Although Risperdal, an atypical antipsychotic medication, has been prescribed to many patients of all ages to treat a number of health conditions, plaintiffs are currently filing lawsuits across the U.S. after allegedly developing gynecomastia and other complications while taking the medication. Although Risperdal generated worldwide sales of $4.5 billion in 2007 prior to the release of its generic counterpart in 2008, reports of adverse side effects and potential health issues started to surface, and more patients began to step forward in an effort to seek compensation from the manufacturer.
Court records indicate that Johnson & Johnson had settled several lawsuits as of October 2012, even as the litigation surrounding the drug continued to grow. In November 2013, the drug maker reportedly reached a settlement with the federal government to resolve numerous charges of improperly marketing its products.
If you or a male you know developed breasts or suffered from other side effects while using Risperdal to treat a medical condition, contact Attorney Group for Florida as soon as possible. We will attempt to answer your questions and can connect you with an experienced Florida Risperdal attorney.
Risperdal Side Effects Include Gynecomastia
Manufactured and marketed by Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Risperdal was initially approved in 1993 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in adults with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Since its introduction, the medication has also been widely prescribed to children and adolescents with behavior and bipolar disorders, aggression, irritability and autism in children between the ages of six and 16. However, the drug has also been used for off-label purposes not tested or approved by the FDA. For instance, although it has been available since 1996, the FDA didn’t approve Risperdal for use in children until 2006 even though physicians had been prescribing the drug to adolescents several years earlier.
Risperidone, the active ingredient in Risperdal, works by manipulating two neurotransmitters in the brain, serotonin and dopamine, which have been proven to affect behavior and mood. A number of studies have shown that Risperdal use may cause increased levels of prolactin, a hormone tied to lactation and breast development. If you or a loved one have suffered from complications while taking Risperdal, contact a Florida Risperdal attorney today to determine whether you have a valid claim.
Because Risperdal may increase a patient’s risk of gaining weight, physicians might fail to diagnose or recognize gynecomastia, or male breast growth, in children. Unfortunately, a number of boys taking Risperdal have allegedly developed the condition, which involves the abnormal development of mammary glands that can lead to development of one or both breasts.
Consider seeking legal counsel from a Florida Risperdal attorney if you suffered from one or more of the following Risperdal side effects:
- Nipple discharge from one or both breasts
- Painful breasts
- Tenderness in the breast
- Enlarged nipples
- Puffy nipples
- Removal procedures such as mastectomy
In many cases, surgical procedures are required to remove the breasts allegedly caused by taking Risperdal. In addition to the physical pain and suffering, many boys and young men may suffer from emotional and psychological trauma and embarrassment. If you or a man or boy you know are currently living with this condition and are unsure of your legal options, contact a Florida Risperdal attorney to learn more about pursuing a claim.
Risperdal Settlements and Lawsuits
A growing number of families are currently seeking compensation throughout the U.S. to help cover the pain and suffering, medical expenses and trauma allegedly brought on by Risperdal and the development of gynecomastia. Lawsuits claim that Johnson & Johnson failed to adequately warn the public of the connection between breast growth and gynecomastia and that the manufacturer did not adequately research the side effects of the medication.
In September 2012, it was reported that over 420 Risperdal lawsuits had been filed throughout the U.S. including 130 claims of gynecomastia in patients taking the drug. The Risperdal claims alleges that Johnson & Johnson hid the risks of the product from consumers in an effort to boost sales. In November 2013, Johnson & Johnson agreed to a $2.2 billion settlement to resolve charges brought by the federal government that it had improperly marketed Risperdal and other medications. Among other claims, the U.S. Department of Justice accused Johnson & Johnson of promoting off-label use of the medication in mentally disabled patients, elderly individuals with dementia and children.
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Plaintiffs filing lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson allege that the manufacturer put its desire for profit ahead of consumer safety. If you or a loved one suffered from gynecomastia or other adverse complications while taking Risperdal, contact Attorney Group for Florida to learn more about your legal rights. We offer free case evaluations to those who feel they have a valid claim, and we will connect you with an affiliated Florida Risperdal attorney you can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
