At Fletchers, we’re currently looking into claims on behalf of people who have experienced serious health issues after using Depo-Provera or Sayana Press – both long-acting contraceptive injections made by Pfizer.
What is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is a hormonal contraceptive injected by a healthcare professional every three months. It contains 150mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. It’s been widely used in the UK and around the world for decades.
What is Sayana Press?
Sayana Press is a newer version of this contraceptive. It has the same active ingredient but in a lower dose (104 mg) and is given as a subcutaneous injection. The device is pre-filled and designed for self-administration, making it more convenient, especially for home or community use.
While many people have used these injections without problems, recent research has raised concerns about potential long-term risks – particularly intracranial meningiomas, a type of brain tumour.
What the Science is Saying
Recent studies suggest a link between long-term use of Depo-Provera and an increased risk of developing meningiomas:
A French national study published in The BMJ in March 2024 found that women using injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate had a 5.55-times higher risk of intracranial meningiomas than non-users, with risk increasing after one year of use.
An article in JAMA Neurology in April 2024 reported a 143% higher risk of brain tumours among long-term users of depot contraceptives.
The evidence suggests that the longer the use, the higher the risk. Scientists believe this may be due to overstimulation of progesterone receptors in the meninges, which can trigger abnormal cell growth.
Legal Action Around the World
The legal landscape is developing rapidly:
United States: Over 1,000 cases have been combined into a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL). Plaintiffs claim Pfizer failed to adequately warn users about the risks. On 29 September 2025, Pfizer appeared in Florida Federal Court in a key hearing, trying to dismiss the case by arguing that FDA decisions shielded them from liability.
Europe: Regulatory updates have led to new product labelling, and legal claims are starting to appear.
United Kingdom: We are actively reviewing cases for people who have experienced serious neurological symptoms or been diagnosed with meningiomas after using Depo-Provera.
Pre-emption: A U.S. Legal Complication
In the U.S., pre-emption can sometimes prevent lawsuits if the FDA rejected proposed safety warnings. Pfizer argues it tried to update labels but was blocked by the FDA. However, U.S. lawyers argue Pfizer could have done more to warn patients elsewhere, like in the UK, where regulators have since acted independently.
Importantly, pre-emption does not apply in the UK, meaning claimants here may have a clearer path to justice.
“We are already representing several clients who have shared deeply distressing stories about how this drug has affected their lives. These are women in their 30s and 40s who have undergone major surgery, with some facing permanent consequences like facial disfigurement, scarring, and loss of memory or vision. Many continue to struggle with severe psychological trauma and are unable to return to work. They deserve answers—and justice.”
– Lisa Lunt, Partner
How We Can Help
If you or a loved one has experienced serious health problems after using Depo-Provera, you may be eligible to make a claim. Our team of medical product liability experts is led by Partner, Lisa Lunt. Lisa has more than 20 years’ experience in the medical negligence field, and has spent a decade specialising in medical product liability cases. She and the team are reviewing cases involving:
Diagnosis of meningioma or other neurological conditions
Surgical treatment or long-term disability
Lack of informed consent or inadequate warnings
We offer free initial consultations and work on a no win, no fee basis.
Get in Touch
To speak confidentially with one of our expert solicitors, contact us via our dedicated webpage. We are dedicated to helping those affected by Depo-Provera get the support and justice they deserve.
