Mother Files Risperdal Lawsuit Claiming Drug Caused Development Of Son’s Gynecomastia

LegalHerald.com reports on a lawsuit which was filed in December of 2014 by a mother on behalf of her 17-year old son regarding the anti-psychotic drug Risperdal. Risperdal is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals (a division of corporate giant Johnson & Johnson). The mother’s complaint was filed against Johnson & Johnson, and alleges that use of their drug caused her son to develop severe gynecomastia (breast tissue growth among males). When these conditions are severe, male breasts resemble that of large female breasts, and can cause those suffering from the condition not only physical pain, but emotional anguish as well. This particular lawsuit was filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana.

The mother, unfortunately, is joined by many other plaintiffs who have recently made the same allegations regarding the drug. In fact, it was reported that at this time, an estimated 1,012 lawsuits referencing the drug have been transferred and consolidated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where they are scheduled to undergo pretrial proceedings. Several earlier lawsuits claiming much the same have already seen trial dates, and plaintiffs have been awarded significant compensation from juries.

In 2012, for example, Johnson & Johnson was reported to have settled a Risperdal-related lawsuit filed by a 21-year-old man who had used the drug starting at the young age of 9 and alleged that it caused him to develop gynecomastia. This early use was especially notable, as it happened before the FDA had approved Risperdal use for children, yet it was alleged that the manufacturer marketed the drug for use by children. This is known as “off-label” marketing, and is a very controversial tactic.

In November of 2013, in fact, the U.S. Department of Justice ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $2.2 billion in fines to resolve criminal and civil allegations which were filed against them. These allegations surrounded the tactic of illegal marketing of several of their manufactured drugs, including Risperdal through “off-label” promotions directed toward children. As an incredibly potent drug, many still question Risperdal use by children.

Children who have used the drug have reported the development of serious side effects, such as severe weight gain, and the development of gynecomastia or type-2 diabetes. Unfortunately for patients who have developed gynecomastia, the only way to get rid of the significant breast tissue that has appeared is through surgery.

The attorneys of Banville Law understand well what devastation can come from the development of gynecomastia among young men. In a world where children are already too often bullied and taunted, this can be disastrous. They are currently working to assist other patients who have used Risperdal and who believe that the drug has negatively impacted their health. These patients could be entitled to significant compensation, and deserve to be provided with an opportunity to fully evaluate their legal rights in the matter. Patients wishing to investigate their options more completely are now offered free legal consultations from Banville Law.

To request additional Risperdal lawsuit information, or to ask questions, contact the attorneys of Banville Law at your convenience by calling 888-997-3792.