Risperdal or risperidone, the generic name, is an antipsychotic drug made by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. Invega, is another dangerous drug that is called paliperidone, and like Risperdal is known as an atypical antipsychotic that can change the effect of brain chemicals.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had issued warnings that boys and young men who have taken Risperdal have been linked to increasing levels of the hormone prolactin, which stimulates breast growth and milk production. This adverse condition is also known as gynecomastia.
More than 400 lawsuits around the country have been filed against Johnson & Johnson for injuries related to the Risperdal drug. It has been alleged that Johnson & Johnson has marketed Risperdal illegally. The physical side effect most often reported is that of abnormal female-like breasts swelling on young men’s chests. Sometimes the breasts on Risperdal sufferers lead to lactating discharge and enlarged nipples.
Risperdal is an antipsychotic medication that has been used to treat schizophrenia and other disorders in adults and adolescents. It has also been approved to treat irritability in children 5-16 years of age and for children afflicted with autism. It has also been used to treat ADHD or ADD. In 2007, the sale of Risperdal peaked in sales more than $4.5 billion. After the drug lost its patent protection, its sales fell to $358 million in 2012.
In the lawsuits that have been filed around the country, it has been alleged that Johnson & Johnson knew that Risperdal could cause gynecomastia, but concealed it from the public. In addition, continued use of Risperdal has been claimed to be associated with the increased risks of diabetes, pancreatitis, bone loss, cellulitis, neutropenia, stroke, pituitary tumors, suicide or suicidal ideations, sudden weight gain and increased risk of heart attack.
In fact the State of Louisiana filed a lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Johnson & Johnson claiming that Risperdal had misled the public in the way it marketed this often times dangerous drug. The court first entered a stunning $257 million verdict and judgment in 2013 which was overturned by the Louisiana Supreme Court in 2014. The gist of Louisiana’s lawsuit was that Janssen and Johnson & Johnson intentionally enticed physicians to prescribe the drug when safer and less expensive alternatives were and are available in the marketplace. Separately, Risperdal manufacturers and marketers settled a lawsuit brought by the federal government’s Justice Department for $2.2 million.
More than 200 consolidated cases are pending in the state court of Pennsylvania. These cases also claim that Risperdal is a dangerous and defective product that has injured the very patients who so desperately needed medication, but could have been prescribed a safer and more effective alternative.
At Kreisman Law Offices we have talked to many individuals and family members whose loved ones have been seriously affected by the taking of Risperdal over time. In some cases, the time frame is short, but the development of the side effects, such as gynecomastia has manifested itself nonetheless.
In 2012 Johnson & Johnson settled an individual injury case for patient injured by Risperdal. He developed female breasts. In that case the patient had been using Risperdal for five years.
The lawyers at Kreisman Law Offices may be able to assist you in obtaining compensation for medical bills, lost time from work, pain and suffering and other damages if you or loved one were injured or harmed by Risperdal.
If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of taking the pharmaceutical product, Risperdal, please call us for an immediate free consultation. Robert Kreisman of Kreisman Law Offices has been handling pharmaceutical defect cases for more than 40 years.
With our years of experience in trying and settling pharmaceutical defect cases around the country, Kreisman Law Offices provides the best possible services to our clients. Our service is unmatched. Please call us 24 hours a day at 312.346.0045 or toll free 800.583.8002 for a free and immediate consultation, or complete a contact form online.