Depo-Provera® and Increased Risk of Brain Tumors and Breast Cancer
Birth control has come a long way in the last 30 years. From oral medication to routine injections, women have a variety of options when it comes to contraception.
However, not all forms of birth control are inherently safe. An injection-based birth control called Depo-Provera® has recently come under intense scrutiny due to a possible link between its extended use and the development of brain tumors and breast cancer.
Increased Brain Tumor Risk
A 2024 French study discovered that women who used Depo-Provera for more than one year had a 5.6-fold higher risk of developing a type of brain tumor called an intracranial meningioma. These are typically benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow in the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord.
Despite being non-cancerous, benign tumors can still cause serious health problems as they grow, especially when they develop in and around the brain. Potential complications include:
- Brain Herniation
- Brain Swelling
- Cognitive or Personality Changes
- Hydrocephalus
- Increased Intracranial Pressure
- Seizures
- Vision, Speech, or Motor Skill Impairment
Increased Breast Cancer Risk
According to researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, women who used Depo-Provera for more than one year had a 2.2-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer—specifically Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) and Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC). Both forms of cancer can be fatal if undetected or left untreated.
Trust Our Experience and Track Record of Success
Our drug injury lawyers know how a brain tumor or cancer diagnosis sends devastating shockwaves throughout your life and the lives of those you love. Knowing that a prescription drug, such as Depo-Provera, may have caused your tumor or cancer can make the situation even more difficult.
That’s why we fight so hard to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for the harmful medications they put on the market. Our legal team is dedicated to standing up for drug injury victims and getting them the compensation they need to recover from their illnesses and injuries.
Contact Us for a Free Case Review
If you or someone you love was diagnosed with a brain tumor or breast cancer after taking Depo-Provera, call our drug injury lawyers today for a free evaluation of your claim. We’re ready to put our aggressive approach and compassionate representation to work for you.