In spectacular fashion, the U.S. Supreme Court brought down the hammer on Johnson & Johnson. The $124 million Risperdal lawsuit stands.
The U.S. Supreme Court let stand a $124 million lawsuit against the manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals for not disclosing Risperdal’s gynecomastia risk. Risperdal (risperidone) is a powerful second-generation antipsychotic approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism spectrum disorders in children and adolescents.
However, Risperdal is regularly prescribed to children with ADHD — a condition related to excessive motor activity, inattention, and impulsive behavior. This occurrence is considered off-label, which means it is prescribed for uses not directly approved by the FDA.
In 2007, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office filed a lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals for violating Unfair Trade Practices Act, since they promoted off-label use of Risperdal. In 2011, the presiding judge ordered Janssen to pay $327 million for continually violating South Carolina’s consumer protection laws. Janssen appealed, and the South Carolina Supreme Court lowered the amount to $124 million. Janssen appealed, but the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday let the judgment stand.
They probably took into account that currently, 3.5 million children diagnosed with ADHD take Risperdal. Millions of children took this medication every day unaware that Risperdal is linked to gynecomastia, a condition in which young boys develop large breasts since Janssen Pharmaceuticals have purposely concealed the risks.
Studies have found that Risperdal greatly increases the levels of prolactin in more than 90% of users. Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates the production of milk in pregnant women. This causes breast development regardless of sex. Growths usually begin as a small lump under the nipple, while the nipple gradually grows larger and more tender. This condition could affect both breasts or just one.
Just having the condition no matter if it is mild, moderate or severe brings prolonged psychological damage to boys. The ridicule and bullying these young men face are astronomical. To resolve gynecomastia, boys will need painful surgery to reduce the breast enlargement. Complications can arise from the surgery including prominent scarring, blood clots, infection, anesthesia reactions, breast shape irregularities and nerve damage.
These detrimental psychological effects of Risperdal-induced gynecomastia and the risks and expense of surgical treatment have led to the filing of more than 1,100 lawsuits against Janssen Pharmaceuticals.
If you or a loved one took Risperdal and developed gynecomastia, call us at 877-513-9517 for a free consultation.