The Philadelphia Common Pleas Court has rescheduled three Risperdal lawsuits involving the use of Risperdal and its side effects. Johnson and Johnson, the manufacturer, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, manufacturer of its generic form are scheduled to go to trial later this year and in early 2015. Risperdal’s side effects on men or young boys are the focal point of these lawsuits. Kentucky injury lawyers will closely monitor each Risperdal lawsuit as they wind their way through the courts.
Risperdal is an antipsychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar mania, and irritability associated with autism. Like all antipsychotic drugs, it carries a host of possible side effects. Unlike the other antipsychotic drugs marketed for these mental illnesses, Risperdal carries a much higher risk of gynecomastia, or male breast growth. In some cases, adolescent and adult males can develop breasts as large as size 38D, according to court documents.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in August 2014 found that middle aged males are 69 percent more likely to develop gynecomastia if they take Risperdal than that of the general public. Risperdal, Zyprexa and Seroquel are all antipsychotic medications used to treat psychotic illnesses. All reduce psychotic episodes by changing hormones. Gynecomastia is a potential side effect of all these medications.
The study was done to investigate the increased reports of gynecomastia to the FDA. Risperdal users are 40 percent more likely to develop male breasts than users of other antipsychotic medications. In the study, doctors examined 8,285 men with gynecomastia and 82,850 men from the general public. The researchers believe that the large population sample gives them a firm basis for their research conclusions. The level of prolactin, a hormone that causes breast growth in women, is higher in Risperdal than in other medications of its type. This creates the greater risk of male breast enlargement.
The drug has been under investigation since 2004. There are approximately 420 Risperdal lawsuits pending that accuse both Johnson and Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals of concealing the risks of Risperdal.
In November, 2013, both manufacturers agreed to pay 2.2 million to settle charges in a Risperdal lawsuit brought by the Department of Justice regarding the marketing of the antipsychotic drug, particularly to adolescents. The use of Risperdal in teens is considered an off label use of the drug. The companies admitted no wrongdoing, but pled guilty to a criminal misdemeanor charge.
Considering Joining Kentucky Risperdal Lawsuits?
Parents and loved ones of Kentucky males who’ve taken Risperdal and seen their loved ones suffer from gynecomastia may be entitled to damages. Kentucky residents can contact the Kentucky Injury Group of Attorneys for information regarding Risperdal lawsuits. We can help answer questions and connect you to an affiliated attorney who can help throughout the legal process. Contact us today for learn more in a free consultation.
