Women across the country are suing Pfizer, claiming that long term use of the Depo-Provera birth control shot caused meningiomas, a type of tumor that grows on the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. More than 6,000 cases were pending in federal court as of October 2026. In June 2026, reports from the litigation indicated that Pfizer had reached an agreement in principle to resolve the federal cases, though the terms had not been made public.
If you received Depo-Provera injections and were later diagnosed with a meningioma, here is what you need to know about the lawsuit, the science behind it and who may qualify.
Last updated: October 2026. Settlement details and deadlines can change quickly, so confirm current information with the court or a lawyer.
What Is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is an injectable form of birth control given every three months. Its active ingredient is medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. It has been used in the United States since the early 1990s for contraception, and it is popular because it doesn’t require a daily pill. Some women have used it for many years.
Pfizer markets the brand name product. Generic versions and a lower dose formulation given under the skin are also available.
What Is a Meningioma?
A meningioma is a tumor that forms in the meninges, the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are not cancerous, but that doesn’t mean they are harmless. Because they grow inside the skull, they can press on the brain, nerves and blood vessels.
Symptoms depend on the tumor’s size and location and may include:
- Headaches that get worse over time
- Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Memory problems or confusion
- Seizures
- Weakness in arms or legs
- Changes in personality or mood
- Loss of smell
Treatment can range from monitoring with regular scans to brain surgery and radiation. Surgery can lead to long recoveries and lasting effects.
Why Women Are Suing
Scientists have long known that some meningiomas have hormone receptors, especially progesterone receptors. Concern about synthetic progestins and meningioma risk grew over the years, and a large study published in the BMJ in 2024 brought the issue to wider attention. Researchers in France found that prolonged use of medroxyprogesterone acetate, generally one year or more, was associated with a significantly higher risk of meningioma requiring surgery, more than five times higher than in women who hadn’t used it.
The lawsuits claim Pfizer knew or should have known about this risk and failed to warn doctors and patients in the United States, even though warnings had appeared in other countries. In December 2025, the FDA approved a label change for Depo-Provera that addresses meningioma, including guidance that the drug should be stopped if a meningioma is diagnosed.
Pfizer denies the allegations and has argued, among other things, that federal law prevented it from changing the U.S. label sooner. That argument, called preemption, has been one of the central issues in the case.
Where the Litigation Stands
The federal MDL
Federal lawsuits were combined into a multidistrict litigation, MDL 3140, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. Judge M. Casey Rodgers oversees the cases. The MDL was created in February 2025 and grew quickly, from a few hundred cases to more than 6,000 by fall 2026.
Key events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 2024 | BMJ study links prolonged medroxyprogesterone acetate use to higher meningioma risk |
| February 2025 | Federal cases consolidated into MDL 3140 in Florida |
| 2025 to early 2026 | Briefing on Pfizer’s preemption defense and expert evidence |
| December 2025 | FDA approves label change addressing meningioma |
| June 2026 | Reports of an agreement in principle to resolve the federal MDL; bellwether trial deadlines vacated |
| Fall 2026 | Case count passes 6,000; settlement details still not public |
The reported settlement
According to updates from law firms involved in the litigation, Pfizer reached an agreement in principle in June 2026 to resolve the federal MDL, and the court adjusted its schedule in response. As of October 2026, the total amount, individual payment levels and the claims process had not been publicly released. Settlements like this typically use a points or tier system that pays more for more serious injuries, such as surgery or permanent effects, and require claimants to submit medical and pharmacy records.
Be cautious about any website quoting a specific “Depo-Provera settlement amount.” Until the terms are published, those figures are estimates.
Why This Case Moved Faster Than Many Mass Torts
Drug litigation often takes many years before any settlement. The Depo-Provera cases moved relatively quickly for a few reasons. The 2024 study gave plaintiffs a strong scientific starting point. Warnings about meningioma had already been added to labels in some other countries, which supported the argument that a U.S. warning was possible. The FDA’s December 2025 label change also added weight. And the number of filed cases grew rapidly, which can increase pressure on both sides to resolve claims rather than try them one by one.
None of that guarantees any particular payment for an individual. But it explains why the litigation reached a reported settlement stage sooner than cases like the GLP-1 lawsuits, which are still in earlier phases.
Who May Qualify
Exact criteria will depend on the settlement terms. Based on how the litigation has been structured, people who may qualify generally:
- Received Depo-Provera or medroxyprogesterone acetate injections, often for a year or more
- Were diagnosed with a meningioma by MRI or CT scan after using the shot
- Can document their injections through medical or pharmacy records
- Had a meningioma that required treatment such as surgery, radiation or ongoing monitoring
- Filed or can file within their state’s legal deadline, or meet the settlement’s eligibility rules
Family members may be able to bring claims on behalf of someone who has died.
Records to Gather Now
- Records of your Depo-Provera injections, including dates and where you received them
- Pharmacy records if the shot was dispensed by a pharmacy
- Imaging reports showing the meningioma diagnosis
- Records of treatment, including surgery, radiation and follow up scans
- Records of symptoms and how they affected your work and daily life
- Medical bills and proof of lost income
If you received injections years ago at a clinic that has since closed, start the records search early. Your current doctor, insurance claims history or state health records may help fill in gaps.
Generic and Subcutaneous Versions
Many women received generic medroxyprogesterone acetate rather than brand name Depo-Provera, or the lower dose version injected under the skin. How these products are treated depends on the litigation and settlement terms. Drug injury claims involving generics can be legally complicated because of how federal law treats generic labeling. If you aren’t sure which version you received, your injection records should say. A lawyer can tell you whether your product is included.
Should You Still Join if a Settlement Was Reached?
A reported agreement doesn’t necessarily mean it is too late. Many mass tort settlements include people who filed lawsuits or registered claims by a certain date. Some also allow people who haven’t filed yet to participate if they meet the criteria. The details matter, and they aren’t public yet. If you believe you qualify, speaking with a lawyer now can help make sure you don’t miss any registration deadline once terms are announced.
The Statute of Limitations
Each state has its own deadline for filing a drug injury lawsuit, typically two or three years. Many states start the clock when you discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, that your injury might be connected to the drug. For many women, that awareness came only after the 2024 study and the publicity that followed. Others may face tighter deadlines. Don’t assume you have plenty of time.
Talk to Your Doctor About Your Health First
If you currently use Depo-Provera, don’t stop or change your birth control without talking to your doctor. There are many contraceptive options, and your doctor can help you weigh the risks and benefits based on your history. If you have symptoms like worsening headaches, vision changes or seizures, seek medical care promptly regardless of any legal question.
How Mass Tort Settlements Usually Pay Out
When a mass tort settlement is finalized, the process often looks like this:
- The settlement terms and eligibility rules are announced
- Claimants register and submit proof of use and injury
- A claims administrator reviews each claim and assigns a tier or points
- Claimants may have a chance to appeal their assigned tier
- Payments are made after liens and fees are resolved
This process often takes many months. Women with more severe injuries, such as those who needed brain surgery or suffered lasting neurological effects, typically receive higher payments than those whose tumors were small and only monitored.
A Quick Example
Tamara received Depo-Provera shots every three months for about six years in her twenties. A decade later, she began having severe headaches and blurred vision. An MRI found a meningioma, and she had surgery to remove it. She still has trouble with short term memory and couldn’t work for five months. Her clinic records confirm her injections. Based on the general criteria in this litigation, her situation fits the profile of claims being pursued: long term use, a confirmed meningioma, surgery and documented losses.
Questions to Ask a Lawyer
- Is my product, brand or generic, included in the litigation?
- Have I been using it long enough to fit the criteria?
- What records do you need from me?
- Is there a deadline I need to meet to be included in the settlement?
- What is your fee, and how are case costs handled?
- How will liens from my health insurance affect my payout?
What to Do Next
If you used Depo-Provera and were diagnosed with a meningioma, start gathering your injection and medical records now. Then get a free case review from a lawyer handling these claims, and ask specifically about settlement registration deadlines. With terms expected to be released, being organized early can make the claims process much smoother.
Sources
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida: MDL 3140
- Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation
- The BMJ: Use of progestogens and risk of intracranial meningioma (2024)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Drug Labeling
- Miller and Zois: Depo-Provera Litigation Updates
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different, so speak with a licensed attorney in your state about your own situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can family members file for someone who died?
In many states, an estate or close family members can bring a claim on behalf of a person who died. Ask a lawyer about your state’s rules.
Is there a Depo-Provera settlement?
Reports from the litigation indicate Pfizer reached an agreement in principle in June 2026 to resolve the federal MDL, but the terms had not been released as of October 2026.
How long do you need to have used Depo-Provera to qualify?
Final criteria depend on the settlement. Research has focused on prolonged use, generally one year or more, and many claims involve longer use.
Do I need to have had brain surgery to qualify?
Not necessarily. People whose meningiomas were monitored or treated with radiation may qualify, though more severe injuries usually receive higher payments.
Does the lawsuit include generic Depo-Provera?
It depends on the product and settlement terms. Claims involving generics can be more complicated, so ask a lawyer about your specific product.
Is it too late to file a Depo-Provera claim?
Not necessarily. Eligibility depends on settlement rules and your state’s deadline. Speak with a lawyer soon to protect your rights.
How much will Depo-Provera claims pay?
Settlement amounts haven’t been made public. Any specific figures you see online are estimates.
Should I stop using Depo-Provera?
Talk to your doctor before making any change to your birth control.
