Depo Provera Lawsuit Lawyer in Birmingham, Alabama

Written by Fob James IV, Esq. | Fob James Law Firm, LLC | Last Updated: March 8, 2026

The Depo-Provera lawsuit lawyers at Fob James Law Firm are representing women across Alabama who were diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor after using Pfizer’s popular birth control shot. The country is witnessing a surge in Depo-Provera lawsuits as individuals step forward, alleging serious side effects associated with the contraceptive injection, including a link to meningioma brain tumors.

The crux of the Depo-Provera lawsuit is that Pfizer and other drug companies failed to adequately warn women that using their birth control shot increases the chance of developing meningioma brain tumors by over 5 times.

At Fob James Law Firm, we want to provide a clear understanding of the Depo-Provera lawsuit, what the claims involve, and how those affected in Birmingham and throughout Alabama can seek legal assistance.

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with a meningioma, contact our experienced Depo-Provera lawyers in Birmingham, Alabama for a free case evaluation.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us 24/7 at 205-407-6009.

Depo-Provera Lawsuit Quick Facts

Jump to Topic

• I. Why Our Alabama Depo-Provera Lawyers Are the Top Choice
• II. What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Depo-Provera?
• III. What Is a Meningioma Brain Tumor?
• IV. What Is the Depo-Provera Lawsuit in Alabama About?
• V. Who Qualifies for the Depo-Provera Lawsuit in Alabama?
• VI. The Science Linking Depo-Provera and Meningioma Is Strong
• VII. Alabama Product Liability Laws in Depo-Provera Cases
• VIII. Depo-Provera Settlement Amounts and Case Values in Alabama
• IX. Alabama Depo-Provera Lawsuit FAQ
• X. Depo-Provera MDL 3140 Litigation Updates (March 2026)
• XI. Contact a Depo-Provera Lawyer Near Me in Birmingham, Alabama

Why Our Alabama Depo-Provera Lawyers Are the Top Choice

For more than 40 years, the attorneys at Fob James Law Firm have been fighting for victims of drug injuries across the country from our offices in Birmingham, Alabama.

• We work closely with each of our clients, ensuring they receive personalized attention.
• With our firm, you will actually speak with your dedicated lawyer — not an assistant.
• Comprehensive medical record evaluations by top specialists.
• Deep experience in pharmaceutical and mass tort litigation, including active participation in the Depo-Provera MDL.
• Alabama-based team with real federal and state courtroom experience.
• Backed by the power and resources of national drug-injury litigation.
• Contingency fee representation — pay nothing unless we win.
• Lower fees than most firms: We charge a 33–40% contingency fee, compared to the 45% many other firms charge in the Depo-Provera litigation.
• We handle Depo-Provera cases in all 50 states.

Our case results and client testimonials speak for themselves. Call us today to schedule your free consultation and case review.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Depo-Provera?

Depo-Provera is a contraceptive drug made by Pfizer containing the synthetic progestin hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). The generic version of the birth control shot is manufactured by Mylan N.V. (now part of Viatris).

The Depo-Provera shot is administered in the arm or buttocks every three months. The shot’s active ingredient, medroxyprogesterone acetate, prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining.

The convenience of this contraceptive shot has made it a preferred choice for millions of women since the FDA approved it in 1992. However, Depo-Provera has been associated with several serious side effects.

Many women experience severe side effects from the Depo-Provera birth control shot, including:

• Menstrual irregularities
• Headaches
• Bone density loss and osteoporosis
• Blood clots
• Increased risk of breast cancer
• Weight gain and mood changes
• Meningioma brain tumors — the most alarming risk

The most alarming side effect — and the basis for the Depo-Provera lawsuits — is meningioma, a usually benign but potentially dangerous brain tumor. Depo-Provera elevates progesterone levels in women, which can stimulate tumor growth in the brain and spinal cord.

Scientific studies suggest that Depo-Provera increases the risk of developing meningioma brain tumors by more than five times, leading to a wave of lawsuits from affected individuals in Alabama and across the country.

What Is a Meningioma Brain Tumor?

A meningioma is a tumor that develops in the protective membranes (called the meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord. While often benign, meningioma tumors can cause severe neurological damage, blindness, seizures, and even death depending on their size and location.

Meningioma is the most common type of tumor that forms in the head. These tumors frequently develop behind the eyes, which can lead to permanent vision loss.

Common symptoms of meningioma tumors include:

• Changes in vision, such as seeing double or blurriness
• Headaches that worsen over time
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Memory loss
• Loss of smell
• Seizures
• Weakness in your arms or legs
• Speech difficulties

Meningioma tumors are typically graded I through III based on their severity:

• Grade I: A non-cancerous tumor that grows very slowly. This is the most common type of meningioma.
• Grade II: Non-cancerous but more rapidly growing tumors that may require surgery or radiation treatment.
• Grade III: Rare cancerous tumors that grow fast and aggressively and may spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment for meningioma often requires invasive brain surgery (craniotomy), radiation therapy, or both. Even Grade I meningiomas can recur after removal, requiring ongoing medical monitoring and additional procedures.

What Is the Depo-Provera Lawsuit in Alabama About?

Pfizer and other manufacturers of Depo-Provera have been sued because their birth control shots allegedly increase the risk of developing meningioma brain tumors. As of March 2026, more than 2,098 lawsuits have been consolidated in a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 3140) in the Northern District of Florida. The Depo-Provera lawsuits are primarily based on two legal theories: (i) failure to warn and (ii) design defect.

Pfizer’s Failure to Warn

The Depo-Provera lawsuits in Alabama argue that Pfizer failed to adequately warn consumers and healthcare providers about the risk of developing meningioma brain tumors and other severe side effects after using the contraceptive injections.

Despite having knowledge of the risks — including warnings that were already required in Canada and Europe — the Depo-Provera lawsuits allege Pfizer aggressively marketed their birth control shots as a safe alternative to other birth control drugs without disclosing the meningioma risk on the U.S. label.

Notably, it was not until December 2025 that the FDA finally approved a meningioma warning on the Depo-Provera label, decades after the science first suggested a connection. Plaintiffs argue this delay was inexcusable.

Depo-Provera’s Design Defects

The Depo-Provera lawsuits also allege that the design of the drug was defective, particularly the high dose of synthetic progestin (medroxyprogesterone acetate), which can stimulate the growth of meningioma tumors. The lawsuits further allege that Pfizer negligently failed to formulate the birth control shots in a way that would not increase the risk of brain tumors.

Alabama plaintiffs are seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by their meningioma diagnosis.

To discuss the specific claims in your case, call a compassionate Alabama Depo-Provera lawyer for a free case review.

Who Qualifies for the Depo-Provera Lawsuit in Alabama?

Women in Alabama who were diagnosed with a meningioma tumor after using the following birth control shots may qualify for the Depo-Provera lawsuit:

• Depo-Provera (manufactured by Pfizer)
• Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (manufactured by Pfizer)
• Generic medroxyprogesterone acetate injections (manufactured by Mylan N.V. / Viatris, Greenstone LLC, or Prasco Labs)

In most cases that qualify, the victim used the Depo-Provera birth control shot at least two years before receiving a meningioma diagnosis, although some law firms and studies suggest that one year of use may be sufficient to establish eligibility.

You must have an image-confirmed diagnosis of a cranial or spinal meningioma. Key evidence includes pharmacy records, medical records documenting injections, insurance billing records, and imaging reports (MRI or CT scans) confirming the meningioma diagnosis.

It does not matter where in Alabama you live. We represent Depo-Provera victims in Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, and all other cities and counties across the state. We also handle Depo-Provera cases in all 50 states.

To see if your case qualifies, contact an Alabama Depo-Provera lawyer at Fob James Law Firm today.

Need Help With Your Depo-Provera Claim? Schedule Your Free Consultation Today. Contact Us

The Science Linking Depo-Provera and Meningioma Is Strong

The scientific evidence connecting Depo-Provera to meningioma brain tumors continues to grow stronger. Multiple peer-reviewed studies have established a significant association between prolonged use of the injectable contraceptive and the development of intracranial meningiomas.

British Medical Journal Study (March 2024)

In March 2024, the British Medical Journal published a landmark study analyzing data from more than 18,000 women in France who underwent surgery for meningiomas between 2009 and 2018.

The researchers found that women who had used Depo-Provera for more than one year were over 5.6 times more likely to develop meningioma brain tumors than women who either did not use the drug or used it for a short period of time.

The bottom line: the BMJ study concludes that the use of injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate significantly increases the risk of developing intracranial meningioma.

BMJ 2024

University of British Columbia Study (February 2025)

On February 2, 2025, researchers at the University of British Columbia published a study confirming the connection between Depo-Provera and meningioma.

Specifically, the researchers found that taking medroxyprogesterone acetate for at least one year increases the risk of meningioma by more than 3.55 times compared to non-users.

JAMA Neurology Study (September 2025)

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA Neurology) published a study in September 2025 that further strengthened the causal link between Depo-Provera and brain tumors. This study is particularly significant because of its massive scale — roughly 10 million women were included in the analysis.

The JAMA study found a 2.43-fold risk increase in brain tumors among women who took Depo-Provera versus women who did not use the birth control shot. These findings are consistent with prior studies and add substantial weight to the plaintiffs’ cases.

Expert Opinion on Drug Safety Study (August 2025)

A study published in the medical journal Expert Opinion on Drug Safety in August 2025 found that use of Pfizer’s Depo-Provera for more than one year is associated with a 3.5-fold increased risk of developing an intracranial meningioma compared with the use of oral birth control pills. The study concluded that Depo-Provera’s active ingredient “is linked to a substantially increased risk of meningiomas.”

The Science Is Still Evolving

The scientific evidence linking Depo-Provera and meningioma continues to grow. We expect additional studies to be published throughout 2026, which will likely further strengthen the case against Pfizer. Notably, general causation expert disclosures and Daubert hearings are scheduled for May 2026 in the MDL, where the courts will evaluate the strength of the scientific evidence.

Alabama Product Liability Laws in Depo-Provera Cases

Alabama has specific laws that govern product liability claims like the Depo-Provera lawsuit. Understanding these laws is important for any Alabama resident considering filing a claim.

Alabama’s Statute of Limitations for Product Liability

The time to file a claim is called the statute of limitations. In Alabama, the deadline depends on who you are suing:

• Two years from the date of injury for claims against the manufacturer (Pfizer) under Alabama’s general product liability framework.
• One year from the date of injury for claims against the original seller (such as the pharmacy or clinic that administered the Depo-Provera injection) under the Alabama Extended Manufacturer’s Liability Doctrine (AEMLD), codified at Ala. Code § 6-5-501 et seq.

In the context of the Depo-Provera litigation, most claims are directed at Pfizer as the manufacturer, meaning the two-year statute of limitations typically applies. However, if your claim also involves the pharmacy, clinic, or healthcare provider who sold or administered the injection, the shorter one-year deadline may apply to those parties.

The statute of limitations analysis in Depo-Provera cases involves several additional considerations:

• Discovery Rule: Alabama courts recognize that the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the plaintiff knows, or reasonably should know, about both the injury and its connection to the product. For many women, the link between Depo-Provera and meningioma only became widely known after the March 2024 BMJ study was published. This means the clock may not have started running until recently for many potential plaintiffs.
• Equitable Tolling: Alabama courts may toll (pause) the statute of limitations if the defendant engaged in fraudulent concealment. Plaintiffs allege that Pfizer concealed the meningioma risk for decades despite having knowledge of the connection.
• Minor Tolling: For cases involving minors, the statute of limitations “tolls” until the injured minor turns 19 years old. On their 19th birthday, the claimant then has the applicable limitations period to file a lawsuit.
• Wrongful Death: In the context of a wrongful death claim, the personal representative of the deceased victim has two years from the date of the victim’s death to file a lawsuit.
• Statute of Repose: Alabama also imposes a statute of repose that may set an outer limit on when claims can be filed regardless of the discovery rule.

Do not assume that you have a lot of time to file your claim. Filing deadlines in the Depo-Provera litigation are strict, and missing them could permanently bar your case. Contact our Depo-Provera lawyers in Birmingham, Alabama immediately to discuss the filing deadlines that apply to your specific situation.

Alabama’s Contributory Negligence Rules

Alabama is one of the few states that follows the doctrine of pure contributory negligence, which can bar recovery if the plaintiff is found even slightly at fault. However, in Depo-Provera cases, this defense is unlikely to apply because women used the birth control shot as prescribed by their physicians and had no way of knowing about the undisclosed meningioma risk.

Punitive Damages in Alabama Depo-Provera Cases

Alabama law allows plaintiffs to seek punitive damages in cases involving fraud, willful misconduct, or gross negligence. Given the allegations that Pfizer concealed the meningioma risk for decades while continuing to market Depo-Provera as safe, punitive damages may be available in certain cases.

Depo-Provera Settlement Amounts and Case Values in Alabama

What Can I Recover From an Alabama Depo-Provera Lawsuit?

Every case is unique, but plaintiffs who file a Depo-Provera lawsuit in Alabama can recover money for the following damages:

• Past and future medical bills (including brain surgery, radiation therapy, medication, hospital stays, and in-home care)
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium (for spouses)
• Funeral expenses (in the event of a loved one’s death)
• Any other past and future costs associated with the meningioma diagnosis

If your loved one died as a result of their meningioma, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Call our Depo-Provera lawyers in Birmingham, Alabama for a free case evaluation tailored to your specific situation.

What Is the Estimated Value of Depo-Provera Cases?

The value of a Depo-Provera lawsuit is difficult to determine at this stage because no cases have gone to trial or settled yet. The first pilot trial is scheduled for December 7, 2026. Many factors go into the value of each case, including:

• Severity and grade of the meningioma
• Whether the plaintiff required surgery, radiation, or both
• Permanency of the injuries and neurological deficits
• Total cost of medical treatment, including future medical expenses
• Duration of Depo-Provera use
• Age of the plaintiff
• The plaintiff’s pain and suffering
• The venue where the case is litigated

We believe three key factors support higher settlement values compared to other mass torts:

1. Meningioma is a severe injury — brain tumors and brain surgery are among the most serious injuries a person can suffer.
2. The cost of treatment is significant — craniotomy, radiation, ongoing monitoring, and rehabilitation can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
3. Many of the plaintiffs are middle-aged women or younger — resulting in decades of future damages.

Until bellwether trials occur, it is near impossible to estimate case values with precision. Taking this with a grain of salt, our best estimate is that most Depo-Provera cases will settle in the $200,000 to $500,000+ range, with the most severe cases (multiple surgeries, permanent disability) potentially commanding significantly higher values.

For context, in other meningioma-related litigation, settlement payouts have historically averaged more than $800,000, with jury verdicts exceeding $3 million.

To discuss your Depo-Provera case value, schedule a free consultation with our experienced Alabama Depo-Provera lawyers today.

Alabama Depo-Provera Lawsuit FAQ

Has the FDA Recalled Depo-Provera?

No, the FDA has not recalled Depo-Provera. However, there have been two significant regulatory actions. First, the FDA has long required Pfizer to include a “black box warning” — the agency’s most serious warning — about the risk of bone density loss and osteoporosis. The FDA recommends that women use Depo-Provera no more than two years.

Second, and most importantly for the current litigation, in December 2025 the FDA approved a new warning label for Depo-Provera that specifically warns about the risk of meningioma brain tumors with repeated or long-term use. The updated label states that cases of meningiomas have been reported following repeated administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate, and urges clinicians to monitor patients for signs and symptoms of meningioma. This was the first time the U.S. label acknowledged the meningioma risk — years after Canada and European countries had already required similar warnings.

Is There a Depo-Provera Class Action Lawsuit?

Technically, the Depo-Provera litigation is not a class action. It is a multidistrict litigation (MDL), which is a different legal mechanism. In a class action, one plaintiff represents an entire group, and any settlement applies to all class members. In an MDL, each plaintiff files an individual lawsuit, but all cases are consolidated before one judge for pretrial proceedings to avoid duplicating discovery and motion practice.

The Depo-Provera MDL (No. 3140) is consolidated in the Northern District of Florida under Judge M. Casey Rodgers. As of February 2026, more than 2,098 individual lawsuits have been filed in the MDL, with additional cases pending in state courts in New York, Delaware, California, and other states.

The practical difference for clients is that in an MDL, each case is evaluated individually, meaning your settlement amount will depend on the specific facts of your case — your diagnosis, treatment, usage history, and damages.

Can I Still File a Depo-Provera Lawsuit in 2026?

Yes, it is not too late to file a Depo-Provera lawsuit. New cases are being filed every month, and the MDL continues to grow. The litigation is still in its early stages — discovery is ongoing, and the first pilot trial is not scheduled until December 2026.

However, you should act quickly. In Alabama, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury for claims against the manufacturer (Pfizer) and one year against the original seller (such as the pharmacy or clinic). The discovery rule may extend these deadlines, but waiting too long could permanently bar your case. Additionally, the earlier you file, the easier it is to gather medical records and other evidence to support your claim.

Contact our Depo-Provera lawyers to discuss your eligibility today.

Does Depo-Provera Cause Brain Tumors?

Multiple peer-reviewed scientific studies have found a significant association between Depo-Provera use and the development of meningioma brain tumors. The BMJ study (March 2024) found a 5.6x increased risk. The JAMA Neurology study (September 2025) found a 2.43x increased risk in a study of 10 million women. The University of British Columbia study (February 2025) found a 3.55x increased risk. And the Expert Opinion on Drug Safety study (August 2025) found a 3.5x increased risk.

While Pfizer maintains that Depo-Provera is safe, the growing scientific consensus — and the FDA’s December 2025 decision to add a meningioma warning to the label — strongly supports the connection between the drug and brain tumors.

How Many Depo-Provera Lawsuits Have Been Filed?

As of February 2026, more than 2,098 Depo-Provera lawsuits have been filed in the federal MDL (No. 3140) in the Northern District of Florida. Hundreds of additional cases are pending in state courts, including approximately 332 cases in Delaware, 78 in New York, and smaller numbers in California, Illinois, and other states.

Plaintiffs’ attorneys report holding nearly 10,000 additional unfiled claims that are being evaluated and prepared for filing. The number of cases is expected to continue growing significantly throughout 2026 and beyond.

What Are the Attorney Fees in the Depo-Provera Lawsuit?

Fob James Law Firm operates on a contingency-fee basis in the Depo-Provera lawsuits. This means we only get paid a percentage of the recovery if we successfully resolve your case.

Our fees come out of a favorable settlement or jury award, not out of your pocket. If we do not obtain a recovery, then you owe us nothing.

Many clients have told us that other firms are charging 45% contingency fees in the Depo-Provera litigation. However, Fob James Law Firm charges Depo-Provera lawsuit clients a 33–40% contingency fee — saving you thousands of dollars if your case is successful.

To speak with our experienced Depo-Provera lawsuit lawyers, call us today at 205-407-6009.

How Do I Join the Depo-Provera Lawsuit?

Joining the Depo-Provera lawsuit is simple. Call us today at 205-407-6009 or submit your contact information through our website, and our attorneys will contact you to discuss your case.

Our team will help you:

1. Gather your medical records documenting Depo-Provera use
2. Obtain imaging reports confirming your meningioma diagnosis
3. Evaluate the strength of your claim
4. File your lawsuit in the appropriate court

It does not matter where you live. We represent victims of the Depo-Provera birth control shot in all 50 states.

When Will the Depo-Provera Lawsuit Be Settled?

The Depo-Provera litigation is still in its early stages. The cases have been consolidated into MDL No. 3140, and the litigation is currently in the discovery phase, where the parties exchange documents, take depositions, and present expert testimony.

Several critical milestones are approaching:

• May 26–28, 2026: Daubert/Rule 702 hearings on general causation — where the court will evaluate whether the scientific evidence linking Depo-Provera to meningioma is sufficient
• December 7, 2026: First pilot (bellwether) trial is scheduled
• 2027 and beyond: Additional bellwether trials expected

Bellwether trials serve as test cases that give both sides a barometer on the value and strength of different types of cases. The outcomes of these trials heavily influence settlement negotiations. The goal of the bellwether process is to facilitate a global settlement for a majority of the pending cases.

Our best estimate is that a global settlement for Depo-Provera lawsuits will take place in 2–4 years, depending on how many bellwether cases are tried and their outcomes.

What Is the Average Depo-Provera Settlement?

There are no Depo-Provera settlements yet because the litigation is still in its pretrial stages. However, based on the severity of meningioma injuries, the cost of brain surgery, and comparable pharmaceutical litigation, our best estimate is that Depo-Provera cases will settle in the $200,000 to $500,000+ range for typical cases. The most severe cases — involving multiple surgeries, permanent neurological deficits, or death — could command significantly higher values.

In other meningioma-related litigation, settlement payouts have historically averaged more than $800,000, with jury verdicts exceeding $3 million.

Settlement amounts will become much clearer after the first bellwether trials take place in late 2026 or 2027.

Depo-Provera MDL 3140 Litigation Updates (March 2026)

We post updates on the Depo-Provera meningioma lawsuit throughout the litigation and strive to update at least once per month following each Case Management Conference. If you have questions about litigation updates, feel free to call us 24/7 at 866-837-1010.

March 2, 2026 – Next CMC Rescheduled to March 6, 2026

Because of a scheduling conflict, Judge Rodgers cancelled the February 20, 2026, Case Management Conference. The Eleventh CMC will now take place on March 6, 2026. As a result, the previously scheduled March 13, 2026, CMC has also been cancelled. The parties were required to submit a Joint Agenda Letter by 12:00 p.m. CT on Monday, March 2, 2026, to the MDL court as well as to the courts overseeing related state-court proceedings in New York, Delaware, and California.

February 5, 2026 – Pfizer Files Supplemental Preemption Brief

Pfizer filed its supplemental brief arguing that Depo-Provera failure-to-warn claims are preempted by federal law. This brief addresses the December 2025 FDA label change — which added the meningioma warning — and how it impacts Pfizer’s preemption defense. Plaintiffs’ response was due February 20, 2026, with Pfizer’s reply due February 27, 2026. The outcome of this motion could be decisive: if Pfizer wins on preemption, many or all cases could be dismissed. We remain optimistic about the plaintiffs’ position, particularly now that the FDA has approved the very warning that plaintiffs argued should have been on the label for years.

January 27, 2026 – Pretrial Order No. 30 Applies Rulings MDL-Wide

Judge Rodgers entered Pretrial Order No. 30, clarifying that her upcoming rulings on federal preemption and expert causation (Daubert) will apply across the entire MDL — not just the five pilot cases. This is significant because it means a favorable ruling for plaintiffs on these issues will benefit all 2,098+ pending cases. The order also confirmed the litigation schedule: if Pfizer loses on preemption, the case moves directly into Rule 702 hearings on general causation, already scheduled for May 26–28, 2026.

January 20, 2026 – First Bellwether Trial Scheduled for December 2026

Judge Rodgers tentatively scheduled the first bellwether trial in the Depo-Provera MDL for December 7, 2026. If this date holds, this will be one of the fastest trial schedules in mass tort litigation history, reflecting Judge Rodgers’ commitment to moving this case efficiently. The five pilot cases are:

1. Donna Toney v. Pfizer Inc. (Case No. 3:24cv624)
2. Alicia Wilson v. Pfizer Inc. (Case No. 3:25cv100)
3. Kristina Schmidt v. Pfizer Inc. (Case No. 3:25cv81)
4. Rachel Valera-Arceo v. Pfizer Inc. (Case No. 3:25cv98)
5. Allison Blonski v. Pfizer Inc. (Case No. 3:25cv-00167)

December 17, 2025 – FDA Approves Brain Tumor Warning

In a major development for the Depo-Provera litigation, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new warning label for Pfizer’s Depo-Provera birth control shot that alerts patients and healthcare providers to the increased risk of meningiomas with long-term or repeated use. This was the first time the FDA formally recognized the meningioma risk on the U.S. product label, aligning U.S. prescribing information more closely with warnings already used in Canada and Europe.

The updated label states that “cases of meningiomas have been reported following repeated administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate, primarily with long-term use,” and urges clinicians to monitor for symptoms and counsel patients accordingly.

This development could significantly impact the ongoing litigation by strengthening plaintiffs’ arguments that the risk was known but not properly communicated for years. Ironically, the label change was requested by Pfizer itself — likely in an effort to cap future liability.

November 3, 2025 – Depo-Provera Lawsuit Tally Passes 1,200

As of November 2025, more than 1,200 women had filed claims in the MDL alleging that the Depo-Provera contraceptive shot led to intracranial meningiomas. The number has since grown to over 2,098 as of February 2026. We expect significantly more lawsuit filings if Judge Rodgers denies Pfizer’s motion to dismiss.

October 3, 2025 – Preemption Motion Oral Arguments

On September 29, 2025, Judge Rodgers heard oral arguments in Pensacola on Pfizer’s motion to dismiss the Depo-Provera lawsuits based on federal preemption. A ruling was expected within 60 days, but the December 2025 FDA label change prompted the court to order supplemental briefing, which is still pending as of March 2026.

Pfizer’s preemption defense argues that the FDA rejected Pfizer’s previous attempt to add a meningioma warning to the label, and therefore Pfizer cannot be held liable for failing to include a warning that the FDA would not allow. Plaintiffs counter that Pfizer’s prior submission was inadequate and that the company could have done more to warn consumers through other channels.

September 4, 2025 – MDL Case Count Surges

As of September 2, 2025, the MDL had grown to 806 cases, up dramatically from 550 in August and 435 in July. This rapid growth reflected growing awareness of the litigation and the strength of the scientific evidence.

September 2, 2025 – JAMA Study Finds 2.43-Fold Risk Increase

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA Neurology) published a study of approximately 10 million women finding that Depo-Provera users were 2.43 times more likely to develop a brain tumor. These findings are consistent with prior studies and represent some of the most powerful scientific evidence supporting the plaintiffs’ claims.

August 1, 2025 – New Study Shows 3.5-Fold Risk Increase

A study published in the medical journal Expert Opinion on Drug Safety found that use of Pfizer’s Depo-Provera for more than one year is associated with a 3.5-fold increased risk of developing an intracranial meningioma compared with the use of oral birth control pills.

July 1, 2025 – Judge Nixes State Court Consolidation in Philadelphia

The only consolidated Depo-Provera litigation is occurring in the Northern District of Florida. However, plaintiff attorneys filed lawsuits on behalf of nearly 100 plaintiffs in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and sought state-court consolidation. The judge denied consolidation and ordered the plaintiffs to refile as individual lawsuits. It appears that the plaintiff attorneys have not yet refiled those Depo-Provera lawsuits in Pennsylvania state court.

June 1, 2025 – CMO No. 23 Addresses Complaint Deficiencies

Judge Rodgers’ Case Management Order No. 23 established a formal process for addressing deficiencies in plaintiff complaints. Complaints must include a diagnosed meningioma linked to Depo-Provera use and complete jurisdictional information. BrownGreer PLC, the court-appointed data administrator, notifies plaintiffs of deficiencies, who then have two business days to amend. Non-compliant plaintiffs face a seven-day warning period, followed by an Order to Show Cause if unresolved.

May 8, 2025 – Lawsuit Filings Continue to Grow

In April 2025, a total of 52 new cases were filed into the MDL, bringing the total to 130 at that time. At this early stage, plaintiff attorneys typically only file the strongest cases to avoid giving Pfizer momentum from dismissals of weaker claims.

April 3, 2025 – Court Approves “Proof of Use” Questionnaire

The Court required plaintiffs to submit a “Plaintiff Proof of Use/Injury Questionnaire” within 120 days of March 14, 2025, or within 120 days of filing a lawsuit into the MDL. To help plaintiffs obtain documentation, the Court’s order compels medical providers — including pharmacies, hospitals, doctor’s offices, and health insurance companies — to provide records reflecting the patient’s use of Depo-Provera.

March 1, 2025 – Litigation Moving at Record Pace

Judge Rodgers told counsel during the case management conference that she wants the litigation to move fast. This is good for plaintiffs, as the defense typically tries to delay as long as possible. Judge Rodgers selected five pilot cases to move forward with discovery and expressed her intent to resolve important legal issues within 180 days. The Depo-Provera MDL has been moving faster than nearly any other mass tort in recent history.

February 24, 2025 – Case Management Order No. 1

Judge Rodgers entered the first Case Management Order in the Depo-Provera MDL, establishing the administrative framework for MDL-3140.

Key provisions included:

• MDL Website: The Court ordered the creation of a public website with an overview of the case, relevant orders, filings, and dates.
• Five Pilot Cases: Judge Rodgers selected five pilot cases to serve as test cases in the litigation (listed above).
• Discovery Framework: The parties were required to hold an in-person Rule 26 meeting and submit a Joint Rule 26 Report proposing a discovery process.
• Direct Filing System: The Court directed the parties to discuss a system for filing complaints directly into the MDL.
• Plaintiff Leadership: Counsel was required to submit a plan for Plaintiff leadership, including Lead Counsel, Liaison Counsel, Executive Committee, Steering Committee, and specialized subcommittees.

February 9, 2025 – MDL Formed in the Northern District of Florida

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) formed MDL-3140 in Judge Casey Rodgers’ Court in the Northern District of Florida. This was a surprise — most attorneys expected the MDL would be formed in New York or California. Pfizer had advocated for New York, while a majority of plaintiffs preferred California, with a smaller group pushing for Florida. Judge Rodgers is widely respected and very experienced with complex MDLs, including the recent 3M earplug litigation. Depo-Provera lawsuits filed in federal court in Alabama now transfer to MDL-3140.

February 5, 2025 – Alabama Woman Files Depo-Provera Lawsuit

A woman from Birmingham, Alabama, filed a Depo-Provera lawsuit alleging that birth control shots manufactured by Pfizer caused her to develop meningioma brain tumors. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff used Depo-Provera shots from 2017 to 2022. The case has transferred to MDL-3140 in the Northern District of Florida.

February 1, 2025 – Medical Monitoring Class Action Filed

A California woman filed a class action lawsuit in federal court in Pittsburgh demanding that the makers of Depo-Provera establish a medical monitoring program for women who used the birth control shots. The lawsuit seeks to have Pfizer cover ongoing medical monitoring expenses — including regular MRIs — for women at increased risk of meningioma. If the class action is certified, Alabama women who used Depo-Provera could benefit from Pfizer-funded medical monitoring.

January 4, 2025 – Pfizer Seeks New York Consolidation

Pfizer agreed that the Depo-Provera lawsuits should be centralized in an MDL but asked the JPML to consolidate the cases in the Southern District of New York, likely because New York courts may be more favorable to Pfizer’s federal preemption defense. Plaintiffs argued for the Northern District of California. Ultimately, the JPML chose the Northern District of Florida.

December 23, 2024 – MDL Consolidation Expected

The JPML announced it would meet in January 2025 to determine whether to consolidate the Depo-Provera cases into an MDL. Most cases at this point had been filed in federal court in California.

November 13, 2024 – First Lawsuits Filed in Multiple Jurisdictions

Plaintiff firms began filing Depo-Provera lawsuits strategically in federal courts in California and state courts in Philadelphia. At the early stage of mass tort litigation, attorneys typically file only the strongest cases in favorable venues.

Contact a Depo-Provera Lawyer Near Me in Birmingham, Alabama

At Fob James Law Firm, our job is to help you to the best of our ability and fight for you. If you have been diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor after using Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera, or a generic medroxyprogesterone acetate injection, contact our Alabama Depo-Provera lawsuit lawyers immediately.

We can determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit or not. It will not cost you anything to speak with us. Additionally, you will never pay us anything until we successfully settle or win your case in court.

We serve clients from our Birmingham office located at 2226 1st Ave S, Suite 105, Birmingham, AL 35233 and represent Depo-Provera victims throughout Alabama and all 50 states.

Contact us right now at 205-407-6009 or set up a free case evaluation so we can help you.

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