Risperdal

Risperdal is being linked to serious side effects like gynecomastia, breast development in boys.

Risperdal (risperidone), manufactured by Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Pharmaceuticals, is a powerful second-generation antipsychotic approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism spectrum disorders in children and adolescents.

Facts about Risperdal

Approved in 1993, Risperdal is known as an “atypical” antipsychotic, because it targets serotonin plus dopamine. Intake can be as a tablet, liquid or injectable form, and it can be used in conjunction with other medications such as lithium or an antidepressant.

Not just for the treatment of mental and autistic issues, Risperdal is regularly prescribed to children with ADHD — a condition related to excessive motor activity, inattention, and impulsive behavior. When this occurs, a medication is considered off-label, which means it is prescribed for uses not directly approved by the FDA. There are no laws against this, and it is very common in the medical community. Currently, 3.5 million children diagnosed with ADHD take Risperdal. Millions of children take this medication every day unaware that Risperdal is linked to gynecomastia, a condition in which young boys develop large breasts.

Risperdal greatly increases the levels of prolactin in more than 90% of users. Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates the production of milk in pregnant women. This causes breast development regardless of sex. Growths usually begin as a small lump under the nipple, while the nipple gradually grows larger and more tender. This condition could affect both breasts or just one.

Risperdal Verdicts

Juries are starting to take notice of the damage Risperdal brings. In 2016, juries awarded two different plaintiffs with nearly $5 million along with another receiving $2.5 million. These pale in comparison to Andrew Yount who won $70 million by a Philadelphia jury in July 2016. The jury ruled that Johnson & Johnson had not only failed to warn Mr. Yount about taking Risperdal but had destroyed evidence related to the case.

It isn’t just Pennsylvania juries who have declared Johnson & Johnson negligent, a New York jury in October 2017 awarded $1 million to Shaquil Byrd for his pain and suffering after using Risperdal.

Many of these cases are settling before trial.

Your Rights

When manufacturers produce unsafe products that create pain and suffering, you deserve compensation. Although no amount of money will change the fact that you have suffered a serious injury as a result of manufacturer irresponsibility, compensation will help offset your current and future medical costs, as well as provide for the pain and suffering you have experienced. By filing, you may also help protect other men and their families from needless distress.

Risperdal Risks

Breast Development in Boys – Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in males. Users have a 90% chance of increased prolactin levels the same hormone that stimulates milk production in pregnant women.
Movement Disorders – such as Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and tardive dyskinesia, which causes painful involuntary muscle movements
Diabetes – it has been linked to Type 2 diabetes and high blood sugar
Heart Problems and Death

Lasting Effects of Gynecomastia

The impact of gynecomastia from Risperdal can have a serious impact on adolescent boys and leave them with lasting effects for the rest of their lives. In addition to the physical injury caused by the development of breasts and the need for surgical removal in some cases, researchers have documented that gynecomastia can have a significant negative impact on:

Psychological well-being
Social functioning
Mental health
Self-esteem
Overall quality of life

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has suffered an adverse event after using Risperdal, you may be eligible for compensation to ease the financial and emotional burdens you are experiencing. Contact us today to set up a free consultation, during which we will listen to your story, answer any questions you may have and discuss your legal rights and options. If you choose us to represent you, we will work with you on a contingency fee basis; this means you pay nothing until we have secured compensation for you, either through a jury verdict or settlement.