If you or a loved one took Risperdal^® to treat autism, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or Tourette syndrome and developed gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) before age 21, then you may have a case. Young boys prescribed the antipsychotic medication for off-label use constitute the majority of Risperdal patients reporting serious side effects. In virtually every Risperdal claim filed since 2010, plaintiffs accuse drug manufacturer Johnson & Johnson of:

• Intentionally hiding Risperdal’s known risks
• Failing to warn consumers and health care providers about potential complications
• Concealing data showing Risperdal may raise prolactin levels, which can cause breast growth and lactation

Prior to the Food and Drug Administration’s 2007 approval of Risperdal for use in children, countless young men with mental health issues took it. Until 2011, the FDA issued no warnings about adverse reaction risks in Risperdal patients. In fact, none of these FDA warnings specifically mentioned gynecomastia as a potential Risperdal side effect.

Clinical Trials Show Serious Risperdal Risks for Children, Elderly Patients

Back in 2005, one study showed elderly dementia patients faced increased of risk of death while taking Risperdal. Then in 2006, researchers discovered the association between Risperdal and gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) in young men. At the time, Risperdal was frequently prescribed to treat symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism, as well as Tourette syndrome. Despite evidence showing Risperdal disrupted hormonal development in 4.5% of patients who subsequently developed gynecomastia, pharmaceutical execs looked to “re-issue” the results in 2002. By removing any male subjects over age 10 from the study’s numerator, Johnson & Johnson skewed that incidence rate down to .8%.

Johnson & Johnson Settles Risperdal Claim Out of Court

In 2010, 21-year-old Aaron Banks filed the first Risperdal claim. Banks allegedly developed gynecomastia while taking Risperdal between 1999 and 2004. However, Johnson & Johnson chose to settle out of court for an undisclosed sum on the first day of trial. In 2012, at least 130 gynecomastia victims filed Risperdal lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson. In order to avoid facing testimony from the FDA commissioner during five additional trials, the company paid out-of-court settlements in every case. The company eventually settled false advertising lawsuits in 26 different states by paying $181 million in 2012.

After Risperdal Claim Finally Goes to Trial, Several Juries Award Settlements

During one 2013 Risperdal lawsuit, a judge ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $2.2 billion for promoting the drug to treat conditions not yet approved by the FDA from 1999 to 2005. Then in 2015, a 20-year-old male plaintiff who grew 46DD breasts after taking Risperdal won a staggering $2.5 million. By April 2016, more than 1,720 Risperdal claims were still pending across the U.S. and four bellwether cases had already been tried. The large number of litigants across several states triggered class-action status for these Risperdal lawsuits. And then, another Risperdal verdict eclipsed all settlements paid by Johnson & Johnson prior to 2016. In July, jurors awarded a Tennessee teenager $70 million. In addition to ordering J&J to pay damages for emotional distress, the court cited the company for failing to properly warn that Risperdal can cause young men prescribed the medication to grow enlarged breasts.

Find the Right Attorney Before Filing a Risperdal Claim

If you or a loved one developed gynecomastia while taking Risperdal, hire an attorney with experience handling product liability cases. A drug injury lawyer who specializes in handling these types of cases will be able to review your medical history. Then, he or she can quickly determine whether or not you may be eligible for financial compensation. Before you decide how to proceed, get a free consultation online from a qualified local professional. Simply fill out this free case review form to have an experienced attorney see if you may qualify.