Some Georgia families with a family member that has been prescribed Risperdal are watching how a series of Risperdal lawsuits are proceeding in Pennsylvania. On September 24, 2014, the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas issued an order that adjusts the start dates of three Risperdal lawsuits.
One is Goldenburg vs. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Etal. This case was to go to trial on September 29, 2014, but the trial will now begin on November 3, 2014. The order further states that PP Etal vs. Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., will now commence on January 3, 2015 rather than on November 3, 2014, as previously scheduled. A third case, WC Etal vs. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, is now going to begin on an unspecified February 2015 date.
Hundreds of Risperdal lawsuits have been filed thus far in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Some have claimed improper marketing practices on the part of Risperdal’s manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Some litigation alleges that warnings about certain significant side effects like gynecomastia (abnormal enlargement of male breasts) were understated or otherwise inadequate. Some Georgia residents may consider filing a Risperdal lawsuit due to the adverse impact of gynecomastia.
What is Risperdal?
Risperdal (risperidone) is known as an “antipsychotic.” This type of medication is approved by the FDA for use in the treatment of conditions like schizophrenia, irritability related to autism and bipolar depression. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration first approved Risperdal in 1994, although it was first approved for use in those under the age of 18 in 2006.
Risperdal affects dopamine levels in the brain, and this helps to address symptoms of certain psychiatric disorders. At the same time, Risperdal is known to impact prolactin levels. This hormone is elevated in mothers that are breast-feeding. Risperdal’s impact on prolactin levels has been allegedly related to the abnormal development of male breasts known as gynecomastia. Some in Georgia and elsewhere have considered filing a Risperdal lawsuit due to alleged emotional distress that occurred in response.
Settlements Reached With State and Federal Officials
Some have claimed that the manufacturer has marketed the drug for uses that are not approved by the FDA. In fact, in 2012, Janssen Pharmaceuticals and its parent company, Johnson & Johnson, agreed to pay a $181 million settlement in a deal reached with attorney generals from 36 states. They also agreed to plead guilty to a criminal misdemeanor. In November 2012, the companies were fined $2.2 million by the U.S. Department of Justice for improper marketing of Risperdal.
Risperdal Study in Denmark
An expansive study of the effects of antipsychotics like Risperdal ran from 1999 to 2010. A total of 48,299 children that took the drug were studied, and researchers concluded that, collectively, they did more frequently experience the onset of type 2 Diabetes.
Could You Be Eligible for a Georgia Risperdal Lawsuit?
Georgia patients that took Risperdal may be eligible for monetary damages in some cases. Compensation potentially awarded could help victims recover from such things as medical expenses and/or emotional distress in certain circumstances when gynecomastia occurs in male patients. To learn more, please contact us at Attorney Group for Georgia. We can help answer your questions about your particular situation, and connect you with an affiliated attorney if you decide to pursue a claim. Contact us today to learn more in a free consultation.
