Depo-Provera Lawsuits Consolidated in Florida MDL

In a significant development for pharmaceutical litigation, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) has centralized all federal Depo-Provera lawsuits in the Northern District of Florida. The February 7, 2025 transfer order establishes MDL No. 3140, bringing together cases that allege the contraceptive injection increases the risk of meningiomas – benign but potentially serious brain tumors.

Plaintiffs claim that the manufacturers, including Pfizer and its subsidiaries, failed to adequately warn of these risks and did not promote safer alternatives.

What is Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a hormonal contraceptive injection used to prevent pregnancy. It contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, which works by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and thinning the uterine lining to reduce the likelihood of implantation. The injection is typically administered once every three months (every 12 weeks) and is considered a long-acting reversible contraceptive.

Key Details of the Consolidation

The United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has issued a transfer order to centralize the Depo-Provera products liability litigation under MDL No. 3140. The consolidation brings together 27 active cases from eight federal districts, with 52 additional related actions potentially joining the proceedings. The Honorable M. Casey Rodgers, known for efficiently managing complex product liability cases, will oversee the MDL.

This centralization serves several crucial purposes:

• Streamlining pretrial proceedings
• Preventing duplicative discovery
• Ensuring consistent judicial rulings across all cases
• Promoting efficient use of judicial resources

The parties had differing opinions on the appropriate venue for the MDL. Plaintiffs predominantly supported centralization in California, while defendants generally preferred the Southern District of New York or another eastern district with experience in mass tort litigation. Ultimately, the Panel determined that the Northern District of Florida was the most suitable venue due to its judicial resources and expertise.

Understanding the Claims

At the heart of these lawsuits are allegations against Pfizer Inc. and its affiliates regarding Depo-Provera, an FDA-approved contraceptive injection in use since 1992. Plaintiffs claim that:

• Long-term use of the drug increases meningioma risk
• Manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings to patients and healthcare providers
• Safer alternatives, such as Depo-SubQ Provera 104 (a lower-dose version), were not sufficiently promoted

The consolidation also includes potential claims involving this alternative formulation. The Panel emphasized that any disputes regarding discovery locations or defendant liability, such as Prasco LLC’s argument about its distribution timeline, should be addressed by the transferee court. By centralizing these cases, the MDL process will facilitate a coordinated legal strategy, ultimately determining liability and potential compensation for those affected.

Scientific Background of Depo-Provera

Recent scientific research lends context to these claims. Studies show that:

• Overall incidence of benign meningiomas in the U.S. increased through 2010 before stabilizing
• Analysis of SEER cancer registry data (2004-2017) indicates that while rates may decrease in older populations, the overall disease burden remains stable due to an aging population
• From the years 2000-2021, the rate for male diagnoses has gone down, while the female rate has gone up

Depo-Provera Implications for Users

This MDL could have far-reaching implications for thousands of individuals who have used Depo-Provera. Key questions the litigation will address include:

1. Whether Depo-Provera causes meningiomas
2. If manufacturers were aware of these risks
3. Whether appropriate warnings were provided
4. The adequacy of risk mitigation measures

Looking Forward

Under Judge Rodgers’ supervision, the MDL will focus on determining:

• Manufacturer liability
• Potential compensation for affected individuals
• Appropriate medical monitoring for users
• Future warning requirements

For those who have used Depo-Provera or are currently using it, this consolidation represents a significant step toward addressing concerns about the medication’s safety profile and the adequacy of its warnings.

Contact KBA Attorneys

If you or a loved one has developed a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, our experienced pharmaceutical litigation team at KBA Attorneys can help evaluate your potential claim. With offices in Jacksonville and Pensacola, Florida, we’re well-positioned to handle cases in this MDL.

Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options. Our product liability attorneys have extensive experience in pharmaceutical litigation and are committed to fighting for justice for those harmed by dangerous drugs.

Disclaimer: Each case is different and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.