Depo-Provera vs. Depo-subQ Provera 104

When people discuss the birth control shot, they’re usually referring to Depo-Provera or Depo-subQ Provera 104, both made by Pfizer. The contraceptive injections are similar, but there are a few key differences when it comes to dosage and potential side effects. That said, both of these birth control shots may increase your risk of developing an intracranial meningioma, a type of brain tumor.

Let’s take a moment to compare Depo-Provera and Depo-subQ Provera 104. We’ll then discuss the study in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) that has made global headlines and caused many women to consider litigation against Pfizer.

If you were on Depo-Provera or Depo-subQ Provera 104 and developed an intracranial meningioma, our lawyers can help you file a lawsuit against Pfizer. The birth control shot attorneys at Bursor & Fisher, P.A. can discuss your eligibility for legal compensation during a free case evaluation.

 

About Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera is the brand name for medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). It is a contraceptive injection taken every three months (12 weeks). The birth control shot significantly decreases the chances of an unwanted pregnancy. Women on the Depo shot were prescribed either:

• Depo-Provera
• Depo-subQ Provera 104

How Does Depo-Provera Work?

Depo-Provera and Depo-subQ Provera 104 contain progestin, a synthetic form of the natural hormone progesterone. Progestins like MPA are sometimes referred to as progestogens.

Progestin prevents a woman from ovulating (releasing an egg from the ovaries). With no egg to be fertilized, a woman cannot become pregnant.

In addition to preventing ovulation, progestin also increases the thickness of a woman’s cervical mucus, which creates another layer of protection. Thicker cervical mucus makes it more difficult for sperm to access the uterus and reach a waiting egg.

The Differences Between Depo-Provera and Depo-subQ Provera 104

While Depo-Provera and Depo-subQ Provera 104 are very similar, there are some important differences to note.

Dosage/Amount of Progestin

The amount of progestin in a dose of Depo-Provera and Depo-subQ Provera 104 is different.

• A dose of Depo-Provera is 150mg.
• A dose of Depo-subQ Provera is just 104mg. The lower dose means that Depo-subQ Provera 104 contains about 30% less progestin than Depo-Provera.

Needle Size for the Injection

Depo-Provera and Depo-subQ Provera 104 use different needle sizes, which changes the nature of the injection.

• Depo-Provera uses a larger needle and must be injected into the muscle. Common injection sites are the buttocks or the upper arm.
• Depo-subQ Provera 104 uses a smaller needle and is injected subcutaneously (into the skin). This usually leads to less pain for patients after the shot is completed. Common injection sites are the thigh or abdomen.

Given at a Clinic or Used at Home

There’s also a difference in how Depo-Provera and Depo-subQ Provera 104 can be administered.

• Depo-Provera is injected at a medical facility by a professional.
• Depo-subQ Provera 104 comes in a ready-to-use syringe. A healthcare provider can show you how to perform the injection, and it can then be self-administered in the convenience of your own home.

Potential for Less Severe Side Effects

Because of the lower dosage and decreased amount of progestin, some patients experience less severe side effects while on Depo-subQ Provera 104 than on regular Depo-Provera.

Why Would Someone Get Depo-subQ Provera 104 Instead of Depo-Provera?

As noted above, the lower dosage of Depo-subQ tends to result in less severe side effects.

If a woman still wants to remain on the birth control shot but has trouble dealing with the pain, mood swings, and changes in libido, their doctor may recommend switching from regular Depo-Provera to Depo-subQ.

Why Are Depo-Provera and Depo-subQ Provera 104 Popular?

Both Depo-Provera and Depo-subQ Provera 104 are convenient and effective. As long as patients continue to take their shots every three months, Depo is about 96% effective as a form of birth control. By comparison, the pill needs to be taken daily, and prescriptions need to be refilled regularly.

It’s no wonder that 20 million women worldwide have used Depo-Provera or Depo-subQ Provera 104. Yet this level of popularity is why so many people are concerned about the potential link between the Depo shot and potential tumors.

Risk of Brain Tumors from Depo-Provera and Depo-subQ Provera 104

A March 2024 study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) raised major concerns about the safety of both Depo-Provera and Depo-subQ Provera 104.

The study analyzed different kinds of progestins using numbers from the French National Health Data System. The analysis revealed that the prolonged use of medrogestone, promegestone, and medroxyprogesterone acetate increased the likelihood of developing intracranial meningiomas.

According to the researchers, medroxyprogesterone acetate (the primary progestin in Depo-Provera and Depo-subQ Provera 104) made patients 555% more likely to develop intracranial meningiomas.

Meningiomas Are Still Not on U.S. Warning Labels for the Depo Shot 

Despite the BMJ study, meningiomas are not mentioned on the U.S. warning labels for Depo-Provera or Depo-subQ Provera 104.

In Canada and Europe, Depo shot warning labels do mention a risk of intracranial meningioma.

What Are Intracranial Meningiomas?

An intracranial meningioma is a type of tumor that affects the protective membrane surrounding the spinal cord and brain. This tissue is known as the meninges. Meningiomas are also known as meningeal tumors.

Are Meningeal Tumors Common?

Yes, relatively speaking. Intracranial meningiomas are the most common type of brain tumor. Around 170,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with meningiomas each year.

These kinds of tumors are more often found in older populations, but meningiomas can develop in people of any age group.

How Dangerous Are Intracranial Meningiomas?

This depends on which grade of meningioma you have:

• Grade I (Typical): The most common type of meningioma, these are benign tumors that develop slowly.
• Grade II (Atypical): A less common form of meningioma, these kinds of non-cancerous tumors develop much quicker.
• Grade III (Anaplastic): The rarest form of meningioma, these kinds of malignant tumors grow and spread quickly.

Thankfully, most intracranial meningiomas are non-cancerous and treatable. Around 92% of meningioma patients will survive their condition for more than five years after an initial diagnosis.

Symptoms of Intracranial Meningiomas

Some of the most common symptoms and warning signs of intracranial meningiomas include:

• Headaches
• Double vision
• Blurry vision
• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Paralysis in certain parts of the body
• Loss of smell
• Memory loss
• Seizures

If you’ve developed any of the symptoms above and are concerned about your health, be sure to speak with your doctor right away. Seek immediate medical attention if you’ve suffered from seizures or experienced sudden changes in your memory or vision.

Risk Factors for Intracranial Meningiomas

The exact cause of intracranial meningiomas is currently unknown. However, there are some common risk factors in people who’ve been diagnosed with the condition:

• Female Hormones: Meningiomas are two to three times more common in women than in men. Researchers speculate that female hormones could be a risk factor for the condition, with a heightened risk when women undergo hormone therapy or take hormonal birth control.
• Radiation Exposure: Any radiation exposure or radiation therapy involving the head could increase your risk for meningiomas.
• Genetics/Family History: Patients with a family history of meningiomas are at greater risk for developing these types of tumors. The same is true of people with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a rare condition that causes tumors to form on nerves, especially nerves in the skull and spine.
• Obesity: Some studies suggest that people who are obese are more likely to develop meningiomas, though the reasons why are still unclear.

Treatment Options for Intracranial Meningiomas

There are a few treatment options available depending on the patient’s symptoms and the size of the meningioma:

• Regular Checkups and Monitoring: If a patient only suffers from mild and manageable symptoms, doctors may take a conservative approach to care. These patients will undergo regular checkups to monitor their meningioma. Invasive treatments will be recommended when the tumor affects the brain, spine, or nearby nerves and blood vessels.
• Surgical Removal: For meningiomas that cause major changes to quality of life, surgery is often recommended. Depending on where the meningioma is located in relation to the spinal cord and the brain, complete removal of the tumor may not be possible.
• Radiation Therapy: When a meningioma cannot be removed or can only be partially removed, doctors may recommend radiation therapy to target the remaining cells of the tumor.
• Chemotherapy: If the meningioma does not respond to surgery or radiation therapy, doctors may recommend chemotherapy to target the remaining cells. Chemo is rarely used to treat this kind of tumor.

Can I File a Lawsuit for Meningiomas Caused by the Depo Shot?

Potentially, yes. If you took Depo-Provera or Depo-subQ Provera 104 and were diagnosed with an intracranial meningioma, you may be able to sue Pfizer. Compensation from your legal claim can help cover your medical expenses as well as any other changes to your daily life as a result of your brain tumor.

The lawyers at Bursor & Fisher, P.A. can advocate for women harmed by taking Depo-Provera or Depo-subQ Provera 104. Our firm can help you hold Pfizer legally accountable for your reduced quality of life and any impact on your livelihood.

How Much Can I Win in a Birth Control Shot Lawsuit?

The amount you could receive in Depo shot litigation varies based on your meningioma diagnosis and the ways your life has been affected. Our lawyers will consider:

• Medical expenses related to the diagnosis and treatment of your intracranial meningioma
• Loss of income and future earnings caused by your intracranial meningioma
• Changes in your quality of life associated with the development of intracranial meningiomas

During your free case review, our lawyers will review how your meningioma has affected your life. We can help you understand the true value of your claim.

If You Do Not Have Your Old Prescription, We Can Find It for You

Many women took Depo-Provera or Depo-subQ Provera 104 much earlier in their lives. For most patients, prescriptions are discarded after they’ve been filled and are rarely copied or retained. Locating old prescription records can be difficult, especially when many clinics or medical facilities that provided the contraception have since closed.

Not to worry. You do not need to have the prescription yourself to qualify for Depo-Provera litigation. Bursor & Fisher, P.A. is here to help.

Our law firm’s investigators can track down an old Depo-Provera or Depo-subQ Provera 104 prescription. This includes prescriptions from decades ago and from medical centers that have been closed for years. We will do the investigative work while you focus on getting medical treatment for your meningioma.

Why Choose Bursor & Fisher, P.A. for Your Depo-Provera Lawsuit

Bursor & Fisher, P.A. is a nationwide leader in complex, high-stakes litigation. Our law firm has offices located in Miami, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Since 2008, our lawyers have represented more than 160 million people in legal actions—that’s roughly 1 in every 2 Americans.

Bursor & Fisher, P.A. has secured numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in complex lawsuits throughout the country. This includes a $267 million jury verdict against a debt collector who was found to have violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Depo-Provera Lawyer?

At Bursor & Fisher, P.A., there is no upfront cost to hiring a Depo-Provera or Depo-subQ Provera 104 lawyer.

In addition to free consultations, Bursor & Fisher, P.A. operates on a contingency fee basis. That means you only pay our attorneys if we can recover money for you.

Our attorneys are here to advocate for women who’ve been diagnosed with meningiomas after taking Depo-Provera or Depo-subQ Provera 104. Our team will help amplify your voice to make sure you are heard. Your story matters.

Contact Our Firm If You Have a Meningioma from Depo-Provera or Depo-subQ Provera 104

If you took Depo-Provera or Depo-subQ Provera 104 and developed a brain tumor, our lawyers want to hear from you. For more information about litigation against Pfizer, contact Bursor & Fisher, P.A. for a free case evaluation.

Bursor & Fisher, P.A. is not a medical provider. The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.