Risperdal Lawsuit Filed By Texas Man Alleging Drug Caused Gynecomastia

LegalHerald.com reports on a lawsuit filed on November 21, 2014, in Jefferson County District Court under case number A-196444 by a Texas man. The complaint names Risperdal manufacturer Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, as the defendant and claims that use of the antipsychotic the company manufactures caused him to develop a condition known as gynecomastia.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff was prescribed Risperdal at the age of 7 to treat his ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). This prescription was given “off-label”, which means that the medication prescribed is being used to treat something other than what it was approved for by the FDA. At that time, Risperdal had only been approved to treat schizophrenia in adults. While the FDA has never approved Risperdal for the treatment of ADHD, it was approved for the treatment of irritability associated with certain intellectual disabilities in children in 2006.

The lawsuit documents describe that due to the use of the antipsychotic drug the plaintiff developed gynecomastia (male breast growth) and long-lasting emotional problems. Gynecomastia is a condition caused by a hormone imbalance. While it is not considered a medically serious condition, it can cause great emotional distress for the individual. The suit claims that Janssen failed to adequately warn consumers of the possible risks and side effects associated with the drug when used by children.

This is not the first time that Johnson & Johnson has faced difficulties over the marketing of their drug. In 2013, the pharmaceutical company settled by agreeing to pay $2.2 billion dollars after the U.S. Justice Department filed suit against them for illegally marketing several drugs, including Risperdal.

There are currently over 1,000 Risperdal-related lawsuits which have been consolidated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to streamline the litigation process. As the number of Risperdal cases increases the attorneys at Banville Law are working to ensure that anyone who has taken the drug and suffered adverse health effects that they attribute to their use of the drug will have the opportunity to explore their legal options. The firm is offering complimentary case evaluations to affected parties, who may be entitled to substantial compensation.

For more information on Risperdal lawsuits, or to ask questions, please contact the lawyers of Banville Law by calling (888) 997-3792.