Depo-Provera: What Women Should Know About the Birth Control Shot and Meningioma Risk

Depo-Provera has been widely used for decades as a convenient form of birth control. Administered as an injection every three months, the contraceptive shot offers a highly effective method of preventing pregnancy for millions of women worldwide.  However, growing medical research and regulatory updates have raised concerns about potential long-term side effects associated with prolonged use of Depo-Provera, including an increased risk of developing brain tumors known as meningiomas. Women who used the injectable contraceptive and later developed these tumors may be eligible to pursue legal action and seek financial compensation.  Below is what patients and families should know about Depo-Provera, its potential risks, and emerging litigation related to the drug. 

What Is Depo-Provera? 

Depo-Provera is the brand name for medroxyprogesterone acetate, a hormonal contraceptive that contains the hormone progestin. The medication is delivered as an injectable birth control shot that must be administered once every three months.  Depo-Provera prevents pregnancy through several mechanisms: 

• Stopping ovulation by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg; 

• Thickening cervical mucus, which blocks sperm from reaching the egg; and 

• Thinning the uterine lining, making implantation less likely. 

Because it does not require daily use like oral contraceptives, the shot has become a popular option for women seeking a longer-lasting and low-maintenance form of birth control.  In fact, injectable contraception is used by millions of women globally. According to research estimates, about 3.9% of women of childbearing age worldwide, roughly 74 million people, use injectable contraceptives containing medroxyprogesterone. In the United States alone, more than 2 million prescriptions were written for medroxyprogesterone acetate in 2020, and more than one in five sexually active American women report having used the birth control shot at some point in their lives. 

Known Depo-Provera Side Effects 

Like many hormonal medications, Depo-Provera can cause a variety of side effects. Some are mild and temporary, while others may become more serious with long-term use.  Commonly reported side effects include: 

• Irregular periods and breakthrough bleeding 

• Weight gain 

• Bloating or abdominal discomfort 

• Reduced interest in sex 

• Nervousness or mood changes; 

Many users also report gaining more than five pounds during the first year of using the injection.  Another well-documented risk involves bone mineral density loss. The manufacturer added a boxed warning, commonly known as a “black box warning”, to the prescribing label, cautioning that long-term use of Depo-Provera may result in significant bone density reduction.  Studies have shown that women who used Depo-Provera for more than two years may continue to experience bone loss even after stopping the medication. In some cases, bone density had not fully recovered even five years after discontinuation, particularly in areas such as the hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine.  Because of these concerns, healthcare providers typically recommend discussing the risks of prolonged use with patients before continuing treatment long-term. 

Emerging Concerns: Brain Tumors and Meningioma Risk 

More recently, research has identified a possible link between long-term use of certain medroxyprogesterone and intracranial meningiomas.  Meningiomas are tumors that develop in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While they are usually noncancerous, they can still cause serious health complications as they grow and press against surrounding brain tissue, nerves, or blood vessels.  Symptoms associated with meningiomas may include: 

• Persistent headaches 

• Vision changes or vision loss 

• Seizures 

• Balance and coordination problems 

• Memory issues or personality changes 

• Speech difficulties 

• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body. 

In severe cases, patients may require brain surgery to remove or relieve pressure caused by the tumor.  Meningiomas account for approximately 40% of primary tumors of the central nervous system, with an incidence of about 9.5 cases per 100,000 people per year in the United States. 

Key Findings from the 2024 BMJ Study 

A major study published in The BMJ in March 2024 analyzed data from the French National Health Data System to better understand the relationship between hormonal medications and meningioma risk.  The population-based case-control study reviewed data from 108,366 women, including 18,061 women in France who underwent intracranial surgery for meningioma between 2009 and 2018.  Researchers found that prolonged use of medroxyprogesterone acetate injections was associated with a significantly increased risk of developing meningiomas requiring surgery.  Key findings included: 

• Women who used Depo-Provera long-term had a 5.6-fold increased risk of developing meningioma; 

• The increased risk was primarily linked to use lasting one year or longer; and 

• The study identified an association between meningioma risk and several progestogens, including medroxyprogesterone acetate injection (150 mg). 

While the study establishes an association rather than definitive causation, it is the first large-scale research examining the risk associated with widely used progestogen contraceptives.  Further research is ongoing to better understand the extent of this risk. 

 Recently Updated FDA Warning on Depo-Provera 

In response to growing safety concerns, and as pressure mounts through early litigation in multiple courts around the United States, regulators have begun updating prescribing information for the medication.  In December 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in response to mounting pressure created through litigation against the manufacturers of Depo-Provera, approved an updated label for Depo-Provera that includes a warning about the potential risk of meningioma.  The updated guidance encourages healthcare providers to monitor patients using Depo-Provera for possible signs of meningioma, particularly among individuals who have used the medication for extended periods.  This updated label warning represents the first time the manufacturers of Depo-Provera have informed patients of the increased risk of developing meningioma tumors after prolonged Depo-Provera use.  

Additional Reported Health Concerns 

In addition to bone loss and tumor risks, Depo-Provera has also been associated with other neurological and systemic side effects.   Some research has also examined a possible connection between Depo-Provera use and breast cancer, with one study finding increased risk among women who used the injection for 12 months or longer.  Adverse event reporting systems have also documented thousands of neoplasm-related reports, including both benign and malignant tumors, associated with the drug over several decades. 

Legal Options for Women Affected by Depo-Provera 

As new scientific evidence emerges, lawsuits are being filed on behalf of women who developed meningiomas or other serious complications after using Depo-Provera.  Women who may qualify for legal action include those who: 

• Used Depo-Provera for one year or longer; 

• Were later diagnosed with meningioma; and 

• Required brain surgery or medical treatment related to the condition. 

Importantly, individuals may still be eligible to file a claim even if they stopped using Depo-Provera years ago.  Compensation in these cases may help cover: 

• Medical expenses 

• Lost income 

• Pain and suffering 

• Long-term care needs 

If you or a loved one used Depo-Provera and later developed a meningioma, you may have legal options.  An experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorney can review your medical history, evaluate your potential claim, and help determine whether you may be eligible to pursue compensation.  To learn more about your rights, contact our team today for a free consultation. Our legal team is investigating claims and actively filing lawsuits involving Depo-Provera and is committed to helping individuals and families affected.    Partner Christopher R. LoPalo  | Senior Attorney Joelys Hernández