Risperdal and Gynecomastia Class Action Lawsuit
In the last year, Johnson & Johnson has lost several class action lawsuits regarding the marketing of its antipsychotic medication Risperdal. The drug is manufactured and marketed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals (a subsidiary of parent company Johnson & Johnson) and is currently approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder (manic episodes), schizophrenia, and irritability associated with autistic disorder in children and adolescents. The drug was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993, but was not approved for use in children until 2006. Risperdal has been the subject of multiple lawsuits regarding its increased risk of gynecomastia, or male breast development. A number of Risperdal Class Action lawsuits have been filed, including one that settled for $1.1 billion by the state of Arkansas.
Risperdal and Gynecomastia Lawsuit
In September of 2012, the first Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit action was settled on the first day of trial. The 21-year old plaintiff received an undisclosed amount of money in response to his claims that taking Risperdal resulted in his abnormal development of breast tissue, or gynecomastia. The young man was treated with Risperdal from ages 9 to 14, at which point the drug was not yet approved for use in children or adolescents. Other Risperdal class action lawsuits have been filed by the states of Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas. These class action lawsuits have resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in fines, as well as action by the United States Department of Justice.
Risperdal Side Effects
Gynecomastia, or the enlargement of breast tissues in males, is only one on a troubling list of Risperdal side effects and adverse events. There are many additional Risperdal side effects that can be very serious and potentially life-threatening, including (but not limited to) the following:
• Suicide
• Risk of death in elderly patients
• Tardive Dyskinesia
• Masking of signs/symptoms of brain tumors, Reye’s syndrome, intestinal obstruction
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
• Diabetes
• Adverse effect on production of white blood cells
• Dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness
• Prolonged/painful erection
File a Risperdal Class Action Lawsuit
Have you or a loved one suffered from gynecomastia after taking the atypical class of antipsychotic Risperdal? If so, you may be legally entitled to financial compensation. Contact the Willis Law Firm today for a free and confidential evaluation of your potential claim; the lawyers in our office can help you assess your legal options and help you determine whether a lawsuit claim is your best option. Call us today; your time to file may be subject to a statute of limitations.
Free Risperdal Lawsuit Evaluation – Call Nationwide 1-800-883-9858