ST. LOUIS — A Missouri woman has filed a lawsuit against Pfizer, claiming the pharmaceutical giant failed to warn patients about the risk of developing brain tumors linked to its contraceptive injection, Depo-Provera.
The plaintiff, Toi Bond, alleges that her use of the drug led to the development of an intracranial meningioma, a type of brain tumor that can cause severe neurological issues.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri on Feb. 14, accuses Pfizer of negligence in the development, marketing and labeling of Depo-Provera.
According to the complaint, scientific studies dating back decades have linked progesterone-based drugs, including Depo-Provera, to an increased risk of meningiomas.
However, the lawsuit asserts that Pfizer failed to adequately warn patients and medical professionals in the U.S. about these risks.
While Depo-Provera's labeling in Europe and Canada includes warnings about the potential for meningiomas, the complaint claims that the U.S. label still does not mention this risk.
Bond claims that Pfizer either knew or should have known about the dangers and should have taken steps to educate prescribers and patients.
Meningiomas are tumors that form in the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
While often benign, they can press against brain tissue, leading to seizures, vision problems and cognitive impairments.
"Due to the sensitive location of an intracranial meningioma immediately proximate to critical neurovascular structures and the cortical area, surgery can have severe neurological consequences," the complaint states. "Many studies have described the potential for postoperative anxiety and depression and an attendant high intake of sedatives and antidepressants in the postoperative period."
Treatment typically involves invasive brain surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, all of which carry significant risks.
Bond’s lawsuit alleges that she suffered serious injuries and is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
Her case is one of several raising concerns over the safety of long-term Depo-Provera use.
Recent studies, including a 2023 case series published in the Journal of Neurological Surgery, have suggested a direct link between the drug and meningioma development.
"Defendants failed to disclose a known defect and, instead, affirmatively misrepresented that Depo-Provera was safe for its intended use," the complaint states. "Defendants disseminated labeling, marketing, promotion and/or sales information to Plaintiff, her healthcare providers, and the general public regarding the safety of Depo-Provera knowing such information was false, misleading, and/or inadequate to warn of the safety risks associated with long-term Depo-Provera use, Defendants did so willfully, wantonly, and with the intent to prevent the dissemination of information known to them concerning Depo-Provera's safety."
Bond claims that given the defendant’s conduct and deliberate actions designed to deceive she and her healthcare providers, and the general public, with respect to the safety and efficacy of Depo-Provera, the defendants are estopped from relying on any statute of limitations defenses.
Bond is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. She is being represented by Roger C. Denton of Wright & Schulte.
Attorneys declined to comment further on the case.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri case number: 4:25-cv-00186