Case Overview

Case Name: In re Depo-Provera (Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) Products Liability Litigation

MDL No.: 3140

Court: U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida

Defendant: Pfizer, Inc. (and related entities)

Alleged Injury: Intracranial meningioma (brain tumor)

Status: Active MDL litigation

Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuit: What Women Need to Know About MDL 3140

A growing number of women are joining federal litigation alleging that the Depo-Provera birth control injection was linked to intracranial meningioma — a type of brain tumor — and that they were never warned of the risk. Here is what the litigation involves, who may be affected, and where the cases stand.

Background: What Is Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is an injectable hormonal contraceptive containing medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of progesterone. Administered by a healthcare provider every three months, it has been widely used in the United States for decades as a long-acting birth control option.

The litigation now unfolding in federal court centers not on its contraceptive effectiveness, but on what plaintiffs allege they were never told about the drug's potential connection to brain tumor growth.

1. McCree v. Pfizer, Inc. — The Depo-Provera MDL

MDL: 3140, Northern District of Florida

Filed: April 13, 2025

Alleged Injury: Intracranial meningioma

Who May Be Affected: Women who received Depo-Provera injections

According to a recent legal news report, Pensacola resident Christina McCree filed a Depo-Provera side effects lawsuit on April 13, alleging that she and millions of other women should have been warned that the birth control shot has been linked to intracranial meningioma — a type of brain tumor that develops in the tissue surrounding the brain.

The complaint names Pfizer, Inc. as a defendant and asserts two core theories of liability. First, the lawsuit alleges the defendants failed to adequately warn patients and prescribing physicians about the potential risk of meningioma associated with medroxyprogesterone acetate use. Second, the filing claims the defendants either carelessly or deliberately misrepresented that the drug was safe — allegations Pfizer has not publicly conceded.

McCree's case has been consolidated into MDL 3140, a multidistrict litigation proceeding centralized in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. MDL consolidation allows cases with common factual questions to be grouped before a single federal judge for coordinated pretrial proceedings, which can include shared discovery, motion practice, and, in some cases, bellwether trials used to gauge how juries may respond to the evidence.

The litigation is ongoing. No settlement has been announced, and no trial date has been set.

For more information: Visit the MDL court docket through the Northern District of Florida's PACER filing system.

What Is an Intracranial Meningioma?

Meningiomas are tumors that form in the meninges — the layers of protective tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord. According to the American Brain Tumor Association, meningiomas are the most commonly diagnosed primary brain tumor in the United States. While many are slow-growing and classified as benign, they can cause serious symptoms depending on their size and location, including headaches, vision problems, hearing loss, and seizures. Some require surgery, radiation, or both.

Research has suggested a potential association between prolonged progestogen exposure and meningioma growth. A widely cited 2024 study published in the BMJ found that women using certain progestins — including medroxyprogesterone acetate — faced a significantly elevated risk of intracranial meningioma compared to non-users. The study's authors noted that the findings warranted further review of prescribing guidance.

Key Takeaways

• The litigation is active, not settled. MDL 3140 is in early stages. Women who believe they may have been affected should consult a licensed attorney to understand their options.
• No proof of purchase is typically required at the initial inquiry stage, but medical records documenting Depo-Provera use and a meningioma diagnosis are likely to be central to any claim.
• MDL does not mean class action. Each plaintiff in MDL 3140 has an individual case. Outcomes and potential compensation, if any, may vary significantly from person to person.
• Statutes of limitations apply. The window to file a personal injury lawsuit is limited by state law. Those who believe they may have a claim are encouraged to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
• A meningioma diagnosis alone does not establish eligibility. Only a qualified attorney can evaluate whether an individual's circumstances may support a legal claim.

What to Do If You Have Concerns

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. If you have concerns about a meningioma diagnosis and prior Depo-Provera use, speaking with your physician about your medical history and consulting a licensed personal injury attorney about your legal options are separate steps worth considering.

Have you been following the Depo-Provera litigation? Share your questions or experience in the comments below.

InjuryClaims.com reports on litigation developments for informational purposes only. Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice. Eligibility for any settlement or lawsuit is determined by attorneys and courts, not by this publication.