Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera is a longacting hormonal birth control shot administered every three months, either deep into a muscle (intramuscular injection) or just under the skin (subcutaneous injection). First approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 1992, Depo-Provera quickly became a popular contraceptive option for women seeking a lowmaintenance alternative to daily pills. In 2004, the FDA approved DepoSubQ Provera 104, a lowerdose (104 mg) subcutaneous version.

Depo-Provera is manufactured by several major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, Greenstone, LLC, Prasco Labs, Pharmacia & Upjohn Co. LLC, and Pharmacia LLC.

While many women have used Depo-Provera without immediate complications, growing medical evidence and international safety warnings have raised serious concerns about its longterm health risks—some of which are not fully disclosed on U.S. labeling.

Medical researchers have long known that progesterone and progestin hormones can stimulate meningioma growth. Many meningiomas contain progesterone receptors, meaning they can grow faster when exposed to these hormones.

Recent large studies have found that:

• Injectable Depo‑Provera users had a significantly higher risk of meningioma compared to people using other birth control methods or none at all
• The risk increases with longer use, especially after one year or more
• Oral forms of medroxyprogesterone showed lower or no increased risk, suggesting the injection poses a unique danger

These findings have led regulators and doctors to urge greater caution, especially for longterm users.