In a recent study from France, researchers found that women who use hormone drugs for contraception may have an increased risk of developing meningioma, which are rare and usually benign spinal or brain tumours.
The researchers found that women who took medroxyprogesterone acetate, a contraceptive injection sold as Depo-Provera, had a 5.6-fold higher risk of developing a tumour or meningioma. Some of the symptoms of meningiomas include headaches, seizures, deterioration in vision, and neurological complications.
While meningiomas are usually benign, they can grow and put pressure on the brain and require surgical removal. Further, depending on the location of the tumour, the meningioma may be inoperable and require other therapies such as radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and other treatments, which can have a significant impact on the quality of life for the individual in question separate and apart from the tumour.
Recently lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer for failure to warn, defective design, negligence, negligent failure to warn, negligent design defect, and others. These lawsuits have been filed in both Canada and the United States.
In California, Plaintiff, Faith Lowry, filed suit against Pfizer and others after developing multiple brain tumours. Ms. Lowry took Depo-Provera from 2001 to 2014 and in 2014 began developing headaches, nausea, and vomiting, among other things. Ms. Lowry was able to file her lawsuit in 2024 almost 10 years after she stopped taking Depo-Provera because it was not until recently that Depo-Provera was linked to an increased risk of developing brain tumours.
Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with meningioma that can be traced to a prolonged use of progestogen medications? Contact Bryan Fitzpatrick to arrange a free consultation. We are here to help you understand your rights and options. Call our office today at 250-869-1127.
