Do I Qualify For A Risperdal Lawsuit

Do I Qualify For A Risperdal Lawsuit?

Risperdal is an antipsychotic drug that was originally only approved for adults with schizophrenia. The drug manufacturer Ortho-McNeil-Janssen (OMJ), a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, marketed the drug for use in treating children with mental disorders  later after FDA approval. Some of the children that took Risperdal later developed side effects particularly gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is an unusual enlargement of the breast in males. This is the reason why Johnson & Johnson is now facing numerous drug lawsuits.

Understanding Gynecomastia

Experts believe that Risperdal’s antipsychotic action is what causes breast tissue development in adolescent or young males. It leads to an increase in the production of a hormone called prolactin in the pituitary gland. This is the hormone that causes breasts to produce milk when a woman gives birth. In fact, people taking risperidone are four times more likely to develop gynecomastia compared to non-users. It is a serious condition that is very expensive to treat which is why many people file lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson.

Other Side Effects Of Risperdal

The FDA recently included a black box label on Risperdal’s packaging because a recent FDA study revealed that the drug can cause a significant increase in death from various health conditions. These conditions include obesity, heart problems, pneumonia, and diabetes. Risperdal may also cause neuromuscular disease such as Tardive Dyskinesia which causes involuntary movements of the tongue and facial muscles. Some side effects that are observed during clinical trials include:

  • Pain in extremities
  • Indigestion
  • Anxiety
  • Sedation
  • Dry mouth 
  • Constipation 

Johnson & Johnson Lawsuits

Johnson &Johnson is not a stranger to lawsuits because thousands of people have accused them of making  unsafe products. For example, in 2018 J&J was ordered by a Jury in Missouri to pay a whopping $4.7 billion in damages to 22 women who blamed their ovarian cancers on the company’s talcum products. On September 5, 2020, the company lost a high court appeal in Pennsylvania aimed at striking down a $70 million verdict won by a man who grew breasts after taking Risperdal as a child. Johnson & Johnson had to settle a similar case just hours into opening arguments on May 27, 2015. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a boy in California who grew breasts after taking Risperdal. The company has also paid tens of millions in Ohio for their role in the opiate crisis in a couple of counties in the state. 

Who Is Entitled To A Risperdal Lawsuit?

People that have developed gynecomastia , pneumonia,  and other conditions, or have a loved one that died after using Risperdal may be entitled to compensation for their losses. You need to contact a personal injury lawyer that has experience handling Risperdal litigation to familiarize yourself with the steps of the civil litigation process. Your lawyer can help you gather evidence that shows that OMJ and Johnson &Johnson marketed Risperdal without informing users of its serious side effects. Your lawyer can also help you calculate the appropriate compensation amount that you may be entitled to.