Health Complications Leading to Risperdal Lawsuits

Neal Elmore
3 min readJun 22, 2018

Manufactured and marketed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, which is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, Risperdal is used for the treatment of schizophrenia, acute mania and mental disorders. The drug was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 and since then has been a popular medication for behavioral disorders such as attention deficit disorder (ADD) in children, dementia in adults, anxiety, depression, and autism. Although it was initially labeled as a considerably effective drug, it has been recently linked with potentially life-threatening side effects.

Here’s a list of the adverse health complications associated with Risperdal:

· Gynecomastia

· Tardive Dyskinesia

· Pituitary tumors

· Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)

· Diabetes, hyperglycemia and other blood sugar related health effects

· Pancreatitis

· Cellulitis

· Neutropenia

· Suicidal thoughts

· Bonedensity loss

With all these potentially fatal health risks, hundreds of victims of the drug have filed for risperdal class action lawsuit. There are debates and studies which questions whether physicians were following dosing guidelines in prescribing Risperdal or other antipsychotic drugs.

Gynecomastia linked with Risperdal

Gynecomastia is a condition which arises from hormonal disbalance and can lead to unwanted growth of male breasts along with significant weight gain. It has also been studied that young male users of Risperdal may develop gynecomastia as it increases levels of the hormone prolactin, the hormone responsible for breast development and lactation in females.

The study in 2006 found that the drug can increase prolactin levels in children and adoloscents and leaves them five times higher risks of gynecomastia.

Side effects of gynecomastia

Of course there are physical complications with the overgrown breasts in man; however, emotional problems are by far the most difficult part of the condition to address. The situation can sometime reach a stage where it leaves no scope but a surgical intervention to correct the appearance.

If you are taking Risperdal, consult your doctor immediately if there is:

· any unusual swelling

· pain in and around the breast area

· tenderness

· Nipple discharge from the breast(s)

Significant numbers of Risperdal gynecomastia settlements have been attained in the cases filed by the individuals. Substantial damage awards have been reached in specific cases where the drug maker has been proved guilty. The results of the early bellwether trials certainly do not bind the other cases but it gives a highlight of the extent of liability which the drug maker might face for placing their commerce concern before the public safety.

Some of the less severe side effects of Risperdal include:

· Dry mouth

· Headache or dizziness

· Weight gain

· Rash

· Cough or sore throat

· Anxiousness

· Fatigue or insomnia

Risperdal Lawsuits

Plaintiffs in risperdal class action lawsuit have accused Janssen Pharmaceuticals of the following misconducts:

· Illegally marketing Risperdal as a safe medication for children suffering from autism spectrum disorders

· Deliberately masked the information regarding the drug’s harmful side effects

· Misbranded and misrepresented Risperdal for use in children

Risperdal Lawsuit Evaluation

If you or any of your loved ones have been diagnosed with gynecomastia after taking Risperdal can join the risperdal class action lawsuit.

Recently, a Pennsylvania Superior Court made way for punitive damages in a lawsuit after a young boy grew unwanted breast after taking Risperdal to treat his Tourette’s syndrome. With the experienced team of trial lawyers, you can determine whether or not your case is eligible for financial settlement. Generally, the Risperdal attorneys opt for a free case evaluation and confidential consultations are also available.

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Neal Elmore
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Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Risperdal in 1993, serious side effects have been reported.