Men or adolescent boys taking the antipsychotic drug Risperdal may have suffered a serious side effect called gynecomastia – male breast growth. If you or a loved one has experienced this injury, you may be entitled to file a claim against the manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.
Our free e-book, Risperdal: The Shocking Truth, contains vital information about the dangers associated with taking this antipsychotic medication.
Aimed to help families protect their rights, we urge you to download your free copy.
Marc Whitehead & Associates provides free case evaluations to those who have suffered male breast growth linked to Risperdal. Our attorneys are reviewing claims against the manufacturer for failing to adequately warn consumers of serious complications, as well as neglecting to sufficiently research the safety of the medication.
Risperdal Uses
Risperdal is the brand name for the generic drug risperidone. It is a psychiatric medication, in a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. Antipsychotics are mainly used in the treatment of mental health disorders.
The drug began as an FDA approved medication in 1993 for treating schizophrenia in adults. In 2006-2007, Risperdal was further FDA approved for treating symptoms of schizophrenia in children, as well as for treating episodes of bipolar disorder (manic depressive illness) in adults and children. The drug was also approved to treat behavior disorders in autistic children.
Risperdal Side Effects
Male breast enlargement: Antipsychotic drugs commonly produce side effects, from anxiety and nausea to seizures and fever. Yet one major side effect of Risperdal was not anticipated, namely gynecomastia.
This complication causes male breast tissue to become enlarged resulting in development of female-type breasts. The breast formation can be extremely tender and painful, and it may affect one or both breasts, often in an uneven presentation.
Risperdal Nipple Discharge: Some cases of Risperdal gynecomastia has resulted in nipple lactation. This condition is called galactorrhea, in which a milky discharge (not related to breast feeding) is excreted.
Treatment to repair Risperdal gynecomastia is invasive and significant, and includes surgical procedures, including liposuction and mastectomy to remove the substantial breast tissue that developed.
Since FDA approval in 2007 for Risperdal to be used in young boys, hundreds of Risperdal-related gynecomastia lawsuits throughout the United States have been filed. Although the side effects are generally not life-threatening, they are life-altering. The emotional and physical pain and suffering is immense.
Manufacturer sees billions of dollars in sales while innocent boys and young men are irreparably harmed.
Various types of Risperdal lawsuits have been filed. Allegations abound that Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Johnson & Johnson had full knowledge of these risks and yet hid them from the medical community, the FDA and consumers.
The U.S. Department of Justice has maintained that Johnson & Johnson promoted the drug for “off-label” use in children to doctors, years before Risperdal had FDA approval to be used in children. The Department of Justice also accused Johnson & Johnson of paying physicians kickbacks and other incentives to promote Risperdal use in adolescents and children.
This has resulted in a $2.2 billion settlement in federal court with the drug maker for illegally marketing and promoting Risperdal.
Since then, hundreds of lawsuits have been filed across the country on behalf of Risperdal victims. Further settlements and verdicts have ensued, including a $2.5 million dollar verdict reached February 25, 2015.
Risperdal trials are ongoing, as are settlements. New lawsuits continue to be reviewed and brought against Johnson & Johnson.
Contact Risperdal Lawsuit Attorneys Who Can Help
If you or a loved one took Risperdal as a boy or young man and experienced serious side effects including breast enlargement, nipple discharge, or have been diagnosed with gynecomastia, please let us know. You may be entitled to significant financial compensation for your pain and suffering, medical costs and other damages.
Contact Marc Whitehead & Associates today: 1-855-423-3666.
Be mindful of the statute of limitations, and do not put off seeking this important help. There is no charge to learn if you have a case. If we represent you, there are no attorney fees unless we win money for you.
