Patients who have taken Risperdal, an atypical antipsychotic medication, are currently filing lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, after allegedly suffering from male breast growth and other health complications. Although Risperdal received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in 1993, it was subsequently reported that the manufacturers marketed the medication to people for whom it was not intended nor tested.
Attorney Group for Louisiana is providing free case reviews to patients who have developed gynecomastia or experienced other adverse side effects while taking Risperdal. Please contact us today to learn more about pursuing a claim and to be connected with an affiliated Louisiana Risperdal attorney.
Gynecomastia: Most Common Risperdal Side Effect
Risperdal is prescribed to:
- Children with autism between five and 16 years of age
- Patients with bipolar disorder over age 10
- Teenagers and adults with schizophrenia
Clinical trials have shown that although Risperdal can block dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain and improve patients’ mood and personality, Risperdal may also increase prolactin levels in the body. Prolactin, the hormone responsible for lactation in new mothers, is also what causes breasts to develop. Gynecomastia in men, while benign, is often a source of psychological distress in adolescent boys and is evident by the following symptoms:
- Breast tenderness
- Swollen breast gland tissue
- Tenderness
- Pain
- Nipple discharge in one or both breasts
Risperdal may also cause sweating, confusion, fever, body aches, stiff muscles, chills, uneven or fast heartbeats, drooling, tremors, seizures or restless muscle movements in the tongue, eyes, neck and jaw. Patients have also reportedly suffered from tardive dyskinesia, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, a disruption of body temperature regulation, metabolic changes and cognitive and motor impairment. Studies have also shown that elderly patients with dementia are at an increased risk of death if they take Risperdal to treat symptoms of their condition. If you or a male in your life developed gynecomastia or suffered from one or more of the above side effects, contact a Louisiana Risperdal attorney to take the first step in filing a claim and recovering compensation for your injuries.
Risperdal Lawsuits Pending Across the Country
In June 2011, Janssen allegedly pulled 16,000 bottles of Risperdal from the market due to a musty odor that had reportedly originated in the wood pallets used to transport the product. However, Risperdal has not yet been recalled for the potentially serious and life-threatening complications that it has caused thousands of patients across the country. Still, plaintiffs are pursuing claims against Johnson & Johnson and Janssen, asserting that Risperdal caused gynecomastia that often resulted in additional treatments and surgeries as well as emotional scarring, embarrassment and trauma.
Johnson & Johnson reached a $2.2 billion settlement in November 2013 with the U.S. government after it had been accused of illegally marketing and promoting Risperdal and other medications for off-label uses for which the drugs had not been properly tested. Additionally, the government asserted that the manufacturer had intended for the drug to be used among certain patient populations for which it had not yet been proven to be safe or effective.
For instance, although Risperdal is currently prescribed to children with certain conditions, it was not approved for pediatric uses until 2006. Allegations against the manufacturers include claims that the companies promoted the drug for use in children prior to receiving FDA approval for these patients. Children, boys and adolescents have allegedly suffered from adverse and sometimes life-threatening complications that may be the direct result of the medication.
A Louisiana Risperdal attorney can help you if you were diagnosed with gynecomastia or other health conditions while taking Risperdal. Plaintiffs are alleging that Johnson & Johnson knew of the dangers of Risperdal, including its potential link to breast growth in males, yet failed to adequately warn the medical and public communities of these risks. Working with a Louisiana Risperdal attorney can help you to recover damages including pain and suffering, psychological and emotional trauma, embarrassment and medical expenses due to mastectomies or other breast removal procedures that you may have needed to correct the damage caused by Risperdal.
Contact a Louisiana Risperdal Attorney if You Experienced Risperdal Side Effects
Those who have sustained injuries or experienced serious unexpected side effects while taking Risperdal may be entitled to recover damages for their conditions. At Attorney Group for Louisiana, we understand how emotionally and physically devastating Risperdal side effects can be. We are providing free, no-obligation consultations to patients who feel as though they have a valid claim for compensation. We can connect you with a Louisiana Risperdal attorney who will handle your case and fight to help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
