Risperdal Gynecomastia Injury Lawyers
Risperdal (risperidone), approved by the FDA in 1993, is an antipsychotic medication manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. It is used to treat patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autistic disorder in children.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe mental disorder. Many patients who have been diagnosed with this disease exhibit a broad range of unusual behaviors including paranoia and suicidal tendencies. Doctors prescribe Risperdal (risperidone) to both adults and adolescents with schizophrenia in an effort to extend the time period between psychotic episodes.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a mental illness that has varying levels or severity. This disease is characterized by erratic and impulsive behavior coupled with poor decision-making and unrealistic ideas about the future. Doctors prescribe Risperdal (risperidone) to both adults and adolescents with bipolar disorder to control the frequency and severity of symptoms of the disease.
Irritability associated with autism in children
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects social and communication skills. One symptom of autism is irritability. This is evidenced by aggression, tantrums, or self-injurious behavior and is frequently seen in children with this disorder. Doctors prescribe Risperdal (risperidone) to children and adolescents with autism to reduce the symptoms of irritability that are associated with the disease.
While this drug has become a popularly prescribed antipsychotic drug, it has also been associated with some serious side effects. The following is a list of many of the severe side effects that have been linked to Risperdal use in adults as well as adolescents:
- Gynecomastia (growth of male breasts, which may be painful or tender)
- Galactorrhea (production of milk from breasts)
- Diabetes, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- Bone loss (demineralization)
- Sexual dysfunction
- Pituitary tumors
- Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movement disorder)
- Weight gain, which may be severe
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
- Heart problems, heart attack, irregular heart rhythm
- Suicide
- Pancreatitis
- Increased risk of death among elderly people with dementia
- And more
Lawsuits have been filed against Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Johnson & Johnson for failure to warn doctors and patients of the serious side effects than can occur for patients using this drug. Some of the lawsuits involved young boys who developed breast tissue (gynecomastia) and in some cases nipple pain and/or discharge. In some instances the breast tissue was significant enough to require a mastectomy. In addition to the pain and suffering of the removal of the breast tissue, these side effects may also cause emotional trauma for young boys and adolescent males.
If you or someone you care about was prescribed Risperdal and experienced a severe injury, contact us. Our product liability attorneys have experience litigating claims against large corporations and pharmaceutical manufacturers and can provide you with free case evaluation.