Risperdal Drug Injury Lawyer
Risperdal is an antipsychotic drug used to treat a variety of mental and mood disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. The drug has been linked with gynecomastia—the development of abnormally large male breasts—in young boys and adolescents, which can require surgery to correct.
If you or your child took Risperdal and developed gynecomastia, you may be entitled to compensation. The Risperdal lawyers at Ferrer Poirot Feller want to help—just call (888) 485-8844 or complete a free initial consultation form.
Risperdal and Gynecomastia
In January 2012, Bloomberg reported that the manufacturer of Risperdal, Johnson & Johnson, marketed the drug to doctors working with troubled children for uses not approved by the FDA in 2004.
Research has shown the risks Risperdal can pose to children. The largest study on the side effects of the drug in adolescents and children showed hormonal changes in male patients that triggered the development of gynecomastia—or the growth of breasts. In the study, three male adolescents out of the ten adolescents studied developed the condition, and researchers concluded that Risperdal should be administered to children and adolescents with caution.
Risperdal Side Effects
In addition to gynecomastia, patients who take Risperdal may experience a variety of side effects, such as:
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Nosebleeds
- Restless muscle movements in the eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck
- Seizures or convulsions
- Tremors or uncontrolled shaking
- Weight gain
- White patches or sores inside the mouth or lips
Risperdal FAQ
Doctors prescribe Risperdal to treat several mental health conditions, including:
- Autism
- Bipolar mania
- Schizophrenia
Yes. Risperdal is approved by the FDA to treat mental health issues in children and adults, and the drug has not been recalled by the FDA or Johnson & Johnson.
It can. A 2006 study in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology linked Risperdal to an increased risk of developing of large male breasts in young male patients.
Speak with one of our Risperdal drug injury attorneys to get started with your claim today. At Ferrer Poirot Feller, we have more than 35 years of experience fighting for Americans harmed by drug company negligence, and we’re here to fight for you, too. Dial (888) 485-8844 or complete a free initial consultation form to get in touch with our legal staff, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
FDA and Risperdal
In 2005, the FDA requested Risperdal’s manufacturer update the drug’s packaging with a black box warning—a warning reserved for serious or life-threatening drug side effects. The updated packaging, which debuted in 2006, alerts doctors and patients of an increased risk of mortality among elderly patients who suffer from dementia-related psychosis.
$2.5 Million Risperdal Gynecomastia Lawsuit Verdict
In February 2015, Johnson & Johnson lost the first Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit to go to trial. Previous Risperdal side effect cases had settled out of court, including a $2.2 billion settlement in 2013. The lawsuit, brought by the family of an autistic boy who took the drug in 2002 and later developed large breasts, alleged that Johnson & Johnson improperly marketed the drug and did not warn patients of potential side effects, including gynecomastia. A Philadelphia jury returned a guilty verdict, ordering Johnson & Johnson to pay $2.5 million in damages to the boy and his family.
We’re Here to Help
At Ferrer Poirot Feller, we’re dedicated to protecting victims’ rights against aggressive pharmaceutical giants. If you or your child took Risperdal before 2007 and developed gynecomastia, we want to speak to you. Our Risperdal drug injury attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other injury-related expenses. So don’t wait any longer—get the legal help you need, today.
Risperdal® is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson, and is used here only to identify the product in question.
This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Bloomberg L.P.; Johnson & Johnson; the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology; the National Center for Biotechnology Information; the Wall Street Journal; or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Do not stop taking a prescription medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death.
Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.