Southern California Criminal Lawyer Blog
Lawsuits involving potentially dangerous or defective drugs are extremely common today. One example that’s been in the news recently is Risperdal, a drug manufactured by Johnson & Johnson for the treatment of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and the irritability that can result in those with autism.
Countless lawsuits have been filed against the pharmaceutical giant in recent months after young male patients taking Risperdal have reportedly developed female breasts, according to an article at Bloomberg. In fact, last year Johnson & Johnson had to pay $70 million in damages after a Philadelphia jury sided with a teen from Tennessee, the largest amount ever awarded in a case involving Risperdal.
Earlier this month there were some 18,500 pending lawsuits across the U.S. and Canada involving injury from taking the drug, a condition known as gynecomastia (breast growth in males) against J & J and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, its subsidiary. The majority of the cases at that time were filed in Missouri, Pennsylvania, and California however other claims were still pending in numerous courts in both countries. While Johnson & Johnson faced many lawsuits in 2016 involving pelvic mesh, talcum powder, and hip implants, cases involving Risperdal and gynecomastia continue to evolve.
In Case No. 130402094 Yount v. Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., the plaintiff who was awarded damages of $70 million was an adolescent boy. However, news reports reveal the case load shows no signs of slowing down, and in fact litigation regarding the drug is only expected to grow.
The development of breasts in males isn’t the only side effect of the antipsychotic drug; other reported side effects include stroke, tardive dyskinesia, diabetes and other blood sugar related issues, and more. While Risperdal was approved in 1993 for treatment of schizophrenia in adults by the FDA, problems continue to mount as many male plaintiffs are forced to undergo surgery in order to have excess breast tissue removed. Unless you are a victim, it’s impossible to imagine the emotional trauma and life-long issues associated with being a male who grows breast tissue similar to that of a female.
While no amount of money can reverse the stress and trauma experienced by those who have been negatively affected due to the use of Risperdal, compensation of medical and other costs provides at least some measure of financial relief. Pharmaceutical companies must be held liable when certain drugs cause dangerous side effects or injury consumers are not made aware of. No doubt if young males had been aware of the potential of developing breasts after taking Risperdal for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, most would have chosen another route of treatment.
If you have suffered irreversible damages after taking the drug Risperdal, you’re certainly not alone. Hold those who were negligent accountable, and fight to secure the damages you are entitled to. Contact the Los Angeles defective drug attorneys at The Justice Firm immediately for unparalleled legal guidance and representation.