In Pennsylvania’s Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, a court order dated September 24, 2014, reschedules the start dates of three different Risperdal lawsuits. They are among over 700 such suits that have thus far been filed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania alone. Some of this litigation alleges that gynecomastia, commonly known as male breast enlargement, has occurred in both men and boys that were prescribed the antipsychotic medication Risperdal.
These developments may be of interest to Iowa patients and their families that might consider the filing of a Risperdal lawsuit.
Three Lawsuits to Commence on New Dates
The trial pertaining to Goldenburg vs. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Etal, will now start on November 3, 2014, rather than September 29, 2014. The start date for PP Etal vs. Ortho-McNeil-Janssen-Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has been postponed from November 3, 2014, to January 3, 2015. Finally, WC Etal vs. Janssen Pharmaceuticals will now begin sometime in February 2015.
Risperdal Details
Risperdal been approved for use in the treatment of certain specific psychiatric disorders like irritability associated with autism, bipolar mania and schizophrenia. Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved its use, the agency has warned of certain side effects like gynecomastia. However, a Risperdal lawsuit has sometimes been considered in Iowa and elsewhere by those that believed that the side effects were not adequately disclosed. There has also been controversy over the marketing of the medication, and whether such marketing promoted use in areas where FDA approval was lacking.
Risperdal is formulated to address dopamine levels in the brain, but it can also block the body’s natural regulation of prolactin, a hormone produced in the pituitary gland. This side effect of the medication may cause gynecomastia. In some patients, the emotional impact of this phenomena has been substantial, and a Risperdal lawsuit has sometimes resulted.
Risperdal Lawsuit
Risperdal side effects and marketing procedures have come under scrutiny at numerous levels. In 2012, the attorneys general of 36 states came to an agreement with Janssen Pharmaceuticals regarding Risperdal marketing practices involving pediatric and geriatric patients. A $181 million settlement was reached. In 2013, the U.S. Department of Justice reached an agreement with John & Johnson and its subsidiary, Janssen. A fine of $2.2 million resulted, and a guilty pleas was entered to a criminal misdemeanor charge.
Pediatric Risperdal Research
In May 2014, the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry published results of a long-term Danish study involving Risperdal use in children. The study, which began in 1999 and ended in 2010, focused on 48,299 youth in Denmark. The study concluded that type 2 Diabetes was more common among those that took Risperdal and/or other antipsychotic medications.
Contact Us for Help
Iowa patients that took Risperdal and subsequently developed gynecomastia may qualify for monetary awards to compensate for emotional issues that may have arisen as a result of male breast enlargement. Compensation for medical expenses related to Risperdal side effects may also result if a Risperdal lawsuit is filed.
Consider contacting Attorney Group for Iowa if you or a family member has had adverse experiences with Risperdal. We can help you understand your options, and connect you with an affiliated attorney.
