Depo Provera® Side Effects

Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a birth control shot. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the medication in 1959 to manage menstruation. The FDA approved it for use as a contraceptive in 1992.

Depo-Provera is a hormonal birth control containing progestin. It prevents an egg from fully developing and being released from the ovaries during a woman’s menstrual cycle. Two Depo-Provera birth control methods are available. Both are injected every 12 weeks (three months).

• Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection (CI): A healthcare provider must administer this form of the shot. It is a 150 mg dose injected into a muscle (intramuscular injection).
• Depo-SubQ Provera 104: A healthcare provider or the patient can administer this form of the shot. It is a 104 mg dose injected under the skin (subcutaneous injection).

Depo-Provera, like any type of contraceptive, has birth control risks. One birth control shot side effect, meningioma, has led to birth control lawsuits.

All drugs come with certain risks. People and their medical providers make informed decisions about which medications to take by weighing the risks and benefits disclosed by the manufacturer on the warning label. If a drug’s warning label doesn’t reflect possible side effects, people cannot make informed decisions for themselves and may end up permanently injured.

Certain Depo-Provera long-term side effects and health risks have not been listed on the prescribing label. One of these conditions has been the subject of Depo-Provera lawsuits.

Meningioma

Meningiomas are tumors that grow in membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord called the meninges. These tumors are usually benign (non-cancerous). But they can press on the brain and cause serious disabilities. Compilations of meningioma may include:

• Difficulty speaking
• Hearing loss
• Loss of sense of smell
• Memory loss
• Personality changes
• Seizures
• Vision changes
• Weakness

A 2024 study in the British Medical Journal highlighted a link between Depo-Provera and meningioma. The research looked at injections that have medroxyprogesterone acetate as an active ingredient. Medroxyprogesterone acetate is the active ingredient in Depo-Provera. Researchers found people who use these injections for a year or longer have a 5.6 times higher risk of developing meningioma.

Depo-Provera’s FDA label does not mention meningioma. However, a package leaflet now tells users about the link with meningioma. The leaflet advises users to tell their doctor immediately if they experience any meningioma symptoms.

The Depo-Provera MDL lawsuits address claims from patients who have been diagnosed with these tumors after using the birth control shot. If you or someone you love developed a meningioma following prolonged use of the contraceptive, you may qualify for the litigation.

The below side effects are listed on the Depo-Provera label. This means they are not eligible for lawsuits. If you experience one of these side effects, contact your medical provider to discuss next steps.

Common listed Depo Provera side effects

The birth control shot can cause various side effects ranging from mild to severe. Some of the more common Depo-Provera side effects are listed in the drug label’s “warnings and precautions” and “adverse reactions” sections. These possible side effects include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Decreased sex drive
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Fluid retention (bloating)
• Headache
• Injection site reactions
• Menstrual changes (such as irregular bleeding or heavy bleeding)
• Nervousness
• Vaginal bleeding
• Weight gain

Birth control is also often associated with mood changes.

Depo-Provera has also been involved in reports of more side effects from consumers. It reveals the side effects they had after the drug was released to the public (post-marketing experiences). The post-marketing experiences include these side effects:

• Anemia
• Chest pain
• Chills
• Drowsiness
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive sweating and body odor
• Fever
• Hirsutism (excessive hair growth)
• Hoarseness

Serious listed Depo Provera side effects

Depo-Provera has serious side effects. Some of the more severe “warnings and precautions” on the contraceptive’s label include:

• Anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions (severe allergic reactions)
• Breast cancer
• Ectopic pregnancy (implantation of a fertilized egg outside the uterus)
• Liver problems, including jaundice
• Thromboembolic disorders (blood clotting disorders)

More severe post-marketing experiences reported by patients include:

• Asthma
• Blood disorders
• Breast cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Infertility
• Paralysis and facial paralysis
• Pulmonary embolism
• Scleroderma (hardening of the skin and connective tissues)
• Tachycardia (abnormally fast heart rate)
• Vaginal cysts

Learn more about Depo-Provera side effects and litigation related to the birth control shot.

Can I file a Depo Provera side effects lawsuit?

Depo-Provera lawsuit side effects include meningioma. The only side effect of Depo-Provera that is currently being litigated by Motley Rice is meningioma. If you developed a meningioma after using the shot, you may qualify for the Depo-Provera MDL or legal action in state court. To receive compensation, you must prove the contraceptive caused your tumor.

A Motley Rice contraceptive lawyer can speak with you about your legal options. Our law firm has extensive experience handling prescription drug claims. There are statutes of limitations that will apply to your case, so don’t delay. Contact us today.

Does Depo Provera cause brain tumors?

Prolonged Depo-Provera use may increase the risk of developing meningioma brain tumors. A recent study found that using Depo-Provera may make developing this tumor about five times more likely. The ingredient causing the increase was medroxyprogesterone acetate. The study was published in the British Medical Journal.

What are the long-term side effects of Depo Provera?

Depo-Provera long-term side effects can be severe. They include meningioma tumors, bone loss, blood clots and breast cancer. Depo-Provera side effects also include ectopic pregnancy, liver problems and severe allergic reactions.

What are the most common side effects of the birth control shot Depo Provera?

Common Depo-Provera birth control shot side effects include abdominal pain, weight gain, irregular periods and depression. Depo-Provera can also cause dizziness, headache, nervousness and decreased sex drive.

Motley Rice advocates for women harmed by medical drugs, medical devices and environmental toxins.

We have extensive experience with women’s health lawsuits. We have represented clients in cases involving breast implants, hair relaxers, talcum powder, transvaginal mesh and more. In addition to Depo-Provera lawsuits, we have also represented women injured by forms of birth control, including:

• Essure® (permanent birth control implant)
• Mirena IUD® (intrauterine device)
• NuvaRing® (vaginal ring)
• Yaz®/Yazmin® (birth control pills)
• Ortho Evra® (birth control patch)

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a meningioma that you believe is linked to Depo-Provera, a Motley Rice attorney can discuss your legal options. Contact our medical birth control lawyers or call us at 1.800.768.4026.

Read more on our birth control litigation experience here.

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 (medroxyprogesterone acetate), NuvaRing, Yaz, Yazmin and Ortho Evra remain approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.