LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The legal fight over a widely prescribed birth control injection is taking shape right here in Nevada.
A woman who claims she developed multiple brain tumors from using Depo-Provera is now suing Pfizer and several generic drug manufacturers in Nevada's District Court.
Local attorneys from Eglet LawGroup and Dimopoulos Law spoke out about their claim on Monday, accusing the drug companies of "nothing short of criminal conduct" and alleging they knowingly endangered the lives of tens of thousands of women — including Tina Stephens-Smith, the local plaintiff in this case.
WATCH: Hear from local attorneys about their claim over Depo-Provera — and how you can get help if you've been affected
The lawsuit filed Thursday argues drug manufacturers "neglected to adequately warn consumers of known risks" associated with the "Depo Shot."
Stephens-Smith claims Depo-Provera caused her to suffer "serious and potentially debilitating" brain tumors after years of regular use.
Attorney Robert Eglet argues these pharmaceutical companies knew or should have known about decades of research establishing a link between Depo-Provera and an increased risk of developing a particular type of brain tumor called intracranial meningioma.
Most recently, Eglet cited a widespread study that connected Depo-Provera with a 555% increased risk of developing intracranial meningioma.
That finding, published in March 2024, came four months before the most recent update to Depo-Provera's U.S. drug facts label, Eglet said. In other parts of the world, the label has been updated — which Eglet alleged is evidence of drug makers' attempts to "actively conceal" the risk from American consumers like Stephens-Smith and her medical providers.
Drug companies sued in Nevada over Depo-Provera by aroberts.news on Scribd
Eglet's firm and Dimopoulos Injury Law are working with other firms around the country in pursuit of financial relief and punitive damages for what Eglet called "outrageous behavior." As of Monday, he says they're on track to have 1,000 cases related to Depo-Provera by May of next year.
Eglet and Dimopoulos are encouraging anyone who used Depo-Provera and developed brain tumors to submit a claim through either of their websites. You can file a complaint through Eglet Law Group here or through Dimopoulos Law here.
