A fourth Risperdal lawsuit has kicked off in a Pennsylvania court. In this Risperdal lawsuit, it is alleged that Risperdal, a drug made by Johnson & Johnson, caused a Maryland boy to grow breasts.

The Risperdal lawsuit, filed by Plaintiff Nicholas M., holds that Johnson & Johnson concealed the risk of gynecomastia, the growth of female-like breasts in males, from federal regulators during the FDA approval process for Risperdal.

Nicholas, who is autistic, began taking Risperdal at the age of 9 when his mother discussed concerns about his trouble sleeping with the boy’s pediatrician and was then prescribed the medication. According to the plaintiff and his mother, Risperdal caused him to suffer injuries, including but not limited to male breast growth or gynecomastia.

Nicholas’ case marks the fourth Risperdal lawsuit over gynecomastia side effects that has progressed to the trial phase in Pennsylvania this past year.

The first Risperdal lawsuit resulted in a $2.5 million dollar award against Johnson & Johnson, though a second ended in a sort of legal draw, as there was dispute that the patient’s gynecomastia was caused by Risperdal, though the jury did rule that Johnson & Johnson failed to adequately warn the public of the risk of gynecomastia. The third started in early October of 2013.

This Risperdal lawsuit seeks to recoup the costs of medical care, as well as compensation for the psychological trauma Nicholas endured as a result of male breast growth, as well as other costs stemming from alleged Risperdal side effects.

About Risperdal

Risperdal is a drug approved to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and certain symptoms of autism. However, Risperdal lawsuits holds that the Risperdal side effects could include gynecomastia, and that the public was not adequately warned of this risk.

Additionally, Risperdal lawsuits hold that the makers of the drug engaged in off-label marketing, illegally promoting Risperdal for purposes other than the FDA-approved uses for Risperdal, possibly increasing their liability.

Risperdal Lawsuits

According to court records, so many individual Risperdal lawsuits have been filed that the legal system has resorted to a process known as a mass tort. Similar to multidistrict litigation, these mass tort Risperdal lawsuits like this one often hinge on similar evidence and make similar allegations and are intended to streamline the legal process.

Within the Risperdal litigation, many of the Risperdal lawsuits make similar claims. For example, many Risperdal lawsuits like this one typically seek compensation for medical costs related to gynecomastia and other alleged Risperdal side effects, such as the cost of reconstructive surgery to remove the breasts and rebuild the chest.

Risperdal lawsuits also seek compensation for psychological trauma from gynecomastia. Risperdal lawsuits may also seek compensatory damages, statutory damages, and legal fees.

Risperdal lawsuits like the ones working through the court system allege that the drug maker, Johnson & Johnson is liable for gynecomastia and other Risperdal complications for a number of reasons. For example, Risperdal lawsuits allege that Risperdal can cause gynecomastia.

Additionally, Risperdal lawsuits further allege that the makers of the drug did not adequately disclose to the public and government regulators that Risperdal could cause gynecomastia.

On top of that, Risperdal lawsuits allege that the drug’s makers engaged in an illegal marketing campaign, promoting Risperdal for off-label use. Risperdal lawsuits hold that these factors leave Johnson & Johnson is liable for the claims made in Risperdal lawsuits.

The Risperdal Lawsuit is Case No. 100300296, in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.