Risperdal (risperidone) is a potent antipsychotic medicine that has been associated to serious adverse effects, particularly when given to children for “off-label” diseases not approved by the FDA. Excessive weight gain, gynecomastia (male breast tissue growth), diabetes, and other adverse effects are among them. For these potentially permanent adverse effects, some children have required surgery and long-term medical care. A Houston Risperdal lawyer could work to secure compensation through a personal injury claim.
Risperdal (risperidone) is an oral antipsychotic medication used to control severe mood disorders, including schizophrenia and manic bipolar disorder. It is also sometimes used in combination with antidepressants to control depression. Risperdal was manufactured by the Janssen unit of Johnson & Johnson. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993. Since then, it has been approved to treat several other psychiatric disorders.
Risperdal may raise prolactin levels, a hormone that causes breast tissue to expand. This can promote spontaneous milk production in females (galactorrhea) and cause breast tissue to grow in men (gynecomastia).
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breasts, which can be accompanied by pain or nipple discharge. Although the tissue is not malignant, adolescent guys who have gynecomastia may suffer psychological and social consequences. As a result, many doctors advise guys with gynecomastia to have surgery. Liposuction is frequently used to treat mild to moderate gynecomastia. A mastectomy, which involves the removal of the breast and extra skin, may be required for severe gynecomastia.
Studies have linked Risperdal to gynecomastia from at least as early as 1999. Since then, many studies have also found evidence of this risk.
Aron Banks, a young man who acquired male breasts after being taken Risperdal as a youngster, filed a Risperdal gynecomastia case against Johnson & Johnson in September 2012. Mr. Banks took Risperdal from 1999 to 2004 while he was between the ages of 9 and 14. He needed surgery to have the breast tissue removed. Mr. Banks and Johnson & Johnson reached an agreement on the first day of the trial. The terms of the settlement are kept secret as part of the agreement. A total of 420 Risperdal cases have been filed against Johnson & Johnson, with 130 of them containing gynecomastia claims.
Johnson & Johnson has been forced to pay billions to resolve government lawsuits at the state and federal level. The U.S. Justice Department forced the company to pay $2.2 billion to resolve allegations that they engaged in illegal marketing practices to promote several drugs, including Risperdal.
In January 2012, Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay $158 million to settle a whistleblower lawsuit in Texas. The company has also paid hundreds of millions of dollars to settle lawsuits in other states. Many of these lawsuits allege that Johnson & Johnson engaged in illegal off-label marketing of Risperdal, created a pay-off system to motivate nursing homes to prescribe Risperdal, and defrauded the state Medicare system of millions of dollars. An attorney in Houston could help with a Risperdal lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson.
Ramji Law Group is currently accepting Risperdal induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by Risperdal, developed gynecomastia or diabetes, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a Free Case Evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation by filing an individual lawsuit or joining a Risperdal class action. Please contact a Houston Risperdal lawyer today.
We’re here to help. Schedule a freeevaluation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Houston, TX today by filling out the form below, or call us at (713) 888-8888