Philadelphia personal injury lawyers say the antipsychotic drug Risperdal is the focus of dozens of lawsuits filed against Johnson & Johnson. According to court documents, one of the side effects of Risperdal is gynecomastia, a condition that causes the development of breast tissue in males as a result of elevated levels of the hormone prolactin. Prolactin helps to trigger breast development in girls and also prompts lactation in nursing mothers. In some cases, males who are suffering from gynecomastia may experience signs typically associated with breast development or lactation, such as swollen or tender breast tissue, pain in the breast area and discharge from one of both nipples.
Johnson & Johnson began marketing Risperdal as an antipsychotic medication for children around 2001, before the drug had been approved for that use by the Food and Drug Administration. Clinical trials and documents prove that Johnson & Johnson was aware of the risks of elevated levels of prolactin at that time, but failed to warn parents of the side effect. There are more than 200 cases currently pending in state court in Philadelphia regarding the use of Risperdal in males who have been diagnosed with gynecomastia.
Personal Injury Lawyers Say Gynecomastia May Require Surgery
Victims of gynecomastia related to the use of Risperdal may experience long-term medical problems requiring the need for additional treatment. At least one study has shown that males whose prolactin levels are raised in connection with the use of Risperdal may remain elevated for as much as two years after they stop taking the medication. In some cases, men and boys have required painful surgical procedures, including liposuction and mastectomy, to remove excess breast tissue. There have also been instances of males who have developed galactorrhoea, or unexpected breast milk production.
Reports say at least 80 cases related to gynecomastia have already been filed on behalf of males who used Risperdal. Additional cases are expected to be filed as more boys and men come forward with information about their experiences with the use of Risperdal.
New Jersey and Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers
The Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling cases involving pharmaceutical and drug product injuries. Our extremely skilled team of personal injury lawyers and medical experts is dedicated to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries. If you have suffered an injury as a result of the use of Risperdal, a defective pharmaceutical drug product, or any other type of personal injury, contact the personal injury lawyers of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.