Should YOU Consider a Risperdal Gynecomastia Lawsuit?
Patients in Kentucky may consider filing a Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Johnson & Johnson after taking Risperdal based on recent studies and lawsuits claiming that the medication caused gynecomastia or other potentially life-threatening complications. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the product in 1993, it has only recently been alleged that the manufacturers may have marketed the drug to patients for whom it was not tested nor approved.
If you or a loved one took Risperdal and later suffered from adverse side effects or gynecomastia, you may be eligible to file a Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit in Kentucky and hold the manufacturers responsible for compensation for your injuries. Contact Attorney Group for Kentucky for more information about pursing a claim and to learn more about your legal rights.
What is Risperdal?
Risperdal is an atypical, antipsychotic medication intended to treat symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Some physicians may prescribe the drug “off-label” to those struggling with severe dementia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and Tourette syndrome. While Risperdal brought in $4.5 billion in just 2007, mounting research has found that Risperdal use in adults and children may be a risk factor for the development of adverse and potentially fatal side effects.
Side Effects of Risperdal
Most commonly, Risperdal has been linked to gynecomastia, or the development of breasts in males. Since Risperdal may increase prolactin levels, or the hormone responsible for lactation and breast growth in females, men may be at risk for the same complications. While gynecomastia is benign, the condition may cause psychological trauma or distress to young boys or men diagnosed with the condition. If you have experienced one or more of the following symptoms, you may have a valid Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit:
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Swollen breast gland tissues
- Nipple discharge in one or both breasts
Patients may also experience seizures, drooling, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, stiff muscles, body aches, chills, sweating, fever, confusion or restless muscle movements in the jaw, eyes, neck and tongue. Additionally, several patients have reportedly suffered from motor and cognitive impairment, metabolic changes, a disruption of body temperature regulation, tardive dyskinesia, and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.
Risperdal Gynecomastia Lawsuit Filed in Kentucky
Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals have been named in several lawsuits across the U.S. for allegedly failing to research the risks of Risperdal and neglecting to warn the public and medical communities of these potential dangers. In November 2013, Johnson & Johnson reached an agreement with the U.S. government after it was accused of illegally promoting Risperdal for patients for whom the drug had not been adequately tested.
On May 14, 2013, the Commonwealth of Kentucky filed a Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Johnson & Johnson in Jefferson County Court. The state claims that the defendants knew of the dangerous side effects of Risperdal before and since the product’s introduction in 1993 but that the companies concealed these risks from doctors and patients, allegedly misrepresenting the drug as safe. The state seeks damages for multiple violations of the Kentucky Consumer Protection Act as well as for violations of state laws; it did not make any federal claims.
Do You Have a Risperdal Gynecomastia Lawsuit?
If you or your child took Risperdal and suffered from stroke, diabetes, gynecomastia or other serious complication, you may be entitled to file a Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit and hold the manufacturers responsible for compensation for your injuries. Contact Attorney Group for Kentucky today to learn more about your legal rights and to determine whether you have a valid claim. We can help answer your questions or concerns, and connect you to an affiliated attorney who can help you seek compensation. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
