Risperdal Lawsuits: J. Alan Welch Law Pursuing Claims on Behalf of Georgians Harmed By the Drug
The widely-prescribed anti-psychotic drug Risperdal has been blamed for serious complications and negative reactions in people who have taken the medication. Specifically, as alleged in a mounting number of lawsuits across the country, Risperdal is responsible for the development of breasts in boys and men.
As a pharmacist as well as an experienced lawyer, I am currently monitoring, investigating, and representing clients who are dealing with the adverse effects of Risperdal. Because I have an in-depth understanding of these how medicine and the law intersect, I can help clients understand the specific problems with this medication, and can quickly and thoroughly evaluate the viability of any claims that they may have arising from Risperdal.
As discussed below, recent developments in Risperdal litigation may have an important impact on potential claims, so I invite anyone who is concerned or who has suffered negative reactions to Risperdal to contact me for a free, confidential consultation to discuss their experiences and explore potential claims.
An “Atypical Anti-Psychotic Drug”
Risperdal, which was approved by the FDA and hit the market in 1996, is an “atypical antipsychotic drug” that has been prescribed to treat:
- Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents;
- Bipolar disorder in adults and children ages 10-to-17;
- Irritability in children (5-to-16 years of age) with autistic disorder;
- Increasingly, ADHD in children;
Gynecomastia and Risperdal Claims
Over the past few years, hundreds if not thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson and its Janssen Pharmaceutical’s division asserting that the Risperdal which they developed and marketed has caused breast growth in men and boys, a condition known as gynecomastia. Some common symptoms of gynecomastia in men and boys include:
- Swelling in breast tissue;
- Pain or tenderness in breast tissue;
- Nipple discharge in one or both breasts
Many of these lawsuits also allege that Johnson & Johnson knew about the risks of gynecomastia relating to Risperdal use and concealed those risks from doctors and pharmacists. Additionally, it has been asserted that the companies improperly marketed Risperdal for use in children before its 2006 approval for such use.
In November 2013, Johnson & Johnson and Janssen entered into a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice in which they pled guilty to misbranding the medication and agreed to pay a total of $400 million, including a criminal fine of $334 million and forfeiture of $66 million; one of the largest such settlements in U.S. history.
However, this settlement with the government does not address, resolve, or preclude claims from individuals who have taken Risperdal and have suffered from gynecomastia or other harmful effects. It is important to speak with an experienced drug defect attorney to fully understand your rights and your options.
Call J. Alan Welch to Discuss Your Risperdal Concerns
As an attorney/pharmacist, I am currently investigating and keeping a close eye on developments and legal claims relating to Risperdal. If you or a loved one are concerned about the actual or potential harmful effects of Risperdal, contact me today at (912) 265-9811 for a free, initial consultation to discuss your case.
This blog is for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the attorney or law firm. The blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.