Risperdal lawsuits continue to pour in throughout the country against manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals and parent company Johnson & Johnson. These Risperdal lawsuits allege that boys and men developed gynecomastia, or male breast growth, as a result of using the drug.

A recent SEC report filed May 8, 2017, states that Johnson & Johnson has thousands of claims pending against the company and more than 16,900 of those are specifically Risperdal lawsuits.

What is Risperdal?

Risperdal is an atypical antipsychotic drug used to treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and various other conditions. It is used in an off-label fashion to treat the symptoms of ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, and aggressive symptoms related with autism spectrum disorder.

The drug works by balancing several neurotransmitters in the brain. Specifically, it works on the chemicals known as dopamine and serotonin. By balancing these brain chemicals, reduction in psychiatric symptoms is often seen, and for some patients, the response to the drug has been dramatic in a positive way.

In addition to affecting dopamine and serotonin, Risperdal also affects a hormone in the body known as prolactin. This hormone is typically low in males, as its primary function is the development of breast growth and milk production in females. When the levels of prolactin are raised in men, they can develop breasts like that of a woman, clinically known as gynecomastia. They may also begin to lactate.

Allegations in Risperdal Lawsuits

The allegations in Risperdal lawsuits state that the manufacturers failed to properly warn patients and physicians that gynecomastia was a possibility. They also state that the product was defectively designed and manufactured due to its effects on boys and young men. The allegations also state that the companies were negligent in their actions, and this negligence led to physical and emotional injuries.

Settled Risperdal Lawsuits

Several Risperdal lawsuits have already gone to trial, and some of these lawsuits have seen significant monetary awards. The awards to plaintiffs in these Risperdal lawsuits range from $500,000 to $70 million across several cases.

Many lawsuits are still pending in federal and state courts, and those affected by Risperdal as well as their families anxiously await for justice to be served.

If you or a loved one experienced Risperdal gynecomastia as a result of using the antipsychotic medication, you may be eligible to file a Risperdal lawsuit of your own. Successful plaintiffs may be eligible to recover damages related to medical expenses, including surgical expenses to address male breast growth, pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life and more.

In addition to recovering damages related to the injuries that are Risperdal caused, the individuals and families that have filed these lawsuits hope to hold Janssen pharmaceuticals and Johnson & Johnson responsible for their alleged negligence, concealment of pertinent health information and failure to warn of the severe consequences related with Risperdal.

An experienced attorney familiar with the allegations present in Risperdal lawsuits can provide you with a free case review and consultation to discuss your unique situation to help you decide if proceeding with legal action is right for you.