In light of allegations that the antipsychotic drug Risperdal can cause abnormal breast growth in boys, the attorneys working with ClassAction.org are offering free case reviews to patients who suffered adverse effects after using the drug, as well as loved ones acting on their behalf. Lawsuits allege that Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Risperdal, knew its antipsychotic drug could put boys at risk for developing breasts (a condition known as gynecomastia), yet failed to properly warn the public about this side effect. If you or someone you know developed gynecomastia after using Risperdal, you may have legal recourse. For more information, visit http://www.classaction.org/risperdal.
In 2006, the FDA approved Risperdal for use in adolescents; however, lawsuits filed against Janssen allege that the company participated in ghostwriting campaigns to promote Risperdal for off-label uses, specifically in adolescents, long before FDA approval. According to one lawsuit, a young boy began using Risperdal in 1997 at the age of six and developed gynecomastia after using the antipsychotic drug for nearly four years. In addition to abnormal breast growth, lawsuits claim that Risperdal users suffered from other serious side effects, including problems with their endocrine systems and sexual organs. Plaintiffs allege that despite knowing that Risperdal could put boys at risk for developing gynecomastia, Janssen concealed its knowledge and continued to market the drug as a safe and effective antipsychotic.
According to the current prescribing information for Risperdal, more than two percent of clinical trial patients developed gynecomastia after using the antipsychotic. Some believe that Risperdal may cause gynecomastia because it increases levels of a hormone known as prolactin in the body, which is only found naturally in breastfeeding women. Several studies have linked Risperdal to heightened levels of prolactin. In 2006, researchers found that when Risperdal was administered to adolescents at doses commonly used for the treatment of psychotic treatments, it could greatly increase prolactin levels. Another study from 2009 found that heightened levels of prolactin remained in patients’ bodies for at least two years after ceasing use of Risperdal.
Court documents indicate that Janssen “had a duty to provide safe prescription drugs…or proper and adequate warnings of risks and side effects” associated with its drugs, including Risperdal. If you or someone you know suffered from gynecomastia after using Janssen’s antipsychotic, you may be entitled to compensation. For more information on your potential legal rights, visit http://www.classaction.org/risperdal today.
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