UK law firms are exploring potential legal action against Pfizer on behalf of women who developed brain tumours after using the contraceptive injection Depo-Provera. The drug, a high-dose synthetic progesterone administered every three months, is used by an estimated 74 million women worldwide, including 3.1% of UK women aged 15-49.
Multiple studies have found that Depo-Provera users have a significantly higher relative risk of developing meningiomas, though the overall risk remains low. These benign tumours can cause seizures, blindness, hearing loss, headaches and memory problems. At least three law firms — Austen Hays, Fletchers and Leigh Day — are investigating claims, with Austen Hays reporting it has been approached by 30 affected women.
Chaya Hanoomanjee, a partner at Austen Hays, said the women's lives have been “considerably impacted” by brain tumours, with consequences including loss of vision and one woman having to terminate her pregnancy. She added: “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.”
Jill Paterson, a partner at Leigh Day, said the firm is “assessing the strength of any potential case” and investigating a legal claim against the manufacturer. The UK developments follow a US federal case in which approximately 2,500 women are suing Pfizer, with the first trial scheduled for December. The US claimants argue that Pfizer knew of the meningioma risk since at least 2015 but failed to warn patients, doctors or regulators.
Pfizer has not admitted liability and is contesting the litigation. Among those affected is Sandra Somarakis, who took Depo-Provera for 15 years and was diagnosed with meningioma in 2008. She still suffers from ongoing health problems, including difficulty opening her mouth and a protruding left eyeball. In the UK, Claire Buck, 47, who had brain surgery for a large meningioma, said she would consider a legal claim but is currently focused on raising awareness.
