Core Viewpoint - A new study indicates that women using Depo-Provera have a higher risk of developing slow-growing brain tumors, specifically meningiomas, raising concerns as Pfizer faces numerous lawsuits regarding the contraceptive's safety [1][4][10]. Group 1: Study Findings - The study analyzed over 61 million female patient records, revealing that women who used depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) had a twofold higher risk of being diagnosed with meningioma compared to those not on hormonal birth control [4][6]. - The highest risk of meningioma was found in women who began using DMPA after age 31 or those who used it for more than four years [5][6]. - Meningiomas are typically benign but can cause significant health issues by exerting pressure on nerves or brain structures [5]. Group 2: Legal and Regulatory Context - Pfizer is currently facing over 1,200 federal lawsuits from women alleging that the company failed to warn them about the risks associated with meningioma linked to Depo-Provera [10][12]. - A "black box" warning was added to Depo-Provera's label in 2004 due to concerns about significant bone mineral density loss with long-term use [9]. - The FDA had previously rejected Depo-Provera for contraceptive use due to cancer risk concerns before its approval in 1992 [8][9]. Group 3: Company Response - Pfizer maintains that it stands behind the safety and efficacy of Depo-Provera, emphasizing its importance as a treatment option for women's reproductive health [12][14]. - The company has requested the FDA to update the label with a warning regarding meningioma risk, but the request was denied due to insufficient supporting studies [14].