Risperdal side effects in children have been reported for years, with many of them involving unexpected weight gain and gynecomastia (male breast growth). These alleged Risperdal side effects in children have led to blame being placed on manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals for allegedly failing to disclose this information to the public and medical community.

The Risperdal side effects in children reported consist of young boys suddenly developing man boobs, significant weight gain, and even unexpected milk production. Each of these young patients was prescribed Risperdal to treat their psychotic conditions and help them live a more normal life.

In addition, Risperdal has become a fairly popular choice to treat children with autism. Risperdal works by managing the dopamine levels in the brain, to produce ideal mood balance. Many parents were happy when the drug was approved to treat children in the mid 2000s, as they reported significant mood improvements in their children’s mood and behavior.

When Risperdal was originally approved in 1993, it was only approved to treat adult patients with extreme mental disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Even though it was not approved to officially treat children, physicians regularly prescribed Risperdal for pediatric use for off-label purposes.

Risperdal Side Effects in Children

However, prescribing to minors has allegedly resulted in severe Risperdal side effects in children, forcing many of them to endure intense emotional trauma and undergo surgery to remove their breast growth. Young patients also reported developing severe weight gain, resulting in body deformation and type-2 diabetes in some cases due to severe changes in blood sugar.

Young boys have reportedly been developing man boobs soon after starting Risperdal, with some growing as big as D-cups and producing nipple discharge. These alleged Risperdal side effects in children are caused by how the drug is metabolized in the patient’s body, causing an increase in prolactin production.

Prolactin is the hormone primarily responsible for breast development in young girls, and is naturally produced in small amounts in young boys. With the interference of Risperdal, prolactin production is significantly increased and results in potential bodily changes in males.

Even though these alleged Risperdal side effects in children can be devastating, Johnson & Johnson reportedly failed to disclose this information to the public. In fact, Johnson & Johnson allegedly marketed Risperdal for pediatric use before the drug was officially approved to do so.

Johnson & Johnson allegedly did this after witnessing the drug’s popularity for off label purposes. While it is not illegal for doctors to prescribe medications for off label purpose, it is illegal for pharmaceutical companies to advertise them for such reasons.

There have already been intense legal movements against Johnson & Johnson alleging deceptive marketing practices regarding Risperdal and the company is continuing to face litigation. Patients filing legal action against the company are seeking compensation for the damages they suffered, including emotional trauma and financial compensation for breast reduction surgery.

Unexpected Risperdal side effects in children can be devastating to the patient, so their parents may be eligible to file legal action on their behalf. Potential claimants should contact a lawyer to determine eligibility for a Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit.