Risperdal Injury Lawyer
Risperdal is a drug approved for use in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and autism manufactured by Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Pharmaceuticals. It first came on the market in 1994. Although not specifically approved for such use, it is also prescribed “off-label” for use in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents, as well as for treatment of sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression.
This “off-label” use was the result of Johnson & Johnson promoting Risperdal for such uses in children and adolescents, despite the fact that it had not been approved for that by the FDA. As a result of these promotions, Johnson & Johnson dramatically increased its sales of Risperdal and has received some $30 Billion in revenues from Risperdal.
What Is the Problem With Risperdal?
In 2000, Johnson & Johnson became aware that some 5.5% of boys taking Risperdal long term developed a condition called Gynecomastia, that is, female breasts. Despite that knowledge and despite subsequent studies which also showed increased risk of Gynecomastia in boys, Johnson & Johnson continued promoting Risperdal for those uses and failed to properly and adequately warn doctors and patients of those risks and hazards.
Risperdal Litigation
In 2012, after a lengthy investigation, the FDA fined Johnson & Johnson / Janssen Pharmaceuticals $2.2 Billion for promoting Risperdal for unapproved uses. There are currently some 20,000 pending defective drug lawsuits filed by boys and men who were Risperdal users and who developed Gynecomastia as a result.
What If You Think You May Have a Problem From Risperdal?
If you or a loved one developed Gynecomastia after taking Risperdal, you or they may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, pain, suffering and disability resulting from those complications. Call Lattof & Lattof today for a free consultation regarding your potential rights. Remember that claims of this type usually have a certain time limitation within which you may take action, so it is important that you make the call as soon as you can so as to preserve your rights.
