Depo-Provera has been one of the most widely prescribed hormonal contraceptives in the United States for decades. Administered as an injection every three months, it was trusted by millions of women as a convenient and reliable form of birth control. But emerging research has linked long-term Depo-Provera use to a significantly increased risk of meningiomas—brain tumors that can cause debilitating symptoms and require invasive treatment. For women who were never warned about this risk, the diagnosis feels like a betrayal.

The Link Between Depo-Provera and Brain Tumors

Meningiomas are tumors that develop in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While they are typically classified as benign, they can grow to a size that puts pressure on the brain, causing headaches, vision changes, seizures, cognitive impairment, and other neurological symptoms. Treatment often involves surgery, and in some cases, radiation therapy.

A large-scale study involving over 10 million women found that long-term Depo-Provera users face a 2.45-fold increased risk of developing meningiomas compared to women who did not use the drug. The risk is particularly elevated in women who received repeated injections over multiple years. In December 2025, the FDA approved a new warning label for Depo-Provera acknowledging the meningioma risk—a step that critics argue should have been taken years earlier.

Who May Be Affected

Women who used Depo-Provera for contraception and were subsequently diagnosed with a meningioma may be eligible to file a claim. The risk appears to be most significant among long-term users—women who received injections over a period of several years. However, any woman who used Depo-Provera and developed a brain tumor should consider having her case evaluated, as individual factors may affect eligibility.

The Human Impact of a Meningioma Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with a brain tumor is life-altering. Even when the tumor is classified as benign, the treatment process can involve complex neurosurgery with significant recovery time, radiation therapy, ongoing neurological monitoring, cognitive and physical rehabilitation, and the emotional burden of living with a brain tumor diagnosis. Many women experience lasting effects including memory issues, personality changes, chronic headaches, and anxiety about recurrence. For women who were never informed that their contraceptive could cause this, the impact is compounded by a sense of having been failed by the very healthcare system they trusted.

Compensation Available

Women who develop meningiomas linked to Depo-Provera use may be entitled to recover damages for surgical costs and medical treatment, neurological rehabilitation and ongoing care, lost income during treatment and recovery, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and future medical expenses including monitoring for recurrence. The first trials in the Depo-Provera brain tumor litigation are expected by the end of 2026.

If you used Depo-Provera and were later diagnosed with a brain tumor, you deserve to understand your legal options. Beverly Wilshire Law APC can review your medical history and help you determine whether you have a valid claim. Call (310) 424-5566 or email info@bevwilshire.com for a consultation—we’re here to guide you in the right direction.