A 13-year-old boy allegedly developed gynecomastia as a result of taking Risperdal. His mother filed a Risperdal lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, the makers of Risperdal, claiming that the drug caused male breast growth in her son.

Risperdal was approved for use in children in 2006 for autism and bipolar disorder. However, it was originally intended to treat adults who suffered from schizophrenia. Risperdal has since been used to treat a wide range of conditions for children including irritability, aggression, and other behavior disorders.

The plaintiff in this Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit, Miriam R., has accused J&J of defective design and manufacturing, failure to warn, breach of warranty, negligence, strict liability, and violation of federal laws.

The Risperdal lawsuit seeks compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and trauma. Miriam also asked for damages for lost wages and earnings, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of earning capacity, and loss of consortium.

The plaintiff also named Invega (another J&J antipsychotic medication) in the gynecomastia lawsuit. Both Risperdal and Invega have been heavily promoted by Johnson & Johnson and have been associated with gynecomastia side effects.

Risperdal Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is an embarrassing condition that may require surgery to correct. Gynecomastia side effects include male breast growth (or man boobs), pain in the breast or nipple, and nipple discharge. Gynecomastia not only inflicts physical damage on its victims but psychological damage as well. This is especially a problem for Risperdal gynecomastia victims as Risperdal is prescribed for psychological problems.

The number of Risperdal lawsuits has continued to rapidly grow over the past several years. Boys and young men all across the country have claimed that Risperdal caused them to develop breasts. Some alleged that their breasts grew as large as a 38D cup size.

J&J lost several Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuits. These Risperdal lawsuits alleged that J&J concealed Risperdal side effect information and improperly promoted Risperdal (and Invega). One plaintiff, a 21-year-old male, claimed that he had to undergo gynecomastia surgery.

The allegations made in Risperdal lawsuits and Risperdal class action lawsuits are supported by a 2006 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. The study found that Risperdal increased prolactin levels, which results in an increase in breast size.

The researchers suggested that Risperdal be used cautiously in children and young adults as the long-term side effects are not well known.

Miriam filed the gynecomastia lawsuit on Nov. 25 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. Many individuals or parents of children who have allegedly suffered from gynecomastia caused by Risperdal use have filed lawsuits.

Over 1,000 Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuits have been filed and are pending in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, where they can be managed by a single judge. A Risperdal gynecomastia class action lawsuit investigation is currently underway.