Long-Term Side Effects of Depo-Provera Injections
Depo-Provera is a birth control shot that’s given once every 3 months and works by delivering a synthetic hormone called medroxyprogesterone acetate into the body. However, Depo-Provera has been linked to serious long-term side effects.
While some side effects of Depo-Provera may be considered manageable, others can have serious and even life-threatening consequences.
Long-term side effects of the Depo injection may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Blood clots
- Breast cancer
- Edema (swelling caused by fluid retention)
- Depression and anxiety
- Fatigue
- Fertility problems
- Hair loss
- Headaches
- Irregular menstruation
- Liver problems
- Meningioma brain tumors
- Mood changes
- Osteoporosis (weakened bones)
- Seizures
- Weight gain
Women who developed brain tumors after using Depo-Provera may be able to file a birth control shot lawsuit against Pfizer Inc., the drug’s manufacturer. Depo-Provera lawsuits allege that Pfizer didn't properly warn patients about the risk of meningiomas.
Find out more about the potential long-term side effects of Depo-Provera.
Blood Clots
Depo-Provera has been linked to an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein in the body, typically in the legs. These clots may block blood flow and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.
Patients who received Depo shots were nearly 4 times more likely to develop a DVT compared with non-users, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Bone Density Loss
Depo-Provera can significantly reduce bone mineral density, leading to a higher risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Young women may be more vulnerable to this long-term side effect of the Depo shot because their bones are still developing.
A lack of sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake while using Depo-Provera may worsen this side effect.
In a past Depo shot class action lawsuit, Pfizer was ordered to pay over $2 Million in Depo-Provera settlements for failing to properly warn patients about the risk of bone mineral density loss.
Brain Tumors (Meningiomas)
Another serious side effect of the Depo shot is meningiomas, which are tumors that grow on the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord.
Meningioma brain tumors may lead to serious neurological issues like:
- Changes in personality
- Chronic headaches
- Dizziness
- Mental health disorders
- Seizures
- Vision problems
A March 2024 study found that using Depo-Provera for over a year increased the risk of meningiomas by over 5 times.
Even though meningiomas are often benign, patients may need surgery or ongoing medical monitoring to protect their health.
At Sokolove Law, we can help affected patients file a Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuit and pursue compensation for treatment costs, lost wages, and more.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if we may be able to fight for you. It costs nothing to speak with us.
Headaches
Depo-Provera has been associated with an increased risk of headaches, ranging from mild discomfort to debilitating migraines. These headaches may result from hormonal changes and can significantly impact a patient’s daily life.
If you experience persistent or severe headaches while using Depo-Provera, talk to your health care provider. In some cases, headaches may be an early symptom of a meningioma, which is linked to prolonged Depo-Provera use.
Increased Risk of Breast Cancer
Researchers have found that the birth control shot may increase the risk of breast cancer, especially in younger women or those using the drug for multiple years.
This long-term side effect of Depo-Provera is believed to stem from the birth control’s synthetic progestin, which may encourage tumor growth in breast tissue. Routine screenings for breast cancer can help with early detection and intervention.
Menstruation Issues
Depo-Provera can cause irregular bleeding, heavy bleeding, or even a complete stop of your menstrual period (amenorrhea). Over time, these imbalances may impact fertility, increase the risk of uterine health issues, or lead to endometrial changes that may require follow-up care.
Mood Changes
Some patients may experience mood swings, anxiety, and depression from taking Depo-Provera. When left untreated, these mental health issues may interfere with daily activities and relationships.
If you’re experiencing any changes or worsening of your mood, don’t disregard your symptoms — speak with your health care professional. When meningiomas press on a certain part of the brain, they can cause neurological symptoms.
Seizures
Side effects of the birth control shot Depo-Provera also include an increased risk of seizures, particularly in patients with a history of neurological conditions or other predisposing factors.
The synthetic hormones in the injection may contribute to changes in brain activity, potentially triggering seizures in susceptible users.
If you began experiencing seizures after using Depo-Provera, contact your doctor to figure out the cause. Seizures could also be a sign of a meningioma, which has been linked to prolonged use of Depo-Provera.
Weight Gain
Many women using Depo-Provera experience significant weight gain, often due to fluid retention and changes in their metabolism. This weight gain can be rapid and difficult to reverse, even after discontinuing the medication.
In some cases, the hormonal changes may also lead to an increased appetite, making weight management even more challenging. This issue can impact your health, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.
Filing a Depo-Provera Long-Term Side Effects Lawsuit
While the Depo-Provera warning label includes some long-term side effects, Pfizer failed to make patients aware of potential complications like meningioma brain tumors.
The pharmaceutical company warned Canadian users about the risk of meningiomas but didn’t list this potential side effect on the drug’s warning label for American patients.
Anyone who used Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera 104, or an authorized generic for over a year and developed a meningioma may be able to file a Depo shot lawsuit. This includes women who used the injectable contraception years ago.
However, victims only have a limited amount of time to take legal action due to state laws called statutes of limitations, so it’s important to act quickly.
At Sokolove Law, we can handle every step of a Depo-Provera long-term side effects lawsuit for patients diagnosed with a meningioma. Get a free case review now to see if you may qualify.
Let Sokolove Law Fight for You
We've secured over $1.6 Billion for patients harmed by dangerous drugs and medical devices. Let us get you the money you deserve.
How to Reduce Side Effects of Depo-Provera
Side effects of the Depo shot for birth control include weight gain, mood changes, irregular bleeding, and more. To minimize these side effects, it’s essential to maintain an active lifestyle and monitor any changes to your health.
Steps to minimize Depo-Provera side effects include:
- Eat a balanced diet: Focusing on nutrient-dense foods can help you maintain your energy levels and manage weight gain.
- Exercise regularly: Engaging in activities like walking, swimming, or yoga is a way to support your physical and mental health.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can alleviate common side effects of the Depo shot like headaches or bloating.
- Track symptoms: By keeping a journal of your side effects, you’ll be able to identify patterns to share with your doctor.
- Consult with your doctor: Your health care provider may be able to tell you about ways to relieve your symptoms or suggest alternative birth control methods.
While Depo-Provera is an effective form of contraception for many women, the long-term side effects of the birth control shot can sometimes be challenging to manage.
By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking medical advice as needed, you may be able to reduce the impact of these side effects and make more informed decisions about your health.
Complications of Untreated Depo-Provera Side Effects
If you or a loved one is experiencing long-term side effects of Depo-Provera, it’s important to get medical care as soon as possible.
Ignoring side effects of the Depo shot can lead to devastating long-term consequences, which may be irreversible if left untreated.
This may include:
- Chronic osteoporosis, leading to an increased risk of bone breaks
- Life-threatening conditions like stroke or pulmonary embolism caused by blood clots
- Persistent depression and emotional instability from hormonal changes
- Brain tumors that may require surgery and long-term healing for recovery
Some Depo-Provera long-term side effects, like those from meningiomas, may go untreated because patients weren't made aware of the risk.
Get Justice for Long-Term Side Effects of Depo Injections
If you or a loved one developed a brain or spinal tumor after using Depo-Provera, you may be eligible for compensation from a birth control shot lawsuit — and we may be able to help.
Sokolove Law has secured over $1.6 Billion for patients nationwide harmed by dangerous drugs and medical devices.
Our Depo-Provera lawyers:
- Can help women in all 50 states take legal action
- Have over 45 years of experience advocating for victims of injustice
- Never charge any upfront costs or hourly fees
If you’ve been diagnosed with a meningioma, our experienced Depo shot attorney can help even the playing field against Pfizer and fight for the money you deserve.
Call (800) 995-1212 now or fill out our contact form to get started with a free, no-obligation case review.
Serious Side Effects of Depo Shot FAQs
What are the side effects of the Depo shot?
The most common side effects of Depo-Provera shots include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Changes in sex drive
- Headaches
- Spotting or irregular vaginal bleeding
- Weight changes
Although these issues may seem minor, they can disrupt daily life. Persistent side effects may indicate more significant underlying issues, so it’s important to regularly check in with your health care provider.
More serious side effects of the Depo shot include a type of brain tumor known as meningiomas. The risk of developing these tumors grows by 5 times if the shots are used for over a year.
Get a free case review now to see if you may be eligible for a Depo-Provera long-term side effects lawsuit.
Can Depo cause long-term side effects?
Yes. Depo-Provera can cause long-term side effects, particularly with prolonged use. One of the most serious long-term side effects of Depo-Provera use is the increased risk of meningioma brain tumors.
This risk may be dose-dependent, meaning the more you use Depo shots, the greater your likelihood of developing these tumors may be.
Another severe side effect of Depo-Provera is a decrease in bone density, as the injection suppresses estrogen levels, which are essential for maintaining strong bones. The resulting condition, known as osteoporosis, can increase the risk of fractures later in life.
Is there a class action lawsuit against Depo-Provera?
As of January 2025, legal proceedings are underway that could result in a type of Depo-Provera class action lawsuit known as multidistrict litigation (MDL).
In the meantime, some women who claim the drug caused them to develop brain tumors have filed individual lawsuits, seeking compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
See if you may qualify for a Depo-Provera brain tumor lawsuit during a free case review.
Who can file a Depo-Provera lawsuit for side effects?
Women who used Depo-Provera for over a year and developed brain or spinal tumors called meningiomas may be eligible to file a lawsuit for compensation.
It’s important to act quickly due to legal deadlines called statutes of limitations. Once the deadline in your case passes, you won’t be able to pursue compensation for your condition again.
As a national drug injury law firm, Sokolove Law can help victims in all 50 states file Depo-Provera long-term side effects lawsuits. Call (800) 995-1212 now for a free case review.
What happens if you take Depo-Provera for more than 2 years?
The longer you take Depo-Provera, the more likely you are to develop severe side effects and the worse those side effects may be.
Taking Depo-Provera for a prolonged time has been linked to an increased risk of developing meningioma brain tumors. Meningiomas are typically benign, but they can cause serious health issues depending on their size and location.
Long-term use of Depo-Provera can also lead to significant bone density loss, as the injection suppresses estrogen levels vital for maintaining bone strength.
What is the longest you can be on Depo shot injections?
Pfizer has warned that Depo-Provera should not be used for longer than 2 years unless other contraceptive methods are “inadequate” due to potential risks associated with prolonged use.
Depo-Provera long-term side effects may include an increased risk of brain tumors, bone density loss, and breast cancer.
Regular evaluations with a health care provider are essential to determine if the benefits of continuing Depo-Provera outweigh these potential risks, especially for individuals considering long-term use.
What is the black box warning on Depo-Provera?
Canadian patients who used Depo-Provera have been warned about the link between the birth control and the increased risk of meningioma brain tumors since at least 2016.
However, Pfizer hasn’t included similar warnings about such Depo-Provera long-term side effects for patients in the United States.
Many American women are just now learning about the relationship between the birth control shot and their brain tumors. Now, many are seeking to hold Pfizer accountable for not warning them about this danger.
Get a free case review now to see if you may be eligible to take legal action.
