Well, the sad fact is that Johnson & Johnson is at it again. This time around it involves the drug Risperdal. The even sadder part is that the victims are innocent, adolescent males.
Risperdal is an antipsychotic drug used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and other conditions like unusual thinking, loss of interest in life and strong or inappropriate emotions. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of the drug and subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, has reportedly racked up a settlement figure of $2.2 billion for allegations of illegal marketing and severe side effects in males like gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia is the development of breasts in males. Some instances of the onset of lactation have been documented as well. This condition has been the most common side effect in males taking the drug, especially under the age of 13. The FDA has issued a warning about the possible harmful Risperdal side effects including gynecomastia and pituitary gland tumors.
One documented case includes a 16-year-old boy that developed d-cup breasts in less than one year.
Johnson & Johnson reported in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that it was being investigated by the Justice Department. J&J reported in the fourth-quarter of 2011 that it had set aside $1.1 billion for damages; an Arkansas judge alone ordered J&J to pay $1.2 billion in penalties for its actions in that state. Johnson & Johnson has said that it would appeal. The federal case involves several states, but it does not involve states that have already gone into court to fight J&J over Risperdal promotion through Medicaid plans.
Recently, as part of the final settlement, the FDA required that the drug manufacturer admits to intentionally withholding important information during the testing phase of the drug, that would have shown a significant link to gynecomastia.
If you or a loved one has experienced gynecomastia or pituitary tumors after taking Risperdal, contact The Michael Brady Lynch Firm a no-cost, no-obligation evaluation of your case.