Breast Enlargement from Risperdal
The Johnson & Johnson atypical antipsychotic medication, Risperdal (generic: risperidone) has been linked to an increased risk of breast enlargement in boys. In the J&J research a growing number of lawsuit claims regarding this irreversible Risperdal gynecomastia side effect have been filed against the company, the first of which was settled in September 2012. The monetary sum received by the Risperdal breast enlargement victim was not made public, but a representative for the boy claimed that he was pleased with the amount.
In April of 2012 Johnson & Johnson was fined $1.2 billion by a judge in Arkansas when a jury decided that the company had understated multiple risks associated with Risperdal, resulting in almost 240,000 violations of the state’s Medicaid laws regarding fraud. Among these risks, was Risperdal Breast Enlargement in Boys. Johnson & Johnson paid out around $180 million to 36 states regarding additional claims that the company was promoting Risperdal and another drug for off-label uses.
Currently Risperdal is only approved for the following indications:
• Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents ages 13-17 years old
• Short term treatment of manic episode in Bipolar I disorder, adults and children/adolescents aged 10-17 years old
• Irritability associated with autistic disorder in children and adolescents ages 5-16 years old
Unfortunately, Johnson & Johnson has been promoting this potentially dangerous drug for a number of other conditions including anger management, anxiety, and even dementia. The FDA released a safety warning in response to the dementia prescription when it was discovered that it increased a risk of cerebrovascular events, including stroke. Additionally, it should be noted that Risperdal is not approved for treatment of dementia-related psychosis by the FDA.
Risperdal Breast Enlargement in Boys in the News
A story on CBS news detailed the stories of several Risperdal gynecomastia victims, and the devastating effects the drug had on their lives. One 19 year old male was prescribed Risperdal beginning at age 7 for ADD. Interestingly this happened before Risperdal was approved for ANY use in children. Also, ADD has never been one of the Risperdal FDA approved uses. Following this prescription, the child became aggressive, sleepy, and developed bowel problems. When this patient was 14, he began to develop women’s breasts. After experiencing Risperdal breast enlargement, this boy asked his mother if he was a girl. His mother says that despite the surgical removal of the breasts and the passage of several years, her son still believes he is a female because of Risperdal gynecomastia.
File a Risperdal Lawsuit: Speak to a Lawyer about Breast Enlargement in Boys
The serious risk of male breast growth is not clearly stated on the packaging for Risperdal (generic: risperidone), and is instead buried in the precautions section of the label in unclear medical terminology. If you or a loved one has experienced gynecomastia or another serious side effect following the use of Risperdal, contact the Willis Law Firm today for a confidential case evaluation. We are currently accepting risperidone clients nationwide; call us today and join the people who are exercising their legal rights in order to hold Johnson & Johnson responsible for their harmful drug.
Free Risperdal Lawsuit Evaluation – Call Nationwide 1-800-883-9858