Texas Risperdal Attorney
Risperdal, an atypical antipsychotic medication, has been prescribed to thousands of patients across the country to treat several health conditions, but hundreds of those are working with attorneys to pursue claims against Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the makers of the drug. Risperdal allegedly generated $4.5 billion in sales in 2007 across the globe and many viewed this medication as a miracle drug. However, Risperdal has reportedly been linked to several adverse side effects and life-threatening complications including gynecomastia, or the development of male breasts. According to court records as of October 2012, Johnson & Johnson had already settled several claims from plaintiffs alleging complications, despite the mounting litigation against the company. While past outcomes do not guarantee future results, it is possible for those injured by Risperdal to seek legal help and consider seeking compensation for any damages they have suffered.
If you or a male in your life suffered from side effects or developed breasts during a Risperdal treatment, contact Attorney Group for Texas. We can help you to determine if you have a valid claim and connect you with a Texas Risperdal attorney. You may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries.
Risperdal May Be Linked to Gynecomastia
Risperdal is marketed and manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, and was initially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1993. However, although the medication was intended for the treatment of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, reports surfaced that the drug was being prescribed to adolescents and children with bipolar and behavior disorders, irritability and aggression. Additionally, it had been promoted for use in children with autism between the ages of six and 16. However, Risperdal had not been tested nor approved for these purposes until 2006, and many children allegedly suffered from complications and side effects from this “off-label” use.
Risperdal affects two neurotransmitters in the brain, dopamine and serotonin, which have been clinically proven to directly affect a patient’s mood and behavior. Several studies have concluded that Risperdal may increase prolactin levels in the patient – the hormone responsible for breast growth and lactation in females. If you or someone you love have experienced gynecomastia or other complication, consult with a Texas Risperdal attorney to learn more about your legal rights and pursuing a claim against the manufacturers to receive compensation.
Most notably, Risperdal may cause weight gain, which may subsequently disguise gynecomastia in some males. Patients may consider seeking legal counsel from a Texas Risperdal attorney if they were diagnosed by a doctor with gynecomastia, as indicated by one or more of the following symptoms:
- Puffy or enlarged nipples
- Breast tenderness or pain
- Nipple discharge
In many cases, patients are required to undergo surgeries to remove the breast growth. In addition to the physical suffering and pain claimed by several boys, many others claim to have suffered from psychological and emotional trauma as well as embarrassment. If you or someone you love is living with this condition and you would like to learn more about filing a lawsuit and seeking compensation, contact a Texas Risperdal attorney today.
Risperdal Lawsuits and Settlements
Families are coming forward in an attempt to seek compensation from Risperdal’s manufacturers to cover the trauma and medical expenses allegedly brought on by the product and the subsequent development of gynecomastia. Pending Risperdal lawsuits allege that Johnson & Johnson knew of the risk of the condition yet failed to warn the public and medical communities for fear of losing profit. Additionally, plaintiffs claim that if the manufacturer did not know about this risk, the company should have conducted more research once patients began to report complications.
Court documents indicate that more than 420 lawsuits are pending in courts across the U.S. against Johnson & Johnson as of September 2012. These lawsuits include 130 separate claims of boys developing gynecomastia, and each of the lawsuits alleges that the manufacturer hid the risks of the medication to boost sales.
In November 2013, Johnson & Johnson reportedly agreed to a $2.2 billion settlement with the U.S. government to settle allegations that the company illegally marketed Risperdal and other medications to populations for whom the FDA did not approve or test the drugs. Specifically, the drug maker is accused of promoting Risperdal to children, elderly patients with dementia and other mentally disabled individuals.
An Experienced Texas Risperdal Attorney Can Help You Today
If you or someone you love developed gynecomastia or experienced other adverse side effects during a Risperdal treatment, contact Attorney Group for Texas today to receive a free, no-obligation consultation. We will connect you with an experienced Texas Risperdal attorney if we feel as though you have a valid claim. You may be eligible to recover damages for your condition, pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost wages.
