Patients are suing Johnson & Johnson, maker of Risperdal®, over marketing the drug for off-label use in children prior to its approval for that purpose by the Food and Drug Administration. Medical studies link Risperdal (risperidone) use to gynecomastia (breast growth) in young boys. If you took risperidone and experienced breast growth before age 21, you may have an eligible Risperdal lawsuit claim.

What Is Risperdal?

Risperdal belongs to a family of drugs called atypical antipsychotics, or AAPs. Risperdal treats symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, dementia, autism as well as Tourette syndrome. Risperdal’s manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson, endured harsh criticism for marketing the drug to children prior to its FDA approval for this use in 2007. Then in 2010, studies linked Risperdal with a side effect called gynecomastia, which is when young males experience large breast growth. A gynecomastia diagnosis can physically affect Risperdal patients while also taking a major emotional toll.

Risperdal Lawsuit Allegations: Studies Show Serious Side Effect Risk for Children

First approved for treating schizophrenic adults in 1993, the FDA later expanded Risperdal’s use in 2007 to treat children younger than 17. This approval came despite studies showing serious side effect risks for certain patient populations. In particular, early 2005 clinical trials showed increased death risks for elderly Risperdal patients. For this reason, the FDA issued a black box warning in April 2005. Later in 2006, Duke University researchers linked Risperdal use with young male patients developing gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts. As a result, 21-year-old Aaron Banks of Pennsylvania filed a Risperdal lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson in 2010. Banks said he developed gynecomastia while taking Risperdal from 1999 to 2004. However, on the first day of trial in 2012, J&J chose to settle out of court for an undisclosed amount.

Risperdal Lawsuit Information

To date, many different families have filed a Risperdal lawsuit. This is due to young boys with mental health disorders developing gynecomastia (breast growth) while taking the antipsychotic. In most cases, boys with gynecomastia sustain lasting psychological and physical trauma. These health conditions add to the emotional toll taken by the disease the drug was promised to treat. In more serious cases, young men may require expensive breast reduction surgery, which makes winning financial compensation extremely important.

Since 2012, more young men suffering from serious Risperdal side effects have sued Johnson & Johnson. Further, J&J paid billions to settle recent claims amid allegations of intentionally misleading consumers about the drug’s serious side effect risks. Young men who took Risperdal before 2007 and developed large breasts may still have a claim. Due to the statute of limitations for drug injury claims, however, time is of the essence. If you or a loved one suffered serious side effects while taking Risperdal, get legal advice. Start your free claim review today before filing your Risperdal lawsuit.