Studies show Depo-Provera users have much higher relative risk of developing meningiomas, although overall risk remains low
UK law firms are considering legal action on behalf of women who developed brain tumours after using the contraceptive injection Depo-Provera.
Depo-Provera is a high-dose synthetic progesterone, prescribed for contraception and other menstrual symptoms, administered via injection every three months. According to UN calculations, 74 million women worldwide and 3.1% of UK women aged 15-49 use injectable contraception.
Multiple studies have shown that women who take Depo-Provera have a much higher relative risk of developing meningiomas, though the overall risk remains low. Not normally cancerous, these benign tumours can cause seizures, blindness, hearing loss, headaches and memory problems.
Now several law firms are hoping to take legal action against Pfizer in the UK. Austen Hays told the Guardian it had some potential clients, Fletchers’ website is actively seeking clients and Leigh Day said it is in the early stages of considering the legal basis for any case.
