Risperdal, also known as risperidone, is an atypical antipsychotic made by the Janssen division at Johnson & Johnson, and is designed to treat a variety of conditions including autism, bipolar disorder, dementia, schizophrenia, and Tourette’s Syndrome.

However, there are some serious reported Risperdal adverse side effects involved with taking this drug.

Dangerous Risperdal Adverse Side Effects

Although it received approval for use in treating schizophrenia (including adolescent schizophrenia), bipolar disorder, and irritability in people with autism, Risperdal may cause a variety of unintended health problems beyond the typically mild side effects.

Some serious Risperdal adverse side effects include:

• Gynecomastia
• Galactorrhea
• Diabetes, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
• Sexual dysfunction
• Pituitary tumors
• Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movement)
• Suicide or thoughts of suicide
• Increased risk of death among elderly people with dementia

These Risperdal adverse side effects range in severity from mild to potentially life-threatening, and as a result, many individuals who have suffered after Risperdal use are now taking legal action against Johnson & Johnson to pursue compensation for Risperdal adverse side effects injuries.

Risperdal Male Breast Growth – Gynecomastia

One of the more reported serious Risperdal adverse side effects is a condition called gynecomastia, or the enlargement of male breast tissue.

This condition often occurs as a result of a hormonal imbalance in the body, especially when the male body has more estrogen (female hormone) than androgen (male hormone).

Gynecomastia is commonly associated with other medical problems such as chronic kidney failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and hyperthyroidism. One prominent cause of gynecomastia may be the abuse of drugs and several medications.

The anti-psychotic drug Risperdal, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, has spawned many lawsuits in which gynecomastia was cited as one of many Risperdal adverse side effects.

Research has also linked this drug to the condition, and the the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued several warnings related to the Risperdal adverse side effects, including gynecomastia, emphasizing the dangers it may pose to users.

Risperdal Gynecomastia Symptoms

Symptoms of this condition include breast sensitivity, discharge coming out of the nipple, and enlargement and/or swelling of the breast tissue. This is unnatural and can cause emotional trauma in patients.

It is believed that Risperdal can cause gynecomastia because the drug mechanism increases the levels of prolactin in users and cause young boys, and even adult men, to develop breasts and begin producing milk, which can be especially devastating, both emotionally and physically.

Risperdal Lawsuits

Consumers nationwide are filing Risperdal lawsuits due to side effects for which the manufacturer failed to provide warnings. Risperdal adverse side effects may increase the amount of prolactin in the bloodstream, which cause boys to develop gynecomastia.

To correct this side effect, surgery may be required. In addition to gynecomastia treatment, which carries its own risks and expenses, injured Risperdal users are filing claims due to the physical pain and emotional trauma suffering while undergoing Risperdal gynecomastia treatment.

Johnson & Johnson allegedly marketed Risperdal illegally for uses that were not approved by the FDA as safe. The so-called “off-label” marketing of Risperdal is yet another reason injured consumers are filing Risperdal lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has suffered Risperdal adverse side effects, an experienced drug injury attorney can evaluate your case and explain your legal options at no charge.