What Is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is a form of birth control that contains the hormone progestin, which prevents ovulation by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining. The primary benefit of using this drug over other contraceptives is that it only needs to be injected once every three months, making it more convenient than taking birth control pills daily.
In addition to being used for birth control, Depo-Provera is sometimes used to manage other conditions like endometriosis and heavy menstrual bleeding. Unfortunately, as more people use Depo-Provera, the potential risks of the drug have become more apparent.
What Are the Negative Side Effects of Using Depo-Provera?
There are several adverse side effects linked to Depo-Provera use that range from mild to severe. On the mild side, women taking this drug may experience changes in weight or menstrual patterns. However, on the severe side, women may experience:
Long-term use of Depo-Provera can lead to bone density loss, which increases the risk of osteoporosis, fractures, and other health complications.
Blood clots, especially deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolisms, can be life-threatening and require immediate medical treatment once identified.
A study by the National Institutes of Health reports that high doses of progestin can cause abnormal liver function that may result in permanent organ damage.
In some cases, Depo-Provera users may experience significant mood swings or depression. If you experience these symptoms, it’s crucial that you speak to your doctor before continuing to use the drug.
Including:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vision problems
- Menstrual irregularities
- Injection site reactions
- Delayed return to fertility
If you experienced any of the side effects listed above after more than one Depo-Provera injection, fill out our questionnaire to learn more about your eligibility for filing a lawsuit. You may be able to seek compensation for your injuries.
Is There a Link Between Depo-Provera and Brain Tumors?
According to a study in the British Medical Journal, individuals who inject progestins are at an increased risk for developing meningiomas, which are typically benign types of brain tumors. However, even a benign brain tumor can lead to serious health issues if they’re large enough to put pressure on various parts of the brain.
If you used Depo-Provera and experience persistent headaches, seizures, vision problems, or cognitive difficulties, it’s essential that you seek immediate medical treatment. These symptoms could indicate a serious underlying medical condition, like a brain tumor.
The earlier you can catch a brain tumor, the better your chances of receiving treatment that minimizes the permanent damage the tumor can cause.
Establishing Eligibility in a Depo-Provera Lawsuit
You’ll need specific evidence before you can sue Pfizer for your Depo-Provera-related injuries in a lawsuit. You’ll need to show that you used Depo-Provera, that you were diagnosed with a condition, and that your diagnosis is related to your Depo-Provera use. The evidence you’ll need includes:
- Documented Depo-Provera Use – Medical records documenting your Depo-Provera use, including when you received injections and the dosage, are vital for your lawsuit. The more evidence you have for your use of the drug, the better, as it will strengthen your case.
- Injury Diagnosis – You must have a diagnosis for one of the severe injuries linked to Depo-Provera use, such as a brain tumor. This diagnosis should be in your medical records or can come in the form of a note directly from your treating doctor.
- Treatment Records – You need to provide evidence of the treatments you underwent to remove the brain tumor, including surgeries and medications. These records will show the severity of your diagnosis and the effectiveness of the treatments.
- Financial Records – You must have documented financial losses connected with the diagnosis. For example, you may have medical bills or records of lost wages due to being out of work during your recovery. Your attorney will use these records when calculating the compensation you’re seeking through your lawsuit.
- Timeline of Events – Finally, you need to show a clear timeline of events, from your Depo-Provera use to your diagnosis. Your symptoms must have begun after your Depo-Provera use, and typically, you should have had more than one injection before the diagnosis.
What Compensation Is Available to Depo-Provera Injury Victims?
Through your Depo-Provera lawsuit, you can seek compensation for the following:
Compensation for surgeries, medical treatments, medical devices, prescription medications, and hospital stays.
Compensation for the wages you lost during your recovery and your loss of future earning capacity if your injuries left you with a permanent disability.
Compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering you experienced because of your injury.
Compensation for how your disability impacts your life if your injury left you permanently disabled. You may need to hire in-home care or modify your home or vehicle to accommodate your disability.
Compensation for your spouse if your diagnosis impacted various aspects of your relationship.
Contact a Depo-Provera Injury Attorney
If you were diagnosed with a brain tumor after using Depo-Provera for birth control, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses. An experienced Depo-Provera attorney from Ron Bell Law can assist you with gathering evidence, filing your claim, and fighting for your right to compensation.
Fill out our questionnaire to learn more about your eligibility and how our firm can help.