Studies Show Risk Of Gynecomastia Supporting Risperdal Lawsuit Plaintiffs

LegalHerald.com reports on the results of a clinical study which support the claims of several Risperdal lawsuit plaintiffs who allege that use of the drug caused them to develop gynecomastia.

Risperdal is an atypical antipsychotic drug approved by the FDA in 1993 for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and later for the short-term treatment of acute mania and mixed episodes associated with Bipolar 1 Disorder. The drug was not approved by the FDA for use in children until 2006 when it was intended to be used as a treatment of irritability in autistic children and adolescents.

The side effect alleged by many plaintiffs who have filed suit against the drug manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, is gynecomastia. This condition is characterized by breast growth in males and is caused by a hormone imbalance. While it is not considered a serious medical condition, it can cause emotional distress in those diagnosed with the condition. This stress can be compounded for adolescents who may be bullied due to their appearance or those suffering from a mental illness. For serious cases of gynecomastia, unfortunately, surgery may be the only option to restore them to their normal bodies, through either liposuction or, in some cases, a mastectomy.

A clinical study conducted on the drug and published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology in 2006 found that studies performed in adults “unambiguously demonstrate a marked effect of risperidone on prolactin blood levels, with possible clinical effects related to hyperprolactinemia, such as gynecomastia.” Prolactin is the hormone that stimulates the production of breast milk and breast growth in the body.

The attorneys at Banville Law understand how concerning these potential side effects could be for patients currently taking Risperdal. The firm is working to ensure that anyone who has taken the drug and suffered adverse effects that they attribute to its use has the opportunity to explore their legal rights. They are offering complimentary consultations to affected parties at this time.

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