Risperdal, manufactured and marketed by Johnson & Johnson, is an antipsychotic medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism in adolescents and adults. However, while the drug is approved for these uses, reports have surfaced of physicians prescribing Risperdal to patients to treat conditions for which the drug was not approved nor intended. Additionally, although Risperdal has helped many living with various mood or mental disorders, Risperdal use may cause gynecomastia, a condition characterized by the development of breasts in males.
If you or a loved one have developed gynecomastia or suffered from adverse side effects in California, contact Attorney Group for California today to receive a free case evaluation and determine whether you have a Risperdal lawsuit. We can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can help you to file your lawsuit in California and seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
What is Risperdal?
Risperdal it typically prescribed to treat schizophrenia in adults and adolescents, schizoaffective disorder, autism and the manic and mixed states associated with bipolar disorder. However, Risperdal use allegedly causes gynecomastia in young boys and men. Prolactin is the hormone responsible for lactation and breast growth in females; studies show that Rispserdal elevates levels of this hormone in male patients. Although the growth of male breasts is not cancerous, the condition may cause long-term psycho-social damage due to the severe physical embarrassment that the man may endure. Surgery is often necessary to correct the condition.
The FDA first approved Risperdal in 1993 but only to treat the symptoms of specific psychiatric disorders tested by the agency. However, Johnson & Johnson allegedly attempted to expand the market for Risperdal to include elderly individuals living with dementia. Although the company was allegedly rejected several times, many plaintiffs filing a Risperdal lawsuit claim that Johnson & Johnson continued to actively pursue this market, claiming that the drug could address symptoms such as hostility, agitation, confusion and impulsiveness – characteristics that made treating these specific patients a challenge.
Risperdal Side Effects
According to those filing Risperdal lawsuits across the U.S., Risperdal may cause several serious and life-threatening complications apart from gynecomastia, including pancreatitis, suicide, weight gain, pituitary tumors and sexual dysfunction. Additionally, patients have reportedly suffered from cardiac complications, heart attacks, irregular heartbeats, galactorrhea, diabetes, bone loss, tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Consider pursuing a claim in California if you or a loved one suffered from one or more of these adverse side effects while taking the medication.
Plaintiffs File Risperdal Lawsuits
Johnson & Johnson is currently facing more than 420 Risperdal lawsuits filed on behalf of patients who have allegedly suffered from serious complications while taking the drug. Johnson & Johnson settled the first Risperdal lawsuit in September 2012. The manufacturer arranged on November 4, 2013 to pay a $2.2 billion settlement to the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve accusations that it illegally and improperly marketed Risperdal and other medications to people with developmental disabilities as well as older adults and children. According to the FDA, the agency did not approve Risperdal for pediatric uses until 2006, yet physicians were allegedly prescribing the medication to young children several years prior.
Risperdal lawsuits brought forth against Johnson & Johnson claim that Risperdal did not function as promised and that Johnson & Johnson placed the health and safety of consumers, particularly the elderly, the disabled and young children, at risk. Additionally, if you suffered from gynecomastia, you may be eligible to file your own Risperdal lawsuit in California and hold the manufacturer responsible for compensation for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances surrounding their conditions, plaintiffs in California may be able to recover damages for lost wages, pain and suffering and medical expenses including treatments, surgeries and procedures needed to remove the affect breast tissues.
Injured? Consider Filing a Risperdal Lawsuit in California Today
Have you or a man you love experienced serious complications or side effects such as gynecomastia while taking Risperdal and you would like to learn more about your legal rights? At Attorney Group for California, we can evaluate your case and determine if you are eligible to pursue a claim. We can help answer your questions and connect you with an experienced attorney who can assist you in filing a Risperdal lawsuit to seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
