A 22-year-old male named Shaquil B. has brought a Risperdal lawsuit against the pharmaceutical manufacturer Johnson and Johnson and its subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc.

The Risperdal lawsuit alleges that the defendants violated consumer protection laws by failing to warn the medical community and general public about serious Risperdal side effects.

Shaquil began taking Risperdal in 2002 when he was prescribed the medication by a psychiatrist at Capital District Psychiatric Center. Shaquil was receiving outpatient treatment from the center at that time. According to the Risperdal lawsuit, Shaquil began growing man boobs, a condition also known as gynecomastia, as a direct result from taking Risperdal.

Shaquil expresses the serious mental and emotional suffering he experienced due to developing man boobs. Because of the gynecomastia, Shaquil’s peers often treated him differently. People were constantly pointing out his condition in a way that made it a serious problem.  During these years of bullying Shaquil had no idea that gynecomastia was a Risperdal side effect.

According to Shaquil, people would often make hurtful remarks, asking if he had titties, or if he needed a bra.  His peers would ask if he had milk and physically assault him by grabbing or slapping his chest.  His peers called this grabbing action a “scoop slam dunk.”

Shaquil had his man boobs surgically removed back in 2014, but to this day he refuses to remove his shirt in public.  In an interview he stated that even if he were to have a long term relationship with a woman that lasted 7 years, the girl would probably only see him shirtless 6 times, all of them by accident.

Shaquil claims that he’ll be dealing with the lasting effects and trauma from Risperdal side effects for the rest of his life.  He asserts that his motive behind the lawsuit is to make pharmaceutical companies think twice before ignoring the safety of consumers. Shaquil’s lawsuit that was initially brought in 2014 is expected to seek tens of millions of dollars.

What is Risperdal and Gynecomastia?

Risperdal, generically known as Risperidone, is a powerful antipsychotic often prescribed to treat symptoms of autism and bipolar disorder. In 2006, the US FDA approved Risperdal for use in children.  Recent studies have linked Risperdal to male breast growth when taken by adolescent boys.  According to a 2006 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Risperidone can increase prolactin levels in adolescent males.  Prolactin is the hormone that stimulates breast growth in women.

Risperdal Side Effects Lawsuits

Shaquil is not the only person to bring a Risperdal lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals.  In 2012, Johnson and Johnson agreed to a $181 million dollar consumer fraud settlement with 36 states.  The settlement revolved around Risperdal marketing, claims for negligence and failure to warn.

Plaintiffs who have suffered Risperdal side effects may be able to bring a lawsuit against the pharmaceutical manufacturers.  Successful plaintiffs may receive compensation for their pain and suffering as well as their past and future medical bills.

Bringing a lawsuit is a big decision that should be made after weighing all of an individual’s facts and circumstances.  Legal professionals can advise potential plaintiffs whether a Risperdal lawsuit might be right for them.