Risperdal and Male Breast Development
Taking Risperdal, the Johnson & Johnson brand of risperidone, has demonstrated an increased risk of gynecomastia (male breast growth), especially in younger males. Alarmingly, many victims of Risperdal Gynecomastia were prescribed the medication before 2007, the first year in which it was FDA approved for use in children and adolescents.
Lawsuits against the healthcare company have been filed related to Risperdal and Gynecomastia, and the first reached a settlement for an undisclosed amount in the fall of 2012. Last year Bloomberg News stated that there over 100 pending Risperdal lawsuits. However, today that number is in the thousands.
Risperdal Atypical Antipsychotic
Risperidone, manufactured and marketed by Johnson & Johnson as Risperdal, is a psychiatric drug used in the treatment of bipolar I disorder manic episodes, aggression and irritability due to autistic disorder, and schizophrenia. In addition to these FDA approved indications, Johnson & Johnson has also been charged with promoting Risperdal for a number of other medical conditions that are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Among these are: anxiety, dementia related psychosis, ADD, and even anger management.
Gynecomastia Caused by Risperdal?
Taking Risperdal can result in a variety of different side effects, but one that has demonstrated long lasting emotional and psychological troubles for young male patients is gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is the medical diagnosis given when a male experiences a growth in breast tissue. Sometimes, a Risperdal Gynecomastia victim will even begin to lactate.
Lawsuit claims filed regarding this male breast enlargement have been filed by the families of boys as young as four years old that have grown female breasts and experienced lactation after taking Risperdal. Gynecomastia results from abnormally high levels of the hormone prolactin, a condition known as hyperprolactinaemia. Many of the boys and young men who experience these horrifying Risperdal side effects were prescribed the drug before it was ever approved for ANY use in children.
Talk to a Risperdal and Gynecomastia Lawyer
Gynecomastia can result from taking Risperdal for both FDA and non-FDA approved uses. If you or a loved one has faced the challenge of gynecomastia or another serious side effect following treatment with Risperdal, call the talented team of product liability attorneys at the Willis Law Firm today. We can provide you with a complimentary case evaluation in order to determine whether you have a potential Risperdal lawsuit. Contact us today; all clients represented on a contingency fee basis.
Free Risperdal Lawsuit Evaluation – Call Nationwide 1-800-883-9858