LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A Las Vegas couple has filed a lawsuit against the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and other generic manufacturers for one of their birth control products, which they believe causes brain cancer.
According to court documents, Tina Stephens-Smith and her husband have filed ten separate claims for relief against Pfizer after being diagnosed and treated for a type of brain cancer.
The lawsuit details that Greenstone and Pfizer distributed a “generic” version of Depo-Provera, a birth control shot, also known as Medroxyprogesterone acetate.
Court documents state that scientific studies have confirmed Depo-Provera can cause or substantially contribute to the growth of intracranial meningioma, or a type of brain tumor.
Smith’s OBGYN in Las Vegas administered Depo-Provera. She then received the three-month intervals consistently for about 13 years.
Smith explained after experiencing concerning symptoms such as blurred vision and difficulty speaking, her doctor requested an MRI.
Health professionals have diagnosed and treated Smith for at least three tumors in and around her brain so far.
The brain cancer has caused her to have blurred vision, eye pain, headaches, trouble talking, and swelling around the eye.
The Smiths are seeking financial compensation for medical expenses they have endured.
Representation for the family has scheduled a press conference on Nov. 18.
FOX5 has contacted Pfizer for a comment on the lawsuit.
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