Risperdal Male Breast Growth Class Action Lawsuit
People of all ages suffer from different psychological problems and fortunately, medical advances have allowed people to use medication that helped them manage these conditions. As more and more medications have been approved by the FDA as safe for children, they are able to experience some relief from different mental or psychological disorders. As certain conditions, such as autism, have increased in prevalence, the need for medication has increased. Large companies work tirelessly to meet this growing demand for specialized medication. Johnson & Johnson has long been a leader in terms of its development of new products.
Risperdal was an enormous generator of revenue for Johnson & Johnson, and was used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia in adults, as well as bipolar disorder, autism, issues with aggression and behavioral problems in children. The drug was very successful, and used by people of all ages across the U.S. After a few years, however, the safety of Risperdal majorly changed.
Who takes Risperdal and what is for? A Brief Description
Risperdal is known as an atypical antipsychotic medication. It works by penetrating the brain of a patient and regulating the substances known as neurotransmitters in order to bring them into balance. People with bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and other disorders mentioned above tend to have trouble with the chemical balances in their brains. Risperdal helps to correct that imbalance and thereby reduce the symptoms associated with these conditions. It worked so well that it generated more than $4 billion in revenue in 2007 alone.
Alleged Risperdal Side Effects – Gynecomastia
As stated above, things began to turn toward the negative for Risperdal after it had been on the market for a few years. Specifically, boys were alleging that they were suffering from severe Risperdal side effects that led to varying degrees of harm.
The most prominently alleged Risperdal side effect was gynecomastia, a condition whereby boys begin to develop breasts much like any girl of that general age would do. Not only would breasts begin to develop, but boys would also suffer from the following:
- Puffy nipples
- Enlarged nipples
- Painful breasts
- Nipple discharge
This may seem like a less than serious problem, but the fact of the matter is that many of these boys had to have surgery to remove these breasts. Clearly, this type of surgery leads not only to physical pain and suffering but also to what can be intense psychological distress.
Risperdal Q & A
What is Risperdal used for?
Risperdal (generic name: risperidone) is a drug used to lessen symptoms associated with schizophrenia, as well as acute mania and Bipolar I Disorder. It has been prescribed for adults and teenagers older than 13. In addition, it has been prescribed to children ages 5-16 dealing with autistic disorder.
What are the dangers of Rispderal? Side effects?
In 2000, a study for Risperdal was published that looked into a possible link between males using risperdal and gynecomastia, the enlargement of male breast tissue. In the study, a 38-year-old man with bipolar mood disorder was prescribed 2.5 mg of risperdal to take twice a day. After about twelve days, he suffered from enlarged breasts as well as galactorrhea, which is the spontaneous discharge of milk from the breast.
There are several other side effects associated with Risperdal:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Dry mouth
- Stomach pain
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Stiff muscles
- Seizures
- Rash/hives
- Problems breathing/swallowing
Should I stop taking Risperdal immediately?
While Risperdal isn’t an addictive drug, it’s not suggested to immediately stop taking it. Many people have reported suffering from withdrawal symptoms while taking the drug, and it’s not recommended to quit “cold turkey.”
Can Risperdal cause impotence?
A 2009 study was done on the possibility of Risperdal causing sexual dysfunction. The results were inconclusive, but they showed that those who were taking Risperdal has the highest level of overall sexual impairment when compared to other drugs, with 96% of participants suffering. Nearly 80% of the people prescribed Risperdal had impaired desire and 40% suffered from erectile dysfunction.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the abnormal development of breast tissue in males. While it’s troubling in adults, it is extremely unfortunate for teenagers and children. Along with physical changes, children are put through emotional and psychological trauma due to gynecomastia.
Risperdal works as an anti-psychotic by blocking the activity of dopamine in areas of the brain but this blocking also has an effect on the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland regulates different body systems and is responsible for hormone production. When Risperdal blocks the dopamine activity, this stimulates the pituitary gland which can cause several metabolic disruptions and results in the hormone prolactin being released.
Because gynecomastia is usually a permanent change, it requires surgery to remove. The breast tissue generally does not go away, even after the drug is discontinued. In some cases, gynecomastia can occur in one or both breasts, and sometimes unevenly.
Find out if you qualify for Cash Compensation by taking the Risperdal Gynecomastia Case Review.
Three recent questions about the Risperdal lawsuit.
How much can you get for a Risperdal lawsuit?
How much compensation would I get for taking Risperdal bipolar disorder or schizophrenia?
How much is the settlement in the Risperdal lawsuit?
The answer to these questions can be difficult to predict, as the class action for this hasn’t started yet. There is still time for join in this Risperdal lawsuit, but there are statutes of limitations that apply.
Some of the past defective drug lawsuits have had millions of dollars in a compensation fund, and then that is divided up between all who have joined the lawsuit. Example: $50,000,000 in a settlement fund that would serve 1,000 victims would be $50,000 per person. This is only an example and does not represent what may happen for Risperdal .
Contact us today at 1-800-214-1010.
People who have been harmed as a result of using Risperdal need to stand up for their legal rights. However, that’s easier said than done when dealing with a multi-billion-dollar corporation. Consumers need to level the playing field by obtaining the help of Risperdal side effects lawyers who have been handling these cases all over the country. If this includes you or someone you love, contact National Injury Help, today to schedule a free initial consultation there may be substantial cash settlements – but act now as there may be a statute of limitations for filing a Risperdal claim.
Risperdal Lawsuits in these States – Click your State for more information:
Alabama (AL), Alaska (AK), Arizona (AZ), Arkansas (AR), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Hawaii (HI), Idaho (ID), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Iowa (IA), Kansas (KS), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Mississippi (MS), Missouri (MO), Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE), Nevada (NV), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New Mexico (NM), New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), North Dakota (ND), Ohio(OH), Oklahoma (OK), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Utah (UT), Vermont (VT), Virginia (VI), Washington (WA), Washington DC (DC), West Virginia (WV), Wisconsin (WI), Wyoming (WY)
Our lawyers and attorneys can provide information on how to file Risperdal breast lawsuits in the following cities:
New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, Indianapolis, Columbus, Baltimore, Boston, Seattle, Washington, Milwaukee, Denver, Louisville, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, Oklahoma City, Portland, Phoenix, Houston, Tucson, Albuquerque, Atlanta, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Dallas, Colorado Springs, Arlington, Wichita, Long Beach, Fresno, Sacramento, Mesa, Kansas City, Cleveland, San Jose, Jacksonville, Austin, Memphis, Fort Worth, Charlotte, Virginia Beach, Omaha, Miami, Oakland, Tulsa, Honolulu, Minneapolis.
Risperdal Male Breast Growth lawyers & Attorneys for Class Action Lawsuit Settlements Claims page updated April 5, 2019
