When Did the Depo Provera Lawsuit Start?
If you’re wondering when did the Depo Provera lawsuit start, the first lawsuit was filed on October 1, 2024, by Kristina Schmidt in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (Case No. 3:24-cv-6875). This marked the beginning of legal action against Pfizer and other manufacturers, alleging that Depo-Provera, a contraceptive injection, caused meningioma brain tumors due to inadequate warnings. Since then, lawsuits have grown rapidly, with over 550 cases consolidated in a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) by August 2025. Below, we provide a detailed timeline and context to help you understand the litigation’s origins and how to take action if affected, with guidance from Clinton O. Middleton, Attorney at Law.
Timeline of the Depo-Provera Lawsuit’s Start
The Depo-Provera lawsuits emerged following scientific evidence linking the drug to serious health risks, particularly meningioma brain tumors. Here’s a concise timeline of key events:
- March 2024: A pivotal study published in The BMJ revealed that women using Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) for over a year faced a 5.6-fold increased risk of developing intracranial meningiomas. This study, conducted by French researchers, sparked public and legal scrutiny of Pfizer’s failure to warn U.S. consumers.
- June 2024: Pfizer updated its prescribing information in response to the study but did not revise U.S. warning labels, unlike European labels that included meningioma risks. This discrepancy fueled allegations of negligence.
- October 1, 2024: Kristina Schmidt filed the first Depo-Provera lawsuit in the Northern District of California against Pfizer, Viatris, Greenstone, Prasco, and Pharmacia & Upjohn. Schmidt, who used Depo-Provera from 2005 to 2021, alleged that the drug caused her meningioma, requiring brain surgery. The lawsuit claimed strict liability, negligence, and failure to warn.
- December 2024: Additional lawsuits emerged, including cases in Louisiana and California, as more women linked their meningioma diagnoses to Depo-Provera use. These early filings set the stage for broader litigation.
- January 7, 2025: The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) held a hearing to consider consolidating Depo-Provera lawsuits into an MDL, signaling rapid growth in case numbers.
- February 7, 2025: The JPML officially formed MDL No. 3140 in the Northern District of Florida under Judge M. Casey Rodgers, consolidating at least 78 cases for pretrial proceedings. This marked a significant escalation in the litigation.
- August 2025: The MDL grew to 550 cases, with additional lawsuits filed in state courts in California, New York, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, reflecting widespread concern about Depo-Provera’s risks.
Context of the Litigation’s Start
The Depo-Provera lawsuits began due to mounting evidence that the drug’s active ingredient, medroxyprogesterone acetate, increases the risk of meningiomas, particularly with prolonged use (over one year). Unlike in Europe, where warning labels were updated, Pfizer’s U.S. labels did not reflect this risk, leading to accusations of failure to warn, negligent design, and misrepresentation. The litigation gained momentum as more women, like Schmidt, came forward with diagnoses of meningiomas requiring invasive treatments like craniotomies. The MDL’s formation in February 2025 streamlined pretrial processes, making it easier for plaintiffs to pursue claims.
What to Do If You’re Affected
If you used Depo-Provera for a year or longer and were diagnosed with a meningioma or other serious condition (e.g., bone density loss), you may qualify to join the lawsuits. Key steps include:
- Consult an Attorney: Contact a lawyer specializing in pharmaceutical litigation to evaluate your case.
- Gather Evidence: Collect medical records (e.g., MRI/CT scans), pharmacy receipts, and a symptom timeline.
- Act Quickly: Statutes of limitations can bar claims if you delay. An attorney can confirm deadlines in your state.
Contact Clinton O. Middleton, Attorney at Law
If you or a loved one developed a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, Clinton O. Middleton, Attorney at Law, can help you seek justice. Mr. Middleton will guide you through the process, from verifying eligibility to pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Take Action Today:
Call (703) 777-9630 or fill out our secure contact form for a free consultation. Don’t let time run out! Contact an experienced Depo-Provera lawyer to fight for your rights.
