About 100 UK Women Sue Pfizer Over Depo-Provera Tumour Risk 5.6 Times Higher

3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Jul 12

Around 100 women in the UK are pursuing legal action against Pfizer, alleging the Depo-Provera contraceptive injection caused benign brain tumours after long-term use.
A 2024 BMJ study found women using the injection for at least a year were 5.6 times more likely to develop Meningioma, and the patient leaflet was updated that year to include the risk.
Lauren Lewington, 35, said 15 years on Depo-Provera preceded an inoperable tumour, three operations and radiotherapy; scans have shown shrinkage since she stopped the injection in January 2025.
Another claimant, Deana, 43, said more than 25 years on the jab was followed by several inoperable tumours, blindness in one eye and chronic headaches.
Pfizer said Depo-Provera has a well-established safety profile, while the MHRA said benefits outweigh risks for most patients and any new evidence could prompt further action.

Sources

The Independent16h ago

100 UK Women Sue Pfizer Over Depo-Provera Brain Tumour Claims

AOL16h ago

I have an inoperable brain tumour after having the contraceptive jab' - AOL

newswav.com16h ago

I have an inoperable brain tumour after having the contraceptive jab' - Newswav

4 Sources

As lawsuits mount over a 5-fold brain tumour risk, why is this contraceptive still widely prescribed?

If stopping the injection can shrink tumours, should regular screening be mandatory for all long-term users?

Over 5,800 Depo-Provera Lawsuits: Meningioma Risks, U.S. Settlements, and Global Regulatory Gaps

Overview

As of July 2026, over 5,830 lawsuits against Pfizer related to Depo-Provera have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL), focusing on claims from individuals who developed meningioma after using the birth control shot. In June 2026, Pfizer reached an agreement in principle with plaintiff leadership, paving the way for payouts to all victims who filed claims within the MDL. While this settlement offers a clearer path to compensation, some legal complexities remain, as a federal judge has deferred a key ruling. This evolving legal landscape highlights both the growing recognition of risks and the ongoing efforts to resolve claims for affected individuals.

...