Important Safety Update for Depo-Provera Users
There’s new research that patients who have used Depo-Provera for birth control should know about. A major safety study published in February 2025—called the Frey study—found that women who used Depo-Provera for more than one year had a 3.55 times higher risk of developing a type of brain tumor called a meningioma. The longer the use, the higher the risk.
What Is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is a birth control shot that’s given every three months. It contains a hormone called medroxyprogesterone acetate, which prevents pregnancy. It’s been FDA-approved since 1992 and is popular because it’s convenient—no daily pills to remember.
How Many Women Use It?
In the U.S., nearly 1 in 4 women of reproductive age (15–49) have used Depo-Provera at some point. That’s millions of women. Among Black women, usage is even higher—over 41% have used it.
What Are Meningiomas?
Meningiomas are tumors that form on the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Most are non-cancerous, but they can still cause serious problems like:
■ Headaches
■ Seizures
■ Vision or hearing issues
■ Stroke-like symptoms
What’s Being Done?
Because of the growing number of cases, lawsuits have been filed by women who developed meningiomas after using Depo-Provera. In February 2025, these lawsuits were combined into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in federal court in Florida, overseen by Judge M. Casey Rogers.
If patients used Depo-Provera and are experiencing symptoms like persistent headaches, vision changes, or seizures, it’s important to talk to their doctor. Our firm is actively investigating cases involving Depo-Provera use for at least one year where the user later suffered a cerebral or spinal meningioma. If you have a potential case you would like to refer to us, contact our office.
