Risperdal is an atypical anti-psychotic medication approved to treat symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism. It has been prescribed by thousands of doctors for unapproved uses, often with serious consequences.

The use of Risperdal has been linked to gynecomastia, or the enlargement of male breast tissue. This condition has been seen in young boys who have used Risperdal.

Since shortly after its approval, reports of serious issues with Risperdal side effects and allegations of inappropriate marketing of Risperdal began to surface. The manufacturers of Risperdal have had to pay billions in criminal penalties, fines and lawsuit settlements for a variety of reasons including injury to patients.

What is Risperdal?

Risperdal is a potent antipsychotic drug mainly used to treat schizophrenia (including adolescent schizophrenia), schizoaffective disorder, the mixed and manic states associated with bipolar disorder, and irritability in people with autism. Risperdal is made and sold by the Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

The use of Risperdal in young men has been linked to a condition called gynecomastia, or male breast growth. Although gynecomastia is non-cancerous, the male breast growth can cause severe embarrassment and lasting psycho-social harm. Surgery may be required to correct the condition. In September 2012, Johnson & Johnson settled the first Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit.

Risperdal Gynecomastia

In a study published in 2006 in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, researchers warned:

“Risperidone administered to adolescents at doses commonly used for the treatment of psychotic symptoms can strongly increase prolactin levels, with clinical consequences such as gynecomastia and/or galactorrhea. Given that the long-term effects of antipsychotic drug-induced hyperprolactinemia are not well documented, especially regarding osteopenia, infertility, growth, and pubertal delay, risperidone should be administered with caution to children and adolescents.”

In addition to gynecomastia, other Risperdal side effects may include:

• Galactorrhea (production of milk from breasts)
• Diabetes, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
• Bone loss (demineralization)
• Sexual dysfunction
• Pituitary tumors
• Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movement disorder)
• Weight gain, which may be severe
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
• Heart problems, heart attack, irregular heart rhythm
• Suicide
• Pancreatitis
• Increased risk of death among elderly people with dementia
• And more

Risperdal Lawsuits

More than 420 Risperdal lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson alleging serious personal injuries, and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has issued several warnings related to the drug. Additionally, Johnson & Johnson has paid billions of dollars to resolve federal and state government allegations that the company illegally marketed several drugs, including Risperdal.

In November 2013, Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay $2.2 billion to settle charges by the federal government that it improperly marketed certain drugs, including Risperdal. Among other things, the U.S. Department of Justice had alleged that Johnson & Johnson promoted off-label use of Risperdal in children, elderly dementia patients, and the mentally disabled.

If you or a loved one have experienced side effects or complications after using Risperdal you may be eligible to file a claim against Johnson & Johnson.