In a horrifying tale, child advocates filed a federal lawsuit against the Missouri Department of Social Services. Over 13,000 foster children allege that Social Services gave them high doses of the antipsychotic drug, Risperdal. The state gave the drug to keep the children lethargic and “calm”. Accounts also say the state prescribed Risperdal to children as young as 2 years old. The FDA has not approved the drug for children younger than 5.

Risperdal Side Effects

Risperdal (risperidone), manufactured by Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Pharmaceuticals, is a powerful second-generation antipsychotic approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism spectrum disorders in children and adolescents.

Using Risperdal can bring a variety of side effects. The most common one is gynecomastia, a condition in which young boys develop large breasts. 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 tenderer. This condition could affect either both breasts or just one.

Missouri Lawsuit

Many of these children experienced gynecomastia and other side effects. While some drugs can be a helpful part of therapy, the state used Risperdal as a chemical alternative to actually helping the children. It was the first resort instead of the last. Over 30% of children in Missouri state care were prescribed the drug. This is almost twice the national rate.

“These children are being prescribed too many powerful and potentially dangerous drugs, at unacceptable dosages and at too young an age,” said Sara Bartosz, a Children’s Rights attorney.

In Missouri, unlike many other states, court authorization is not required before giving psychotropic medication to young foster children.

Your Rights

When manufacturers produce unsafe products that create pain and suffering, you deserve compensation. Although no amount of money will change the fact that you have suffered a serious injury as a result of manufacturer irresponsibility, compensation will help offset your current and future medical costs, as well as provide for the pain and suffering you have experienced. By filing, you may also help protect other men and their families from needless distress.

If you or someone you know has suffered an adverse event after using Risperdal, you may be eligible for compensation to ease the financial and emotional burdens you are experiencing. Contact us today to set up a free consultation, during which we will listen to your story, answer any questions you may have and discuss your legal rights and options. If you choose us to represent you, we will work with you on a contingency fee basis; this means you pay nothing until we have secured compensation for you, either through a jury verdict or settlement.