effect. Pharmaceutical companies have a responsibility to warn patients and healthcare providers of potential risks, and by failing to do so, Pfizer has committed negligence.
Contact Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC Today for a Free Consultation
Dealing with liver disease and other health problems linked to Depo-Provera use can be overwhelming. At Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC, we know how damaging these diagnoses can be. That is why we are committed to holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their dangerous products.
Our Depo-Provera lawsuit attorneys will review your situation, answer your questions, and determine if you have grounds for legal action. Contact us at (800) 220-0984 to schedule a free consultation with our firm and take the first step toward protecting your rights.