AI-generated image of a brain tumor and Depo-Provera ( Image credit: Lexica AI/MK Medicals UK)“decoding =”async “fetchpriority = “high”>,
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AI-generated image of a brain tumor and Depo-Provera ( Image credit: Lexica AI/MK Medicals UK)
A new study published in the British Medical Journal ( BMJ) has identified a link between the contraceptive injection Depo-Provera, manufactured by Pfizer, and an increased risk of meningiomas, a type of brain tumor. In the wake of the studies, Shine Lawyers in Australia, which is looking into a group activity, may file legal actions against Pfizer in the US, Canada, and Australia.
Study identifies increased danger
The European study monitored over 108, 000 people over a generation, including 18, 000 diagnosed with meningiomas. People who have used Depo-Provera for more than a year were found to have a 5- to 6-fold higher risk of developing these tumors than non-users.
Dr Noemie Roland, the study’s lead author, warned that the results may underestimate the danger, as Depo-Provera use in France is relatively small. ” Our effects are not isolated worldwide. They have been confirmed by experiments in Indonesia and just by a significant research in the USA,” she noted.
Legal activity and client problems
The findings of the study have inspired Shine Attorneys in Australia to start considering legal actions against Pfizer. Lorne French from Shine Lawyers said,” There’s been experiments going back at least to the early 2000s which are at least indicative of the link]to meningioma]. There was no publication or notice in any information that was provided to users or doctors up until February of this year.
Many women have come forward and shared their experiences with meningiomas following long-term Depo-Provera use.
Chanel Stuart-Clarke, diagnosed at 31, expressed problems for people. ” There are probably many people in my position who don’t realize they have a meningioma, with signs dismissed as typical side effects of contraception”, she said.
Hormonal hyperlinks and health perspective
Meningiomas, usually slow-growing and non-malignant, have long been suspected of having hormonal relationships due to their occurrence among middle-aged people and post-pregnancy cases. Professor Kate Drummond, President of the Neurological Society of Australasia, explained that hormone-linked meningiomas tend to result in challenging medical sites, such as the base of the skull.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Surgeons and Gynaecologists, led by Dr. Nisha Khot, advised prudence with regards to long-term usage. ” We should be questioning whether Depo-Provera is the right contraception for long-term use”, she said, recommending it since a short-term option for certain conditions like infertility.
Pfizer answers
Pfizer defended Depo-Provera, highlighting its long-standing world use. Over the past 30 times, Depo-Provera has been a safe and effective treatment option for thousands of people, according to a spokeswoman.
The risks associated with meningioma were made known to healthcare professionals in March, but Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration ( TGA ) maintained that” the benefits continue to outweigh the risks for its intended use.”
This research has rekindled concerns about accountability and informed decision-making in contraceptive choices as lawful examinations progress.
