Risperdal (risperidone) is a powerful antipsychotic medication that has been linked to severe side effects, especially when it is prescribed to children for “off-label” disorders that are not approved by the FDA. These side effects include excessive weight gain, gynecomastia (growth of male breast tissue), diabetes, tardive dyskinesia (movement disorder), and more. Some children have suffered through surgery and long-term medical care for these potentially permanent side effects.

What You Can Do & How a Risperdal Lawsuit Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Risperdal induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by Risperdal, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Risperdal Overview

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 and Gynecomastia

Risperdal may increase levels of prolactin, a hormone that causes the enlargement of breast tissue. In females, this can cause spontaneous production of milk (galactorrhea). In males, it can cause the breast tissue to enlarge (gynecomastia).

Gynecomastia is the growth of male breasts, sometimes with pain or nipple discharge. The tissue is not cancerous, but adolescent males with gynecomastia may suffer devastating psychological and social injuries. For this reason, many doctors recommend surgery for boys with gynecomastia. Mild to moderate cases of gynecomastia can often be treated with liposuction. Severe gynecomastia may require a surgical procedure called a mastectomy, which involves the removal of the breast and excess skin.

Studies have linked Risperdal to gynecomastia from at least as early as 1999. Since then, many studies have also found evidence of this risk. According to this study published in Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology in 2006,

“Risperidone administered to adolescents at doses commonly used for the treatment of psychotic symptoms can strongly increase prolactin levels, with clinical consequences such as gynecomastia and/or galactorrhea. Given that the long-term effects of antipsychotic drug-induced hyperprolactinemia are not well documented, especially regarding osteopenia, infertility, growth, and pubertal delay, risperidone should be administered with caution to children and adolescents.”

Risperdal Lawsuit Settlements

In September 2012, Johnson & Johnson agreed to settle a Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit filed by Aron Banks, a young man who developed male breasts after being prescribed Risperdal as a child. Mr. Banks used Risperdal when he was between 9-14 years old, from 1999 until 2004. He required surgery to remove the breast tissue. On the first day of the trial, Mr. Banks and Johnson & Johnson agreed to a settlement. As a part of the agreement, the terms of the settlement remain confidential.

Johnson & Johnson faces an additional 420 Risperdal lawsuits, including 130 lawsuits involving gynecomastia claims.

J&J Pays Billions for “Off-Label” Risperdal Marketing

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.

Risperdal Side Effects

Risperdal has been associated with many severe side effects, which may include the following:

• Gynecomastia
• Weight gain, which may be severe
• Pituitary tumors
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
• Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movement disorder)
• Heart problems, including heart attack
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Diabetes, blood sugar disorders (hyperglycemia)
• Suicide
• Bone loss
• Cellulitis
• Neutropenia
• Pancreatitis
• Increased mortality among the elderly with dementia
• And more

If you were injured by Risperdal, you may still have time to file a lawsuit and join the litigation against Johnson & Johnson. You could potentially receive compensation for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, decreased quality of life, and more.

Do I have a Risperdal Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Risperdal induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by Risperdal, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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