Many patients have been adversely affected by the antipsychotic, Risperdal, and many have chosen to file an individual Risperdal personal injury lawsuit as a result.

Risperdal is a drug that has been traditionally used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder but it is also used to treat irritability caused by autism. It is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

It is also sometimes prescribed for off-label purposes like the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, sleep disorders and depression.

By 2007, Risperdal’s annual sales peaked at more than $4.5 billion.

However, Risperdal has been linked to serious side effects like breast development in boys, clinically known as gynecomastia, and movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia.

Because of these side effects, many patients have been involved in Risperdal personal injury litigation against the drug manufacturers.

Some Risperdal personal injury lawsuits cite the serious side effects such as gynecomastia. Others note that the drug company promoted Risperdal for off-label purposes and critics wonder whether Johnson & Johnson marketed it to young people before the FDA said they could.

Risperdal personal injury lawsuits seek to compensate patients and their families for the pain and suffering caused by embarrassing conditions such as gynecomastia.

It is thought that gynecomastia, as a Risperdal side effect, may be caused by an increased level of the hormone prolactin in boys who take Risperdal.

Prolactin is the hormone that regulates breast growth in females, but if it is found in increased levels in boys, it can lead to male breast growth.

The alleged side effect, a subject of many Risperdal personal injury lawsuits, happens more often when younger boys take the drug. But newer studies show that the effect can last throughout life.

More than 3.5 million children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder take Risperdal and other similar antipsychotics despite growing reports of serious side effects such as gynecomastia.

Movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia have also been the subject of Risperdal personal injury litigation. This condition is characterized by movements that are painful and at times, involuntary.

Additionally, Risperdal has been linked with type-2 diabetes, high blood sugar, tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and the risk of sudden cardiac death.

Filing a Risperdal Personal Injury Lawsuit

Thousands of Risperdal personal injury lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

It is possible that if you or someone you love has been affected adversely by Risperdal, you may be able to file a Risperdal personal injury lawsuit.

You may be entitled to monetary compensation for damages as a result of Risperdal use. An experienced Risperdal personal injury attorney is waiting to discuss your options with you.