November 7, 2024 from The Defender
Pfizer is facing allegations that it failed to warn patients about the risk of brain tumors associated with its injectable contraceptive drug, Depo-Provera. A lawsuit filed in California claims the pharmaceutical giant knew of the potential link between Depo-Provera and meningiomas, a type of brain tumor, but failed to update its U.S. labeling or adequately inform patients and healthcare providers.
Decades of Evidence Ignored
The lawsuit, filed by Taylor Devorak, alleges Pfizer “knew or should have known” for decades that Depo-Provera could substantially contribute to the development of meningiomas. Research linking the drug’s active ingredient, medroxyprogesterone acetate, to brain tumors dates back to the 1980s, yet Pfizer and its predecessors allegedly failed to conduct long-term studies or investigate adverse outcomes.
A 2024 study published in The BMJ found that prolonged use of Depo-Provera increased the risk of intracranial meningioma by 555%. Despite this, Pfizer only updated its labels in Canada, the EU, and the UK, leaving U.S. patients uninformed. Ellen Relkin, an attorney representing the plaintiff, stated, “American women are not told of this risk.”
The Plaintiff’s Story
Devorak, a 29-year-old phlebotomist, was prescribed Depo-Provera at 20. After nine years of use, she began experiencing symptoms like double vision and blurry eyesight. Tests revealed a meningioma pressing on her optic nerve. Although she underwent surgery, the tumor couldn’t be entirely removed, leaving her with permanent health issues.
Devorak said she was unaware of the risks associated with Depo-Provera until reading about The BMJ study. She alleges that, had she known, she would have chosen a safer contraceptive option.
Safer Alternatives Exist, But Are Not Promoted
Pfizer produces a safer version of the drug, Depo-subQ Provera 104, which uses a lower dose and is administered subcutaneously instead of intramuscularly. This version, available globally, is as effective as the original but is not actively promoted in the U.S.
“Here they are, literally overdosing women unnecessarily to get the same effect,” Relkin said. “It’s an overdose story.”
Mounting Legal Pressure
Devorak’s case is one of several similar lawsuits filed in California, with law firms reviewing hundreds more. The plaintiffs are seeking to consolidate these into multi-district litigation to streamline the process and pool resources for what is expected to be a significant legal battle against Pfizer.
When Did Pfizer Know?
The timeline of Pfizer’s knowledge about the risks of Depo-Provera remains a central question. Evidence suggests the company was aware by 2015 when it updated Canadian labels to include warnings about meningiomas. Yet, no similar action was taken in the U.S., even as studies continued to highlight the risks.
One French study involving over 18,000 cases found that prolonged use of Depo-Provera increased the risk of meningiomas by over 500%. A separate study published in Cancers associated the drug with a 53% increased risk.
What’s Next?
The allegations against Pfizer highlight the importance of transparency in pharmaceutical safety. Women affected by Depo-Provera’s risks are seeking accountability and better protections for future patients. As Relkin put it, “Countless others could have been spared pain and suffering.”
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