In 2013, Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay over $2.2 billion in both civil and criminal fines to settle allegations that the company improperly advertised Risperdal, an antipsychotic drug, and a few other dangerous medications, to children, adults, and people with disabilities.

At the time, this settlement was the third largest pharmaceutical settlement in US history.

The United States Attorney General stated in a news conference that Johnson & Johnson acted recklessly by putting the health of young children and several others at risk. Federal prosecutors involved in the settlement said that Johnson & Johnson promoted Risperdal for children before it had received FDA approval for that use.

Allegations were asserted that Johnson & Johnson knew taking Risperdal could cause serious Risperdal side effects in boys. The civil part of the settlement resolved lawsuits brought against the company by plaintiffs in 45 states.

What is Risperdal?

Risperdal is an antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability caused by child autism. Risperdal works by affecting the chemical balance in the brain. The active ingredient in Risperdal, risperidone, works by affecting the brains neurotransmitters. The medication rebalances dopamine and serotonin. This helps to improve mood, behavior, and thinking.

Risperdal Side Effects in Boys

Unfortunately for some patients, Risperdal has been linked to allegations that the drug causes gynecomastia in boys. Gynecomastia in boys is often referred to as male breast growth or man boobs.

The condition is thought to occur because the medication causes increased levels of prolactin. Prolactin is the hormone that stimulates breast growth in women. Risperdal side effects in boys can also include, painful breasts, nipple pain, and nipple discharge.

Gynecomastia in boys can cause severe pain and suffering and serious psychological trauma. In a study performed at the Boston Children’s Hospital, adolescent boys with gynecomastia had lower social functioning, self esteem, mental health, and eating behaviors than boys who are not suffering from gynecomastia.

Risperdal Lawsuits

In one Risperdal lawsuit, an Alabama resident successfully sued Johnson & Johnson after he grew size 46DD breasts while taking Risperdal as a child to treat his autism. Another man in Philadelphia was awarded 2.5 million by a jury. He had taken Risperdal for 5 years as a child and also eventually developed male breasts.

Parents with children who have taken Risperdal and developed gynecomastia may be able to bring a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson for the pain and suffering their child experienced as well as for medical treatment required. Successful plaintiffs may receive compensation for past and or future medical bills as well as their suffering.

These potential plaintiffs may want to seek the advice of a consumer protection attorney who can help plaintiffs weigh the facts and circumstances of their cases.

Lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies help hold the industry accountable for their actions. Consumer protection lawsuits help to remind pharmaceutical companies that they owe consumers a specific duty of care.

Plaintiffs may have the option of bringing their lawsuit individually or as a member in a class action lawsuit. The type of lawsuit that a plaintiff brings often depends on the type of case. A legal professional can help potential plaintiffs determine the appropriate type of lawsuit.