Several Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuits are making their way through the litigation process.

These Risperdal lawsuits allege that the pharmaceutical manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, concealed and failed to warn the community about dangerous Risperdal side effects associated with taking the medication.

Recently in one of the Risperdal lawsuits, a Philadelphia judge denied Janssen Pharmaceuticals request to re-depose a key witness in their case.

In the Risperdal mass tort litigation, Janssen Pharmaceuticals wanted to re-depose the former United States Food and Drug Administration Commissioner David Kessler about his testimony regarding the reanalysis of data linking the drug to the development of male breast tissue.

Janssen asked to re-depose the key witness in hopes of supplementing the former Commissioner’s prior depositions with new information. Specifically,  Janssen motioned to ask the Commissioner more questions regarding the reanalysis of a medical report from 2003.

In the Risperdal litigation, Janssen has relied on the 2003 report to argue that there is no significant relationship between adolescent males taking Risperdal and developing gynecomastia.

Janssen asserts that new critical information has become available since the former commissioner was deposed and a re-deposition would allow the defendant to question the former commissioner about his unfavorable testimony.

The plaintiff argues that Janssen’s request for re-deposition came too late and lacked relevance. The plaintiff believes Janssen can use testimony from its own expert witnesses rather than re-deposing the former commissioner.

What is Risperdal?

Risperdal is a popular antipsychotic medication generically known as Risperidone.  The medication was approved by the FDA in 2006 in order to treat autism and bipolar disorder in children.

Unfortunately, several adolescent males who were prescribed and used Risperdal for treatment purposes began to develop gynecomastia, a condition more commonly known as male breast growth or man boobs.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology back in 2006 suggests that Risperdal stimulates the production of prolactin, the hormone associated with breast growth in women.

Researchers believe that the increased levels of prolactin in young males taking Risperdal may cause the adolescent boys to develop breast tissue.

Aside from gynecomastia, Risperdal side effects include painful breasts, nipple pain, and or nipple discharge, or lactation.  These side effects can be extremely detrimental to the mental health and stability of teenage boys.

Risperdal Lawsuits

Numerous Risperdal lawsuits have been filed against the pharmaceutical manufacturer for violating consumer protection laws.

Young men who have taken Risperdal and have developed gynecomastia may be able to join a free lawsuit investigation.  Risperdal attorneys can help potential plaintiffs determine whether or not bringing a Risperdal lawsuit is right for them.

Plaintiffs involved in successful lawsuits may receive substantial compensation from Janssen Pharmaceuticals.  Damages may pay for a victim’s medical bills as well as the pain and suffering they experienced due to the side effects from taking Risperdal.

In 2012 Risperdal manufacturers paid more than 2.2 billion dollars in fines to settle a lawsuit brought by the United States Department of Justice.

The Risperdal Side Effects Lawsuit is Case No. 2:15-cv-03012 in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.