Tennessee Risperdal Attorney
Risperdal was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1993 to treat symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism. The atypical antipsychotic medication is manufactured and marketed by Johnson & Johnson and has been prescribed to thousands of patients across the U.S. However, studies have shown that Risperdal has been linked to the development of male breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia, and has allegedly been prescribed to patients for whom it was not tested nor approved.
You may be able to work with a Tennessee Risperdal attorney if you or a male in your life suffered from adverse side effects or complications while taking Risperdal. For more information and to determine whether you have a valid claim, contact Attorney Group for Tennessee today.
Background of Risperdal
Risperdal is typically prescribed to treat the following:
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Manic and mixed states associated with bipolar disorder
- Irritability in patients with autism
However, Risperdal has been linked to gynecomastia in young male boys taking the medication. Although the condition is not life-threatening or cancerous, such a diagnosis may result in emotional trauma, embarrassment, or psychological issues. Also, surgery is often required to remove the breast tissue. If you or a loved one have been adversely affected or required treatment due to gynecomastia while taking Risperdal, a Tennessee Risperdal attorney may be able to help you seek compensation for the costs associated with such a diagnosis.
The manufacturer allegedly expanded the market for Risperdal to include elderly patients with dementia, despite the lack of FDA approval to do so. According to court documents, Johnson & Johnson continued to promote the product for patients for whom the medication was not intended, claiming that Risperdal could address hostility, impulsiveness, confusion and agitation that are often present in several mood and behavioral disorders.
Additionally, the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology published a study in 2006 in which researchers concluded that adolescent boys taking Risperdal could potentially suffer from higher prolactin levels, which could ultimately result in galactorrhea or gynecomastia. Since the long-term effects have not yet been adequately studied, particularly in how the medication and conditions may affect puberty, infertility, and growth in boys, the medical community cautions that Risperdal should only be prescribed when absolutely necessary to children and adolescents.
Risperdal May Cause Adverse Side Effects
Patients may consider working with a Tennessee Risperdal attorney if they suffered from one or more of the following side effects after taking Risperdal:
- Galactorrhea
- Gynecomastia
- Diabetes, high blood sugar
- Pituitary tumors
- Sexual dysfunction
- Tardive dyskinesia
- Bone loss
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
- Suicide
- Increased risk of death in dementia patients
- Cardiac complications including heart attack and irregular heart rhythm
- Pancreatitis
- Weight gain
Plaintiffs Pursue Risperdal Claims
The FDA has reportedly issued several warnings pertaining to Risperdal, and there are currently more than 420 Risperdal lawsuits pending against Johnson & Johnson from patients alleging that the drug caused serious and adverse side effects.
Johnson & Johnson settled the first Risperdal lawsuit in September 2012 as concerns over the product began to rise. Most recently, a $2.2 billion settlement was reached between plaintiffs and the manufacturer to settle claims that the company marketed Risperdal to people for whom the drug was not approved including older individuals, children and those with specific developmental disabilities. This agreement was announced on November 4, 2013 and is the third-largest settlement involving a drug maker to date. It was also part of a 10-year-long effort by the federal government to hold the manufacturer responsible for allegedly illegally marketing Risperdal as a way to control patients with dementia and children with certain behavioral disorders.
Lawsuits filed against the manufacturer claim that Risperdal did not perform as the company had promised and placed patients at an unnecessary risk for complications and adverse side effects. Additionally, patients may consider working with a Tennessee Risperdal attorney if they developed gynecomastia while taking Risperdal. Other claims include accusations that the company marketed Risperdal to children shortly after its introduction although the product did not receive FDA approval for pediatric purposes until 2006.
Seek Legal Counsel from a Tennessee Risperdal Attorney Today
Have you or someone you love developed gynecomastia or experienced other complications during or after a Risperdal treatment? The Attorney Group for Tennessee can evaluate your case and help you to determine if you have a valid Risperdal lawsuit. We will help answer your questions and connect you with a Tennessee Risperdal attorney who can assist you in seeking the compensation to which you may be entitled. You may be eligible to recover damages for pain and suffering, loss of income and medical expenses including treatments and surgeries.
