Young men or adolescent boys taking the antipsychotic drug Risperdal may suffer gynecomastia, a serious side effect that causes male breast growth.
Risperdal (risperidone) is a psychiatric medication in a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. The drug was FDA-approved in 1993 to treat schizophrenia in adults.
In 2006 and 2007, Risperdal was further approved by the FDA for treating schizophrenia in children as well as for treating episodes of bipolar disorder (manic depressive illness) in adults and children.
The drug was also approved to treat behavior disorders in autistic children. However, new medical research indicates that Risperdal use causes serious physical and psychological side effects.
Risperdal Side Effects
Risperdal works by blocking dopamine effects in the body. Scientists believe that excess dopamine production can lead to disorders like schizophrenia, so blocking the substance may lead to a reduction of symptoms. However, blocking dopamine affects prolactin regulation, which can lead to male breast growth (gynecomastia).
Children and teens may be more vulnerable to this side effect, since changing hormone levels in their young bodies may place them at higher risk.
Gynecomastia is characterized by male breast enlargement of one or both breasts. Milk production may or may not accompany the condition. Breast enlargement can vary significantly between patients, with some experiencing a mild amount of growth and others developing breast size comparable to a D-cup in women.
Numerous studies and reports have shown a direct link between Risperdal use and gynecomastia in male children and adolescents. One of the most recent medical studies, published in the August issue of the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, indicates that the use of Risperdal increases the risk of male breast growth or gynecomastia among adolescent boys and young men.
Researchers from the University of British Columbia conducted the study, finding that Risperdal increases the risk of gynecomastia in boys and young men by 400%.
Risperdal Lawsuits & Settlements
Janssen and parent company Johnson & Johnson have been hit with criminal and civil penalties for improperly marketing Risperdal for use in children prior to the approval date and for marketing the medication for unapproved uses.
The U.S. Department of Justice has maintained that Johnson & Johnson promoted the drug for “off-label” use in children to doctors, years before Risperdal had FDA approval to be used on children. The Department of Justice also accused Johnson & Johnson of paying physicians kickbacks and other incentives to promote Risperdal use in adolescents and children.
This has resulted in a $2.2 billion settlement in federal court with the drug maker for illegally marketing and promoting Risperdal.
Additionally, Risperdal lawsuits have been filed alleging that Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Johnson & Johnson had full knowledge of these Risperdal male breast growth risks but hid them. Over 1,300 lawsuits have been filed across the country on behalf of Risperdal victims.
Further Risperdal settlements and verdicts followed, including a $2.5 million dollar verdict reached on Feb. 25.
If you or a loved one took Risperdal as a boy or young man and experienced serious side effects including breast enlargement, nipple discharge, or have been diagnosed with gynecomastia, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation for your pain and suffering, medical costs and other damages.
Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The Risperdal attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual lawsuit or Risperdal class action lawsuit is best for you. [In general, Risperdal lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.] Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.
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If you or your son took Risperdal between the ages of 10 and 18 years old and suffered gynecomastia (male breast growth), male breast pain, nipple pain, or nipple discharge, you may be entitled to compensation. See if you qualify by submitting your information below for a free and confidential case review.
An attorney will contact you if you qualify to discuss the details of your potential case at no charge to you.
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