Depo-Provera is typically prescribed to prevent pregnancy; however, it is also used to treat endometriosis and as a palliative treatment of certain cancers.
Meningioma
Use of Depo-Provera has been associated with an increased risk of diagnosis, growth, or recurrence of spinal or brain meningioma. Meningiomas are a type of tumour that grow within the tissues that line the central nervous system, also known as meninges.
Siskinds LLP is representing individuals in Canada who have been diagnosed with meningioma after long-term use of Depo-Provera. Siskinds LLP is also representing estates of Canadians diagnosed with meningioma who subsequently passed away.
Bone mineral density loss
A settlement has been approved in class action litigation regarding Depo-Provera and bone mineral densisty loss and class members has until March 1, 2022 to file their claims. The settlement has now concluded and all approved claims have been paid.
We’re here to help
If you, or someone you know, used Depo Provera and was diagnosed with a spinal or brain meningioma, Siskinds may be able to help. Contact us by email: [email protected], call us toll-free at 1.800.461.6166, or complete the form at the bottom of this webpage, so that we can review your potential claim and determine if you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Developments
Bone mineral density loss
On December 13, 2005, Siskinds filed a class proceeding against Pfizer Canada Inc. and Pfizer Inc. with respect to Depo-Provera. Depo-Provera is typically prescribed to prevent pregnancy; however, it is also used to treat endometriosis and as a palliative treatment of certain cancers. Use of Depo-Provera has been associated with an increased risk of significant bone mineral density loss, including a significantly increased risk of developing osteoporosis at ages below the statistical norm.
On May 28, 2008, the Superior Court of Quebec certified the action on behalf of a National Class.
On May 11, 2021, a Settlement Agreement was reached between the Representative Plaintiff in the Quebec action and Pfizer on behalf of a class of “Every person domiciled in Canada who used Depo-Provera and claims to be suffering or to have suffered a loss of bone mineral density owing to the use of Depo-Provera before May 31, 2010.”
On November 1, 2021, the Québec Court approved the Settlement and a Compensation Protocol for evaluating class member claims. Eligible claimants had until March 1st, 2022 to file a claim form. The settlement has now concluded and all approved claims have been paid.
FAQs
What is a class action?
A class action is a lawsuit that is brought by one or more person on behalf of a larger group of people whose claims share common legal and/or factual issues. Class actions provide a cost-effective way for groups of people with common interests to pursue a legal claim.
What does “certification” mean?
Certification is the motion where the court determines whether the action can properly be pursued as a class action. The court will consider factors such as whether the claims of the class members raise common legal and/or factual issues and whether a class action is the preferable method of pursuing the claims (as opposed to other methods, such as individual actions).
Do I have to pay anything to participate in the class action?
Class action lawyers are usually paid on a contingency basis. This means that class counsel are only paid if successful. Class counsel are paid a percentage of any settlement or court award. Class counsel fees are subject to court approval.
Who is covered by the Depo-Provera class action?
Bone Mineral Density Loss
You are a Class Member if:
a) you took Depo-Provera before May 31, 2010; and
b) you claim to have suffered a bone mineral density loss (osteopenia or osteoporosis) before May 31, 2010; and
c) you were a resident of Canada during the time you took Depo-Provera.
All Class Members will be releasing Pfizer as part of the Settlement Agreement.
The settlement has now concluded and all approved claims have been paid.
What should I do to protect my rights?
Meningioma
- Keep a record of medical expenses incurred — appointments not covered by your provincial health care provider, prescriptions, medical devices, etc.;
- Keep a record of all medical treatments, including the names and contact information of the health care provider (doctor, surgeon, physiotherapist etc.);
- If possible, keep a journal of symptoms and note any times when you are unable to attend work or school as a result of your symptoms.
- Register to updates by clicking on the Join button and complete the form to subscribe to our database to receive all updates and notices regarding this class action.
If you have not already done so already, you can contact Siskinds, so that we can help you obtain your relevant medical and pharmaceutical records. The more time goes by, the more difficult it may be to collect this information.
All personal information provided to Siskinds will be kept private and confidential.
Bone Mineral Density Loss
The Claims Filing Deadline is now expired; we will not be able to assist you if you used Depo-Provera.
I still have a question. Who should I contact?
Meningioma
If you have any other questions, please complete the Get in Touch form below, call us toll free at 1.877.735.3842 or email us at [email protected].
For information in French or to contact our Quebec office Siskinds Desmeules, call us at 418.694.2009 or toll free at 1.877.735.3842 or email us at [email protected].
Bone Mineral Density Loss
Collectiva, Class Action Services Inc.
2170 René-Lévesque Boulevard West, Suite 200
Montréal, QC H3H 2T8
Email: [email protected]
Toll-free: 1.888.667.5012