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ChatThe Department of Justice has been inspecting an antipsychotic drug called Risperdal since 2012. The drug is mainly used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability in people with autism. Over the years, many individual claims have been filed due to the development of gynecomastia and weight gains.
The Food and Drug Administration approved Risperdal in 1994 for the treatment of schizophrenia. By 2007, it was approved as the only drug agent available for treatment of schizophrenia in youth aged 13-17.
However, by 2010 lawsuits against the drug maker Johnson & Johnson began to pour in due to new information about Risperdal. Studies suggested that the drug may increase levels of prolactin, a hormone that stimulates breast development in women. Increased levels of prolactin put adolescent males at risk of developing gynecomastia, or the enlargement of breast tissues in males.
A number of individual claims have been filed through have been filed alleging that Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary, Janseen Pharmaceuticals Inc., also downplayed multiple risks associated with Risperdal. The pharmaceutical company even settled out of court for $2.2 billion following allegations that they encouraged overmedication of children, elderly and mentally disabled through their marketing efforts.
Risperdal has been on the drug market for 20 years now, and has been the cause of devastating emotional and physical side effects. If you have developed gynecomastia or have been victim to another serious condition that resulted from Risperdal, you should contact a RI product liability lawyer immediately. You may be eligible to receive compensation.
Talk to our Rhode Island personal lawyers for free consultation about you or a loved one’s case against the adverse effects of Risperdal.