Risperdal Lawsuits Have Cost Johnson & Johnson Millions so Far

Risperdal litigation may prove costly for Johnson & Johnson. In February of 2015 a jury in Philadelphia ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $2.5 million in damages to the family of an autistic boy who took Risperdal and suffered significant breast tissue growth, a condition called gynecomastia. Johnson & Johnson is accused of failing to warn consumers of the risk for gynecomastia and for hiding the data which demonstrates the risks involved. Pharmaceutical liability lawyers have been accepting clients for litigation over the dangerous side-effects associated with Risperdal.

Risperdal Can Cause Gynecomastia in Young Males

Some young males develop unusually large breasts as a result of treatment with the medication Risperdal. Risperdal, an anti-psychotic medication initially prescribed to treat schizophrenia, is now prescribed for bipolar disorder and off-label for autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sleeping problems, and anxiety. Risperdal is manufactured by Johnson and Johnson and received FDA approval in 1993.

What is gynecomastia and how can it affect my child?
Gynecomastia is the development of unusually large breasts in boys and young men. The growth is more than just the excess fat that overweight boys may develop. This growth is caused by actual glandular tissue development. The breasts can become uneven, sensitive, and painful. In some cases, boys have even began lactating as a result of Risperdal. This condition can be extremely embarrassing and upsetting for young men and their families. As a result many patients consider Risperdal a dangerously defective drug which should be removed from the market.

What is the treatment for gynecomastia?

Doctors typically recommend that boys that develop gynecomastia have the breast tissue surgically removed through a mastectomy. Liposuction alone often cannot adequately treat gynecomastia as the growth results from tissue, not fat. A mastectomy is major surgery. In addition to being costly, it is painful and requires an extensive recovery. In addition, it leaves scars on the chest.

What can I do if my child has developed gynecomastia as a result of taking Risperdal?

If your child has developed gynecomastia after taking the drug Risperdal, contact us today. Many individuals have sued Johnson & Johnson arguing that they were not warned of this potential life-changing side effect. A number of cases have been settled and although some settlements are confidential, others have reached as high as 2.5 million dollars. Risperdal lawsuits assert that Johnson & Johnson should have warned individuals, parents, and physicians about the risk of developing gynecomastia from taking the drug.

Drug manufacturers have a responsibility to warn individuals, physicians, and the public as a whole about any potential risks involved in taking their medications. Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals face blame for not alerting physicians and consumers that taking Risperdal may result in breast development.

Gynecomastia can be devastating for boys and young men. They face painful medical treatment and surgery to correct the condition, and often experience embarrassment and humiliation over having developed full breasts. If your child has taken Risperdal and developed gynecomastia, a Portland personal injury lawyer at Angel Law, P.C. can help! To learn more about how we can help, contact us online or call (503) 862-8666 today.