In 1993, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Risperdal to treat schizophrenia in adults and adolescents. It was also approved to help manage bipolar disorder in adults and children between the ages of 10 and 17. Risperdal may also be prescribed to children ages 5 to 16 for the treatment or management of autistic disorder. However, reports indicate that more physicians are prescribing Risperdal for offlabel purposes neither intended nor approved by the FDA.
Although Risperdal can help to treat several antipsychotic disorders, it may also increase male patients’ risk of gynecomastia, or the growth and development of breast tissue. If you or someone you love took Risperdal and developed gynecomastia or suffered from lactation, you may be entitled to file a New York Risperdal lawsuit and seek compensation for your injuries. Contact Attorney Group for New York today for more information.
Risperdal Overview
Risperdal increases levels of the hormone prolactin that is responsible for breast growth and lactation in females. Men and young boys who take Risperdal may also experience these side effects. While gynecomastia is not lifethreatening, it can cause trauma, longterm psychosocial damage, and embarrassment, and men sometimes require mastectomies and liposuction to remove the extra breast tissue. If a patient decides to file a New York Risperdal lawsuit, he may be entitled to compensation to cover the cost of these unexpected medical procedures.
Risperdal Side Effects
While Risperdal has been proven to be a relatively safe treatment for certain psychiatric disorders, compensation may be available for plaintiffs who developed breasts while taking the drug. Additionally, Risperdal users have also reported several other complications and side effects, including:
- Diabetes
- Sexual dysfunction
- Irregular heartbeats
- Increased risk of suicide
- Pituitary tumors
- Galactorrhea
- Tardive dyskinesia
- Weight gain
- Pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Pending Risperdal Lawsuits
Young boys and men who have developed breasts while taking Risperdal have filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson throughout the U.S. in an attempt to recover damages for their condition. Johnson & Johnson reportedly settled a case in November 2013 in which the manufacturer was accused by the U.S. government of illegally and wrongfully marketing Risperdal.
Johnson & Johnson has also been accused of having knowledge of the alleged link between Risperdal and gynecomastia but neglecting to warn consumers and physicians of the relationship in order to keep profits high. The $2.5 billion settlement includes both criminal and civil penalties, but plaintiffs may still be entitled to file a New York Risperdal lawsuit to seek compensation for their injuries if they can successfully prove that Risperdal caused them to develop gynecomastia.
Do You Have a New York Risperdal Lawsuit?
Contact Attorney Group for New York today if you or a loved one took Risperdal and subsequently developed gynecomastia. Attorney Group for New York can provide you with a free, noobligation consultation to help you determine whether you are entitled to recover damages for your injuries. If you are, you can be connected with one of our affiliated attorneys who can file a New York Risperdal lawsuit on your behalf and help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
