Those in Oklahoma that have been following the development of Risperdal litigation may want to note that the start dates of three Pennsylvania lawsuits have been updated via a September 24, 2014 court order issued by the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.
Three Lawsuits to Start Later Than Previously Scheduled
Now, Goldenburg vs. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Etal, a case that was to go to trial beginning on September 29, 2014, will now begin on November 3, 2014 instead. In PP Etal vs. Ortho-McNeil-Janssen-Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the trail will begin on January 3, 2015, rather than on the previously scheduled date of November 3, 2014. Finally, WC Etal vs. Janssen Pharmaceuticals is now scheduled to begin on an unspecified date in February 2015.
Thus far, over 700 Risperdal-related lawsuits have been filed in Pennsylvania alone. Some suits allege that adverse side effects have impacted patients, and some lawsuits have cited alleged improper Risperdal marketing tactics implemented by the manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson. Gynecomastia has been a side effect allegedly experienced by males of varied ages. This condition features the abnormal enlargement of male breasts.
Current Risperdal litigation may be of interest to Oklahoma residents that are considering the filing of a Risperdal lawsuit due to gynecomastia experienced either personally or by a loved one.
Risperdal Details
Risperdal is an antipsychotic medication that has been approved for use in treating certain specific mental conditions like schizophrenia, autism-induced irritability and bipolar mania. The Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Risperdal, but there have been claims that is has been marketed for certain types of pediatric and geriatric use that were not actually approved by the FDA.
Risperdal regulates dopamine levels in the human brain in order to impact patient behavior in certain positive ways. However, Risperdal may also impact the body’s normal regulation of prolactin levels. This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland, and much higher levels are normally noted in breast-feeding mothers. In male patients taking Risperdal, elevated prolactin levels have allegedly caused humiliating and embarrassing breast development in some cases. Some victims have considered the filing of a Risperdal lawsuit in response.
Government Involvement
In November 2013, the Department of Justice, a federal agency, reached an agreement with Janssen and its parent company that involved a $2.2 million fine and a guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of a criminal nature.
The previous year, the attorneys general of 36 states reached an agreement with the companies regarding the promotion of Risperdal in circumstances where it was not FDA-approved. A $181 million settlement was reached in the matter.
Danish Risperdal Study
From 1999 to 2010, researchers in Denmark studied a total of 48,299 patients under the age of 18 that had taken Risperdal and/or other antipsychotics. The results, published in the May 2014 issue of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, concluded that type 2 Diabetes occurrences were collectively greater in those taking Risperdal.
Patients in Oklahoma and elsewhere that took Risperdal prior to developing gynecomastia may be able to file a Risperdal lawsuit that seeks compensation related to emotional distress and medical expenses. Since no drug is available to reverse gynecomastia, breast reduction surgery and liposuction have been performed on some patients.
Considering an Oklahoma Risperdal Lawsuit?
To discuss the Risperdal-related circumstances that you or a loved one have experienced, please contact us at Attorney Group for Oklahoma. We can discuss your situation and help you determine if you have a case. If you decide to pursue your claim, we can connect you with an affiliated attorney. Contact us today for your free consultation.
