Many users of antipsychotic drug Risperdal allege that the drug caused them to develop gynecomastia (male breast growth), an embarrassing and sometimes painful condition.  Risperdal lawsuits may help these victims, mainly young men and adolescent boys, to receive compensation for the pain and suffering caused by the condition.

Risperdal Gynecomastia 

Risperdal was originally only approved for use in adults, but the drug was also approved for the treatment of autism and bipolar disorder in children during 2006. It has been suggested that the approval for use in children was granted before all Risperdal complications, including gynecomastia, were known.

As a result, hundreds of boys ranging from 10 to 18 have developed Risperdal complications such as Risperdal gynecomastia, painful breasts, and/or pain in the nipples.

Risperdal gynecomastia is not a deadly condition, but it can cause a number of unwanted and unpleasant side effects. Male breast growth can be extremely embarrassing, especially to a child who is already suffering from a disorder that requires medication to manage.

Some Risperdal victims have had to undergo breast reduction surgery, which can be painful as well as expensive. Male breast size has allegedly grown to DD sizes in some Risperdal users.

Risperdal supposedly causes the prolactin levels of a person to increase. Prolactin is the hormone that encourages female breast growth as well as male breast growth. Females usually have higher levels naturally.

Risperdal Lawsuits

Risperdal lawsuits have stated that Johnson & Johnson should have been or was already aware of Risperdal gynecomastia risks, yet failed to include it on the warning label. This has allegedly led to the development of hundreds if not thousands of gynecomastia cases across the nation. 

A group of researchers, who published a Risperdal gynecomastia study in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, argued that the drug should be given with caution to boys and young men, as the exact risks of Risperdal complications are not fully known.

Already, Johnson & Johnson has paid millions in Risperdal lawsuit settlements. One $2.5 millions settlement was paid to an individual who used Risperdal to treat autism. He allegedly used the drug from the age of 8 before it was approved for use in children. Another Risperdal lawsuit claimed that the victim suffered from psychological trauma because of Risperdal complications including male breast growth.

So far, over 1,000 Risperdal lawsuits have been filed against the drug manufacturer. All have claimed that Johnson & Johnson failed to warn about Risperdal gynecomastia.

A Risperdal class action lawsuit investigation has also been launched. Plaintiffs may be awarded compensation to help pay for medical costs as well as for pain and suffering.