Drug manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson, has come under fire for failing to warn patients about the risks associated with their medication, Risperdal®. Now, the company has been ordered to pay millions of dollars to one patient who suffered adverse health effects as a result of taking the drug.
In 2004, Risperdal® was approved to treat a variety of mental disorders in adult patients. However, the maker of the drug began to market the medication to children shortly thereafter.
The results were that many young patients developed Gynecomastia—a condition in which males develop excessive amounts of breast tissue that can require corrective surgery. Many of the victims of Risperdal® side effects have now successfully filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson claiming they were not warned of the risks associated with the drug.
Court documents show Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay $1.8 million to a 21-year-old Maryland man who developed Gynecomastia as a result of using Risperdal®. A report from Bloomberg News says this is the third verdict to come in favor of those who have lawsuits after suffering adverse side effects from taking Risperdal®. A filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission indicates the company could be facing as many as 5,400 similar suits in the future.
Taking legal action can be an effective way for citizens to hold drug manufacturers accountable for their products. The legal staff at Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel is hopeful the drug injury lawsuits and settlements that have been filed in connection to Risperdal® and Gynecomastia will bring closure to those who have been harmed.