Pennsylvania Risperdal Lawyers
Our Law Firm Helps Protect the Victims of This Dangerous Drug
Risperdal, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, has been linked to breast growth in young boys. Johnson & Johnson marketed Risperdal as a drug to help children with autism, ADHD, and other behavioral issues; however, this marketing was illegal as the drug had not been approved by the FDA for this purpose. In fact, Risperdal was not approved to treat children at all, but as an antipsychotic drug intended to treat bipolar, schizophrenia, and depression for adults. Johnson & Johnson ignored multiple warnings from the FDA to cease marketing the drug for children and was eventually criminally charged as a result. If you or a loved one have been affected by Risperdal, don’t hesitate to contact Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLP. Since 1922, we've passionately advocated on behalf of those injured due to the negligence or recklessness of others. In that time, we have won millions.
Do not hesitate to call a Pennsylvania defective drug attorney at (888) 498-3023 to get started with a free consultation.
Risperdal Linked to Gynecomastia
Although Johnson & Johnson paid $2.2 billion in order to resolve civil and criminal charges, thousands of young boys still lived with the effects of their illegal marketing. Risperdal has been linked to the development of female breast tissue in boys or men, a condition called gynecomastia. Not only does this condition often require corrective surgery, it can cause severe emotional harm.
How Risperdal Works
- Risperdal decreases psychotic behavior by altering serotonin and dopamine levels.
- Risperdal causes an increase in prolactin and estrogen, while causing a decrease in testosterone.
- Prolactin is an estrogen-regulated hormone that enables breast milk production in women.
- This increase in estrogen and decrease in testosterone triggers gynecomastia.
- Significant, painful breast tissue is then abnormally produced by the body.
To date, approximately 10,000 lawsuits have been filed. An autistic boy was awarded $2.5 million in the first of these cases. He had developed size 46DD breasts by the time he was only 10 years old. In July of 2016, a male teenager was awarded $70 million for Risperdal's damage. He was only three when he was prescribed Risperdal and four when he began to develop breasts.
Take a Stand with Our Experienced Pennsylvania Risperdal Attorneys
The $2.2 billion that Johnson & Johnson paid to the government is just a drop in the bucket of their overall profit. Since it was put on the market, the drug has generated around $30 billion in global sales. If you have been injured by Risperdal, it’s time to take a stand.
Contact Handler, Henning & Rosenberg for more information about your case. As one of the largest firms in the area, we can devote immense time and effort to protecting you.