Depo-Provera Headaches

Depo-Provera can cause headaches, most commonly during the first two or three months of starting the shot. But, headaches should occur less frequently as a woman’s body adapts to the medicine.

According to clinical trials, 16.5% of subjects reported headaches with Depo-Provera use. Worsening headaches can also be a sign of severe issues, including the formation of a meningioma, a type of brain tumor. If the headaches persist for more than a few months, get worse or cause severe pain, you should consult with a medical doctor.

What is a meningioma?

A meningioma is a tumor that forms in the thin layers of membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. It is called a brain tumor when it forms near the brain, and a spinal cord tumor when it develops close to the spinal cord. Most meningiomas are not cancerous. Patients may not require immediate treatment but instead undergo regular imaging to monitor the tumor.

There are three grades of meningiomas:

• Grade 1: The most common meningiomas, which tend to grow slowly
• Grade 2: Mid-grade meningiomas, with a higher risk of coming back if removed
• Grade 3: Malignant, cancerous and fast-growing meningiomas, which are fairly rare

Most meningiomas don’t show symptoms for an extended period. They can cause confusion, headaches, loss of the ability to hear and smell, seizures and vision problems. If meningiomas become large or form near critical areas or spread to other parts of the body, they can lead to severe health effects.

A 2024 study published in the British Medical Journal found a link between Depo-Provera and meningioma. The researchers examined injections containing medroxyprogesterone acetate the active ingredient in Depo-Provera. They found that patients who used these birth control injections for a year or more have a 5.6 times greater risk of developing meningioma.

Hormonal fluctuations commonly lead to migraine headaches in some women. Depo-Provera is a progestin-only form of birth control that can be prescribed to women who experience migraine headaches because it does not contain estrogen. Progestins are believed to reduce migraines, although headache frequency might increase in certain patients.

The Depo-Provera label instructs patients with migraines to advise their doctor of this before they take the medication.

Women who used Depo-Provera and developed meningiomas are suing Pfizer and other companies associated with its manufacturing, marketing and distribution. Plaintiffs claim that Pfizer didn’t adequately warn doctors or patients of the potential side effects.

To be eligible to file a claim against Pfizer, individuals must have:

• Used Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera or an authorized generic medroxyprogesterone acetate birth control shot, following the manufacturer’s directions and the doctor’s recommendations
• Used Depo-Provera as a primary form of birth control more than twice
• Used Depo-Provera for one year or more (for cases involving meningioma)
• Used Depo-Provera any time after its FDA approval in 1992
• Suffered severe health effects, including meningioma, related to the use of Depo-Provera

To demonstrate that your headaches are related to meningiomas, you’ll need evidence like medical records and bills that detail your Depo-Provera use and the associated costs. An attorney with experience in medical drug lawsuits can help determine your eligibility and gather the proper evidence to build your case.

The Depo-Provera lawsuits have been combined into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida, Pensacola Division. Judge M. Casey Rogers is presiding over MDL 3140, In re: Depo-Provera (Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate) Products Liability Litigation. As of April 1, 2026, there were 3,490 cases pending in MDL No. 3140.

Who can file a Depo-Provera lawsuit?

People diagnosed with meningioma after using Depo-Provera may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

You can contact the attorneys at Motley Rice to learn more, find out if you qualify for a lawsuit, and discuss the time limit for claims. Don’t delay — if you file after the statute of limitations for filing a Depo-Provera lawsuit expires, you won’t be able to pursue a claim.

What damages are available in a Depo-Provera lawsuit?

The damages that may be available in a Depo-Provera lawsuit might include:

• Economic damages: Common economic damages include current and future medical expenses, lost income, lost employment benefits, lost future earning capacity and household services.
• Non-economic damages: These may include monetary awards for physical pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of reputation, mental anguish, emotional distress and humiliation.
• Punitive damages: Punitive damages have nothing to do with the losses the victim has suffered. Instead, a jury or court can assess these damages against a liable party in cases involving wanton negligence, serious misconduct or recklessness. Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant. These awards are rare, however, and some states don’t allow for them.

It’s not possible or ethical for a law firm to guarantee a certain amount. Still, consulting with an attorney can help you figure out the potential value of your specific case.

The medical attorneys at Motley Rice have represented thousands of women injured by prescription and over-the-counter medications and medical devices, including birth control medications like Depo-Provera and Paragard IUD. Our lawyers have also held leadership positions in lawsuits involving birth control devices and prescriptions.

If you believe a prescribed birth control product may have injured you or a loved one, Motley Rice has the resources to investigate and help you:

• Identify the potentially harmful medication
• Investigate whether it harmed you
• Review the manufacturer’s regulatory compliance
• Examine the manufacturer’s instructions regarding use and warnings about side effects
• Consider other issues that might affect your claim

Read more on our women’s health litigation.

Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death. Depo-Provera remains approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.