Risperdal is an anti-psychotic medication developed by Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceutical Inc. It was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1994 for the treatment of adult schizophrenia. It quickly became a blockbuster because of its positive effects in this population. Subsequently, it was approved for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and in youths and children, and for youths with autism to control irritability and aggressive behavior.
Unfortunately, the bad drug risks of Risperdal in children and youths were not sufficiently tested, despite the manufacturer’s knowledge that the drug causes an elevation in a hormone called prolactin, which stimulates breast development. The body’s production of, and subsequent elevated prolactin level, puts male patients at significant risk for abnormal development. The elevated prolactin level from treatment with Risperdal directly led to the growth of breast tissue in male patients who took the drug, a condition called gynecomastia.
Johnson & Johnson has settled drug lawsuits relating to misleading marketing of this drug as well as illegal marketing that led to overmedication in patients using this drug. Johnson & Johnson has settled medical injury lawsuits in male patients who have developed gynecomastia because of their failure to warn patients of this unique risk.
What is Gynecomastia, and what Treatments are Required?
Gynecomastia is the growth of breast tissue in males. This issue can occur normally during puberty and in a vast majority of boys it goes away on its own. Drug induced gynecomastia often improves when the drug is stopped, but in boys with persistent drug induced gynecomastia that lasts over a year after stopping Risperdal, treatment is required.
There are catastrophic mental and physical consequences of Risperdal induced breast development. Boys have grown breasts as big as ‘D’ cups because of this bad drug. Corrective surgeries in the form of mastectomies and liposuction are frequently needed. Long-term psychological problems have been directly related to this drug in boys who developed breasts.
What is a Gynecomastia Pharmaceutical Lawsuit?
This is a product liability and medical injury lawsuit against the manufacturers of this drug for a failure to warn against its unreasonable, dangerous side effects. There are hundreds of cases pending in males who developed breast tissue to be compensated for pain and suffering, and payment of past and future medical cost related to the development of gynecomastia.
The Law Firm of Greg Vigna, MD, JD
Dr. Vigna is a bad drugs lawyer, medical doctor, and a Certified Life Care planner who understands all current medical and future medical needs of men who developed gynecomastia related to Risperdal. As an experienced pharmaceutical lawsuit attorney he will analyze the individual facts of your case, the exposure to the drug, the development of gynecomastia and will help you understand your rights against the manufacturer. If your case qualifies, he provides free legal help to compensate you for your pain and suffering, and get you the best treatments.
