Deciding to stop Depo-Provera is a significant step, and many women find themselves wondering what changes lie ahead. If you recently had your last injection, you can generally expect your body to take several months to adjust as the hormones gradually leave your system. However, you may also notice signs of more serious complications—side effects that the manufacturer may have failed to disclose to patients and healthcare providers, including brain tumors known as meningioma. The Depo-Provera brain tumor attorneys at Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC are ready to assist with such medical issues.
What Is Depo-Provera and How Does It Work?
Depo-Provera is a long-acting injectable contraceptive that has become a common choice for women seeking reliable birth control. The active ingredient, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, is a synthetic version of the natural hormone progesterone. Healthcare providers administer this medication through an injection into either the arm or buttocks.
To protect against pregnancy, Depo-Provera performs two main tasks. First, it stops ovulation by preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs. Second, it thickens the cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to travel through the reproductive tract. Each injection provides protection for up to 14 weeks, though healthcare providers recommend receiving shots every 12 weeks to maintain consistent coverage.
Common Side Effects After Discontinuing Depo-Provera
During the transition period after stopping Depo-Provera, your body undergoes significant hormonal changes that can persist for months following your final injection. As your system readjusts and works to resume normal menstrual cycles, you might experience various temporary side effects.
Many women report a combination of:
- Breast tenderness and pain
- Unexpected changes in body weight
- Hot flashes throughout the day and night
- Waves of nausea and digestive discomfort
- Severe headaches that impact daily activities
- Uncomfortable bloating and water retention
- Unexplained bone and joint pain
- Disrupted sleep patterns and insomnia
What Complications Are Not Related to Stopping Depo-Provera?
Although Depo-Provera can cause unpleasant side effects while you are taking or coming off the medication, it can also carry risks that the manufacturer does not fully disclose. Recent medical findings have uncovered a concerning link between Depo-Provera use and meningiomas, tumors that develop in the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
The tumors often grow silently until reaching a size that creates pressure on surrounding brain structures, leading to concerning symptoms like:
- Progressive headaches
- Personality changes
- Vision or hearing problems
- Loss of the sense of smell
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Cognitive difficulties
- Weakness in the limbs
- Seizures
If you received multiple Depo-Provera injections and later developed meningiomas, you may have grounds for legal action. Many former patients are filing lawsuits against Pfizer, the medication’s manufacturer, for failing to disclose this risk, leaving them hurt and vulnerable. Pursuing a legal claim allows you to recover compensation for medical care, lost wages, and other damages associated with the meningioma.
Discuss Your Legal Options with Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC
Dealing with severe side effects after stopping Depo-Provera can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. If you are struggling with undisclosed complications, Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can help you understand your legal rights and pursue the compensation that you deserve. Contact us at (800) 220-0984 to speak with a Depo-Provera lawsuit attorney and take your first steps toward justice.