Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, acknowledged in an April 2024 press release the connection between Depo-Provera and meningioma tumors, although drug labels and information sheets remained unchanged.
Lawsuits began in October 2024 against Pfizer and Pharmacia & Upjohn, claiming significant and life-altering injuries resulted from Depo-Provera shots. One plaintiff, who used the medication from 1995 to 2018, was unaware of the risks associated with extended use.
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June 10, 2025 – Oral Arguments Scheduled
Judge Rodgers will begin hearing oral arguments on Pfizer’s federal preemption on September 29, 2025. They could theoretically dismiss 400 cases before they reach the discovery phase.
Pfizer asserts that federal law shields them from state failure-to-warn lawsuits regarding Depo-Provera, citing the FDA’s earlier dismissal of a brain tumor warning for the drug’s label. Their argument hinges on federal preemption, contending that state claims demanding a warning that the FDA declined are invalid.
June 6, 2025 – Proof of Use
Following Pretrial Orders No. 17 and 22, plaintiffs have begun submitting proof of Depo-Provera use and meningioma diagnoses. At this time, 34 plaintiffs have completed questionnaires.
June 4, 2025 – Consolidated Litigation in PA
Due to the large number of cases, Pfizer has requested that the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas establish a mass-tort program. There are only three cases filed in Philadelphia, but one has claims from over 100 plaintiffs.
June 2, 2025 – MDL Grows
As of June 1, 2025, the Depo-Provera MDL has 348 active cases pending. This is a 20.4% increase in a single month.
May 16, 2025 – New Case Filed in Iowa
A new case was filed in Iowa City, IA. The plaintiff was exposed to Depo-Provera from 2008 to 2016, receiving roughly 25 injections while living in Illinois. She was diagnosed with an intracranial meningioma in 2023.
May 14, 2025 – Pretrial Order No. 23
Judge Rodgers’ Pretrial Order No. 23, issued on Monday, mandates a procedure for identifying and resolving issues with plaintiff complaints in the Depo-Provera multidistrict litigation. Specifically, the order details the minimum requirements for all complaints: a confirmed diagnosis of a qualifying meningioma, a clear connection between the injury and Depo Provera use, and full jurisdictional information for all involved parties.
May 12, 2025 – Pretrial Order No. 22
Judge Rodgers issued Pretrial Order No. 22, which outlined how deficiencies in plaintiffs’ Proof of Use and Injury submissions will be addressed. All plaintiffs must complete a Use/Injury Questionnaire and submit any supporting documents through the BrownGreer MDL Centrality system.
May 6, 2025 – New Study Backs up Claims
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that women who used Depo-Provera for more than one year had a 3.55-fold increased risk of developing a meningioma.
May 2, 2025 – 2 New Cases Added in April
The MDL picked up two new cases in April, bringing the total to 289.
May 1, 2025 – New Case Filed in Utah
A woman in Utah has filed a new lawsuit. She claims she received Depo-Provera injections from 1996-2006, later developing a WHO Grade II-III intracranial meningioma at age 31.
April 18, 2025 – Judge Orders Affidavits
As of the March Case Management Conference, Judge Rodgers ordered generic drug defendants Greenstone, Viatris, and Prasco to submit affidavits confirming their non-involvement with Depo-Provera. Case Management Order No. 2 gave them 14 days to do so and file a Notice of Compliance.
March 31, 2025 – Proof of Product Use
Plaintiffs’ lawyers have proposed a uniform, court-authorized process for collecting proof-of-use evidence. Plaintiffs are required to complete a “Plaintiff Proof of Use/Injury Questionnaire“ within 120 days of March 14, 2025 (or within 120 days of filing for newly added cases).
March 25, 2025 – The MDL Moving Rapidly
BrownGreer has been appointed as the Data Administrator by the Court with Judge Herndon as Special Master, and a separate Common Benefit Special master to oversee fees and expenses. The judge has instructed the parties to work with BrownGreer and propose a uniform process by April 14.
Discovery has also officially opened with an aggressive scheduling order for the pilot cases. Defendants must have completed their document production on preemption and general causation by May 11, with preemption discovery expected to wrap up by late July.
March 19, 2025 – Depo-Provera Litigation in State Courts
Judge Rodgers appointed liaison counsel for Pennsylvania, California, and Illinois. The federal court will serve as the central hub for the consolidated MDL, but state courts in PA, CA, and IL will remain active and may potentially reach a decision more quickly than the MDL.
December 7, 2024 – New Lawsuit Filed in Pennsylvania State Court
A new lawsuit was filed in the Court of Common Pleas for Philadelphia County. The plaintiff started injections as a teenager and has since undergone multiple brain surgeries and suffers from prolonged physical and cognitive impairments.
October 31, 2024 – EU Warning Label Updated
Pfizer updated label changes for Depo-Provera in the EU and UK. The additional cautionary language reads:
“Meningioma: Meningiomas have been reported following long-term administration of progestogens, including medroxyprogesterone acetate. Depo-Provera should be discontinued if a meningioma is diagnosed. Caution is advised when recommending Depo-Provera to patients with a history of meningioma.”
October 1, 2024 – Class Action Hearing
Kristina Schmidt filed the first lawsuit against Pfizer in the Northern District of California.
September 25, 2024 – Will the new Depo-Provera lawsuits be a class action?
The Depo-Provera lawsuits will likely be combined into an MDL, as this will be the most expeditious route to compensation and accountability. The other issue is that the injuries suffered by each woman are radically different.
It’s never too late to fight for your rights. Contact us today to explore your options if you have been diagnosed with meningioma due to prolonged use of Depo-Provera.
Our team of experienced litigators specializes in cases related to cancer exposure and has a proven track record of success. We care about you and your family, and we hold responsible parties accountable. Your fight is our fight.
