Risperdal Lawsuits

Risperdal is an antipsychotic medication manufactured by Johnson & Johnson who is now facing hundreds of dangerous drugs lawsuits due to off-label use and hidden side effects such as enlarged male breasts and movement disorders. Off-label use of any category of drug can quickly become dangerous, even fatal, and Risperdal is no different. Risperdal is commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders, but is often prescribed off-label for ADHD, depression, sleep difficulties and other behavioral conditions.

If you or a loved one has taken Risperdal for off-label purposes and experienced severe adverse side effects, please contact our dangerous drugs attorneys in Orlando at (407) 712-7300 to schedule a FREE consultation. The Law Offices of Colling Gilbert Wright provide legal representation to clients in Orlando, Florida and across the nation.

Risperdal Claims

Johnson & Johnson has faced litigation for Risperdal before and agreed to pay $2.2 billion in 2013 to the federal government due to allegations of illegally marketing the drug for off-label use to treat dementia in elderly patients and behavioral problems in children. Risperdal currently has a “black box warning” from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), meaning the label contains a black box on it, which explicitly warns patients and medical professionals of the associated risks of the drug. However, there are side effects that have yet to be listed such as Gynecomastia and Tardive Dyskinesia. Other risks listed in lawsuits include type-2 diabetes, heart attack and stroke.

Gynecomastia is the abnormal growth of breast tissue in men, which in some cases, can even lead to lactation. This side effect is believed to be caused by abnormal levels of hormones in the body due to taking Risperdal. These hormonal changes are actually what makes the drug work in the first place.

Antipsychotic medications are said to work on serotonin and dopamine receptors. Gynecomastia can cause pain or sensitivity in the breast area as well as severe emotional distress in young boys and men who have suffered this side effect of Risperdal. Sometimes, the only treatment option is a mastectomy to remove the excess breast tissue.

Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder, which involves involuntary grimacing, lip smacking and other actions. The condition seems to be permanent even if Risperdal use is discontinued.

Risperdal lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson involve these claims:

• Johnson & Johnson made and distributed a dangerous antipsychotic medication.
• The manufacturer failed to offer an appropriate warning of the potential risk for gynecomastia.
• The company marketed the drug for off-label uses and went so far as to pay doctors to prescribe Risperdal for off-label use.
• Johnson & Johnson purposely hid the potential side effects of Risperdal.
• The company also downplayed the risks while overstating the benefits.

Many families allege their children have experienced abnormal male breast growth and struggle with the physical and emotional impact Risperdal use has had on their family and the quality of life of their child. Our lawyers can fight on your behalf and help you recover compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Consult With an Experienced Dangerous Drugs Attorney

If you or a loved one has developed gynecomastia, tardive dyskinesia, type-2 diabetes or any of the other side effects we’ve mentioned after prolonged use of Risperdal, contact our attorneys in Orlando at (407) 712-7300. Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter specializes in dangerous drugs lawsuits and serves clients in Orlando, Florida and nationwide.