More than 1,300 Risperdal lawsuits have been filed by plaintiffs claiming the anti-psychotic medication caused male consumers to develop breasts measuring as large as a 46DD cup size.

Risperdal manufacturers Johnson & Johnson and their subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals have been accused of failing to warn teens and young men of the likelihood of developing gynecomastia, which is the medical term for male breast growth. Plaintiffs are seeking financial compensation for the emotional and psychological distress of developing “man boobs” after taking Risperdal.

Risperdal Complications

The FDA approved Risperdal in 1993 for treatment of physiological conditions, including schizophrenia. Since then, physicians have begun to prescribe Risperdal to patients for mania, bipolar disorder, autism, and even for off-label treatment of ADHD, ADD, and problems sleeping. Risperdal was approved for pediatric use in 2006.

Although the medication was approved for use in children, the Risperdal side effects were largely unknown at that time. Recent studies have found that the drug may increase the levels of prolactin, which stimulates breast growth in women. This can lead to male users developing the  embarrassing condition commonly referred to as man boobs.

In addition to developing breast tissue growth, plaintiffs in Risperdal lawsuits have reported other side effects including nipple pain, breast pain, and nipple discharge. Some men have even claimed they had to undergo surgery to remove the male breasts.

As the medication gains popularity for treating so many different health conditions, including anxiety and depression, consumers have raised concerns about the lack of gynecomastia warnings. Research findings show that the risks of developing Risperdal breast tissue growth are especially serious in boys taking the mediation between the ages of 10 and 18. Man boob side effects have been reported to last long after an individual has stopped taking the medication.

Risperdal Lawsuits and Settlements

The drug’s manufacturers Johnson & Johnson have paid billions for Risperdal lawsuits and settlements so far. Plaintiffs accuse the manufacturers of intentionally hiding the risks of Risperdal complications, including male breast growth.

A recent Risperdal settlement awarded a young man $2.5 million after he took the medication to treat autism for five years. The Philadelphia jury found Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals failed to warn the plaintiff of the risks of developing man boobs as the label stated the risk of gynecomastia was “low.”

In a separate case, Johnson & Johnson settled with the U.S. Justice Department for $2.2 billion to absolve criminal and civil fines that the company improperly marketed Risperdal and Invega to children as well as adults with developmental disabilities.

Plaintiffs in more than 1,300 lawsuits want the drug makers to adequately warn of the gynecomastia risks on the drug label. Johnson & Johnson has continued to defend its product with claims that breast development is part of puberty and is normal for boys.

Numerous Risperdal lawsuits refute those claims and insist that breast growth and in some cases even producing breast milk is not normal for boys, rather it is a direct side effect of taking the drug, and allege the side effect was not clearly stated on the warning label.