The Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania has issued a court order that sets new trial dates for three Risperdal lawsuits. These suits allege that male patients experienced gynecomastia, a condition in which excessive male breast development occurs. At this time, there is no known medication for reversing this alleged side effect of Risperdal. Breast reduction surgery has followed in some cases.
Rescheduling of Three Risperdal Lawsuits
A Risperdal lawsuit, Goldenburg vs. Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. Etal, will now commence on November 3, 2014, instead of on September 29, 2014. PP Etal vs. Ortho-McNeil-Janssen-Pharmaceuticals, Inc., will now start on January 3, 2015 instead of November 3, 2014. WC Etal vs. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Etal will now begin in February 2015, although a specific date is not cited in the court order. These are three of over 700 Pennsyvlania Ripserdal lawsuits that have been filed thus far. Developments in these cases may be of interest to Texas families that might consider the filing a Risperdal lawsuit.
What is Risperdal?
Risperdal (risperidone) is an antipsychotic commonly used in treating certain psychiatric conditions like bipolar depression, schizophrenia, and autism-related irritability. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned that Risperdal may cause significant side effects like gynecomastia. Nonetheless, the drug does have FDA approval for use in treating both children and adults diagnosed with specified mental conditions.
One of Risperdal’s effects is to block the human body’s regulation of prolactin, and this may result in elevated levels of the substance in bloodstream. In male patients, this can lead to undesirable breast enlargement. Patients may also experience swelling, tenderness and discharge from nipples. These results may cause real emotional harm in victims of these Risperdal side effects.
Texas Involved In 2012 Settlement
On August 30, 2012, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and 36 other state attorney generals, announced a $181 million settlement with Janssen Pharmaceuticals pertaining to unlawful, deceptive marketing practices of a number of antipsychotic drugs, including Risperdal. The announcement followed a four-year investigation across many states. Texas specifically received $11.37 million in the settlement.
A Recent Study Regarding Risperdal and Children
Numerous studies have explored Risperdal side effects. For example, in a May 2014 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the results of a Danish study were published. A total of 48,299 children in Denmark were studied over a 12-year period. The researchers ultimately concluded that antipsychotic drugs, including Risperdal, did increase the onset of type 2 diabetes.
We are Here to Assist
Victims of gynecomastia and other Risperdal side effects may be able to seek monetary awards through the courts in some cases. Compensation for unpaid medical expenses, emotional strain and distress and other costs and losses may be available to those that have suffered from Risperdal-induced gynecomastia.
At Attorney Group for Texas, we are available to answer your questions. We can connect you to an affiliated attorney if you decide to pursue a claim. Contact us today to learn more in a free consultation.
