Hospitals Change Their Birth Control Guidelines After Studies Show Depo-Provera Can Cause Brain Tumors

New hospital rules say to be careful when giving Depo-Provera because research has found that long-term use is linked to greater rates of brain cancers

Tuesday, August 12, 2025 - New research shows that using Depo-Provera for a long time may greatly raise the risk of acquiring meningioma, a form of brain tumor. Because of this, hospitals around the country are starting to change their birth control rules. Depo-Provera is a popular injectable birth control method that has been around for a long time. It only needs one shot every three months, which makes it highly convenient. However, new research has brought up major worries about the neurological effects of long-term exposure. In response, many hospital systems are now telling doctors to only give Depo-Provera prescriptions for a short amount of time, especially to patients who have been taking the hormone for a long time. Some are requiring counseling sessions where patients learn about the most recent research results before deciding whether to start or keep getting the injection. This move comes as more people become aware of the issue and take legal action. Several women have hired a Depo-Provera lawyer to look into filing a Depo-Provera cancer lawsuit, saying they weren't given enough information about the risks. Officials at the hospital believe that these new rules are part of a bigger effort to make sure that patients have all the information they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that postmarket monitoring data have been very helpful in finding the possible link between long-term use of Depo-Provera and a higher risk of meningioma. The FDA's review of adverse event reports and results from big epidemiological studies shows that patients who have been using the drug for more than five years are at a far higher risk than those who have not used it. Because of these results, some hospitals now suggest that Depo-Provera be used as a short-term birth control method instead of a long-term one. Some people are starting to do regular neurological screenings on patients who have been taking the drug for a long time, including brain scans when symptoms like chronic headaches, vision issues, or seizures show up. Advocates think that these steps could help find and treat people who are afflicted sooner and better. Critics say that these kinds of safety measures should have been normal practice years ago, pointing out that international studies had already shown possible neurological hazards before the most recent U.S.-based research. Hospitals are still portraying the modifications to the rules as a way to protect patients while still giving them access to effective birth control choices. Medical professionals highlight that meningiomas are usually not cancerous, but they can cause serious health issues if not addressed, which is why it is so important to be aware of them and keep an eye on them early on. As doctors continue to weigh the risks, these new guidelines might change the rules for prescription drugs in the US and encourage manufacturers to make tougher labeling regulations.

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Depo Provera Brain Tumor Attorneys Handling Claims Nationwide

We will represent all persons involved in a Depo Provera lawsuit on a contingency basis, meaning there are never any legal fees unless we win compensation in your case. Anyone who has been treated for a meningioma brain tumor and has a history of using Depo Provera for at least a year--or is a family member of such a person--is eligible to receive a free, no-obligation case review from our attorneys. Simply contact our firm through the online contact form or the chat feature and one of our Depo Provera meningioma lawyers will contact you promptly to discuss your case.