From oral contraceptive pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs) to vaginal rings and hormone patches, women today have numerous birth control options at their disposal. Among these choices, Depo-Provera—commonly known as the birth control shot—has established itself as a widely-used contraceptive method.
Although Depo-Provera offers the convenience of just four injections per year, it may not be as effective as other forms of birth control. Additionally, this contraceptive may expose the user to unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects, including a higher risk of Depo-Provera brain tumors.
How Does Depo-Provera Work?
Depo-Provera is an injection of a synthetic hormone known as medroxyprogesterone acetate. Patients must receive a Depo-Provera injection into the arm or buttocks every 12 weeks. This contraceptive prevents pregnancy in two ways: first, it halts ovulation by preventing eggs from being released from the ovaries, and second, it thickens the cervical mucus to create a barrier that sperm cannot penetrate. When patients keep up with Depo-Provera injections, this method offers continuous pregnancy prevention for up to three months at a time.
Can Depo-Provera Effectively Prevent Pregnancy?
Depo-Provera has a 96% effectiveness rate in preventing pregnancy. This means that approximately four unplanned pregnancies occur every year per 100 women using this contraceptive method. These pregnancies usually happen when a patient delays or misses one of their scheduled injections. Other birth control methods, such as IUDs, have a much higher effectiveness rate, and healthcare providers typically recommend them over Depo-Provera injections.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Depo-Provera?
Users of Depo-Provera may experience various side effects that impact their daily lives. Patients often report the following symptoms:
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Complete cessation of menstruation
- Persistent headaches
- Mood changes, including depression and anxiety
- Acne outbreaks
- Fluctuations in appetite leading to weight gain
- Increased facial hair growth
- Scalp hair loss
- Osteoporosis or the loss of bone density
Recent medical research has unveiled more serious potential risks. A 2024 study published in the British Medical Journal revealed that women who use Depo-Provera for more than one year face a 5.6 times higher risk of developing intracranial meningiomas. These tumors form in the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
While typically benign, meningiomas may require surgical intervention, which carries its own set of risks. Brain surgery can lead to serious complications including infection, brain swelling, and potential damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The procedure often requires extended hospital stays and carries risks of seizures, cognitive changes, and even stroke.
The emotional toll of a meningioma diagnosis can be devastating for both patients and their families, leading to anxiety, depression, and significant psychological distress. The financial burden can be equally overwhelming, with surgical costs often exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars, not including ongoing rehabilitation and follow-up care.
Contact Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC for Assistance
If you or a loved one has developed health complications while using Depo-Provera, you deserve justice for the harm that you have suffered. Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC is representing clients nationwide in lawsuits against Pfizer, Depo-Provera’s manufacturer, for failing to warn about the risk of meningiomas. We can help you pursue a claim and fight for a fair settlement that addresses your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
Take the first step toward justice—call (800) 220-0984 to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help secure the compensation you deserve.