UK Law Firms Prepare Legal Action Against Pfizer Over Depo-Provera Brain Tumour Link
A growing number of UK law firms are investigating potential legal claims against pharmaceutical giant Pfizer on behalf of women who developed meningiomas – often benign, but potentially debilitating brain tumours – after using the contraceptive injection Depo-Provera. The move follows similar litigation already underway in the United States, raising questions about the drug’s safety profile and the adequacy of warnings provided to patients and medical professionals.
Depo-Provera, a high-dose synthetic progesterone administered via injection every three months, is a widely used form of contraception and is also prescribed for menstrual symptoms. Globally, approximately 74 million women utilize injectable contraception, with 3.1% of women aged 15-49 in the UK falling into this category, according to UN calculations. While the overall risk remains low, multiple studies have indicated a significantly higher relative risk of developing meningiomas among Depo-Provera users. These tumours, while typically non-cancerous, can lead to severe health complications including seizures, blindness, hearing loss, persistent headaches, and memory impairment.
Several UK-based law firms are now actively seeking clients and assessing the legal basis for potential claims. Austen Hays confirmed it has already been contacted by potential claimants, while Fletchers’ website is actively soliciting individuals affected by meningiomas following Depo-Provera use. Leigh Day stated it is in the early stages of evaluating the viability of a case.
“We have been approached by at least 30 women who have developed meningiomas following prolonged use of Depo-Provera,” explained a partner at Austen Hays. “Their lives have been considerably impacted due to having brain tumours, with consequences such as loss of vision and, in one case, a woman having to terminate her pregnancy. The duty here lies with Pfizer to ensure a drug is safe and to update warnings and contraindications as soon as new risks become known.”
Another partner at Leigh Day echoed these concerns, stating, “We have been aware for some time of the concerns that have been raised in relation to Depo-Provera. We know the devastating impact meningiomas can have on women’s lives and are assessing the strength of any potential case of those affected. We are investigating the potential for a legal claim against the manufacturer and hope to be able to have a clear position on this soon.”
The potential for UK litigation mirrors a substantial legal battle unfolding in the US, where thousands of women are already suing Pfizer for compensation. A federal case, spearheaded by three law firms representing approximately 2,500 women, is scheduled for its first trial in December. The core contention in these US lawsuits is that Pfizer was aware of the potential link between Depo-Provera and meningioma as early as 2015, yet failed to adequately warn patients, medical professionals, or the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Pfizer has not admitted liability and is actively contesting the litigation.
The health consequences of meningioma can be life-altering. Sandra Somarakis, a plaintiff in the US lawsuit, shared her experience: “Women shouldn’t have to live with what I’ve gone through. There has to be consequences.” Somarakis, represented by Weitz & Luxenberg, used Depo-Provera for approximately 15 years before being diagnosed with a meningioma in 2008, requiring multiple surgeries and radiation treatment. Fifteen years later, she continues to grapple with significant health issues, including difficulty opening her mouth, a protruding eyeball, memory loss, and disorientation.
In the UK, Claire Buck, 47, believes her meningioma may be linked to her use of the contraceptive injection. “I have a teenage daughter that I wouldn’t want this to happen to,” she said. Buck underwent brain surgery for a large meningioma and required a metal plate to be inserted into her skull. She described a near-fatal shock upon waking from the operation and now lives with chronic pain, glaucoma, hearing and memory problems, and significant mental health challenges. “I’m terrified of hospitals, I live in constant fear the tumour will start to grow again and I can’t cope with crowds or busy spaces – I worry someone might hit my head,” she explained.
Another woman, identified only as Emma, 57, also suspects a connection between her meningiomas and her 15 years of Depo-Provera use, which ended in 2019. Diagnosed in 2024 after experiencing seizures, Emma has recovered physically from surgery but now suffers from fatigue, memory problems, and anxieties about potential recurrence. “I fear that they might come back and I end up with brain cancer or losing my sight,” she stated.
In response to the growing concerns, a Pfizer spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to patient safety. “Patient safety is our top priority. We conduct rigorous and continuous monitoring of all our medicines, including assessments of reported adverse events, in collaboration with health authorities around the globe,” the spokesperson said. “Depo-Provera has been approved in more than 60 countries over the last 30 years, has a well-established efficacy and safety profile, and has been a treatment option for millions of patients during that time. People should talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse if they have any concerns or experience any side effects.”
The unfolding legal challenges and the personal stories of affected women underscore the importance of ongoing scrutiny of pharmaceutical safety and the need for transparent communication of potential risks to both patients and healthcare providers.
