U.S. Supreme Court Shows Favor To Risperdal Lawsuit Plaintiffs

LegalHerald.com reports on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to deny Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals’ appeal of a $124 million dollar penalty against them in a Risperdal lawsuit.

Risperdal is an atypical antipsychotic drug which was originally approved by the FDA for the treatment of schizophrenia among adults in the early 1990s. The approval was later expanded to include the treatment of bipolar disorder in 2003. It wasn’t until 2006 that Risperdal was approved for use in children for the treatment of autism and then again in 2007 for the treatment of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in adolescents and youth. Despite its lack of approval for use in children until 2006, many were prescribed the drug “off-label” for the treatment of various disorders. “Off-label” refers to a use unapproved by the FDA.

The initial lawsuit was filed by the state of South Carolina in 2007 and alleged that defendant Janssen had marketed Risperdal illegally. According to the complaint, Janssen allegedly hid the risks of the drug on labels attached to sample packs and sent out letters to doctors which claimed that Risperdal was safer than other antipsychotic drugs. When the Supreme Court reduced the amount that was to be paid from $327 million to $136 million due to a statute of limitations regarding the warning label, Janssen attempted to appeal the decision. The Supreme Court, however, rejected the motion. Janssen stands by their product at this time, stating that it is safe and effective.

The attorneys of Banville Law understand how troubling these possible side effects could be to patients who have used or are currently using Risperdal. The firm is devoted to ensuring that anyone who has taken the antipsychotic and has suffered adverse health events that they attribute to that use will be given the opportunity to evaluate their legal rights. They are offering complimentary consultations to affected parties who may be eligible for substantial compensation.

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