New Study Links Depo-Provera to Increased Brain Tumor Risk

Women using the popular contraceptive Depo-Provera may face a significantly increased risk of developing a slow-growing brain tumor, according to a recent study. This finding emerges as over 1,200 women file lawsuits against Pfizer, the drug’s manufacturer, alleging that the company failed to disclose the potential health risks associated with the medication.

Depo-Provera, the brand name for medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), is a hormonal contraceptive that prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation. Approximately one in four sexually active women in the United States have used this injectable form of birth control at some point. The study, which reviewed the medical records of over 61 million female patients, found that women who used DMPA had a twofold increased risk of being diagnosed with meningioma compared to those not using hormonal contraceptives.

Study Findings and Health Implications

Meningioma is typically a benign tumor but can cause serious complications by exerting pressure on surrounding brain structures. The research, conducted by experts from the Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University, indicated that the risk was particularly pronounced for women who began using DMPA after the age of 31 or for those who used it for more than four years.

The authors noted, “In this study, women receiving [DMPA] had a greater relative risk of subsequent meningioma diagnosis, especially with prolonged exposures and starting the medication at older ages,” in their publication in JAMA Neurology. Although the study highlights a concerning association, it is observational and does not prove that DMPA causes meningioma.

Medroxyprogesterone acetate was first synthesized in 1954 for treating various gynecological conditions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially rejected Depo-Provera for contraceptive use due to concerns about cancer risks, eventually approving it in 1992. In 2004, the FDA mandated a “black box” warning on the medication, highlighting potential significant bone mineral density loss, particularly with long-term use.

Legal Challenges and Company Response

Recent research published in The BMJ found that women who used Depo-Provera for more than a year experienced a 5.6 times greater risk of developing meningioma. This has led to a growing number of lawsuits against Pfizer, with plaintiffs alleging that the pharmaceutical company neglected to inform them about the risks associated with the drug. One notable case involves Robin Phillip, a Louisiana resident who claims her intracranial meningioma led to vision loss and mobility issues.

Phillip’s lawsuit asserts that studies linking progesterone to meningioma date back to 1983, suggesting that Pfizer should have been more proactive in investigating the risks associated with Depo-Provera. Ellen Relkin, the attorney representing Phillip and other plaintiffs, stated, “These women all have meningiomas. Many have surgery, some have radiation, and they’ve all had their lives greatly impacted.”

In response to the allegations, a representative from Pfizer declared that “these claims are without merit and we will vigorously defend against these allegations.” The company has filed a motion to dismiss the litigation, citing its recent discovery of a potential link between Depo-Provera and meningioma. Although Pfizer requested that the FDA update the warning label, the agency denied the request, stating that existing studies did not support the need for a warning.

Pfizer maintains that it stands behind the safety and efficacy of Depo-Provera, emphasizing that millions of women worldwide have used the drug as an important option for managing their reproductive health. As these legal cases unfold, the implications for users of Depo-Provera and the pharmaceutical industry at large will continue to attract scrutiny.