Baron and Budd Now Involved in Risperdal Lawsuits
DALLAS (PRWEB) February 21, 2014 -- The national plaintiffs’ law firm of Baron and Budd announces that it is now handling lawsuits relative to the drug Risperdal. Risperdal is prescribed to treat children, adolescents and adults with schizophrenia. Baron and Budd lawyers are working with males who allegedly suffered breast enlargement after taking the drug.
Risperdal, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 to treat adult schizophrenia. It was approved for the treatment of bipolar I disorder in children and adolescents in 2007. However, in 2006, the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology published a study stating that male adolescents taking the drug were at a higher risk of suffering enlarged breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia. (http://journals.lww.com/psychopharmacology/Abstract/2006/04000/Risperidone_induced_Symptomatic.10.aspx)
The study states that the drug can substantially increase prolactin levels in male adolescents. Prolactin is a hormone that is more closely associated with milk production in females. Heightened prolactin levels in males can lead to the development of gynecomastia, which can result in humiliation and severe psychological trauma. In many instances, doctors recommend surgical procedures – ranging from liposuction to mastectomy – to treat the condition.
In 2003, Johnson & Johnson submitted a study to the FDA to get approval for Risperdal use in children and adolescents. However, there are questions regarding whether or not the study understated the potential for the drug to elevate prolactin levels.
In August 2012 Johnson & Johnson settled a lawsuit alleging illegal marketing of Risperdal. (United States ex rel. Kammerer v. Abbott Labs,. et al, Case No. 05-11518, District of Massachusetts; United States ex rel. Lisitiza v. Pfizer, Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb Co., and Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc., No. 07-10288, District of Massachusetts)
“We will work to protect the rights of patients and fight to make sure Johnson & Johnson is held accountable,” said Russell Budd, managing director of national law firm Baron and Budd. “Pharmaceutical companies are not above the laws that are meant to protect patients."
If you or someone close to you has suffered adverse effects after taking Risperdal, contact the Risperdal lawyers with Baron and Budd at 866-472-9108 or email us at [email protected]. If you would like to learn more about Risperdal, visit our website at http://baronandbudd.com/areas-of-practice/pharmaceuticals/risperdal-lawsuit/.
About Baron & Budd, P.C.
With a history of over 35 years “Protecting What’s Right” for individuals, communities, and governmental entities, Baron and Budd is a well-established law firm devoted to making a positive difference. With offices in Dallas, Austin, Los Angeles and Baton Rouge, Baron and Budd is able to take on complicated and expensive cases within the realms of dangerous drugs and medical devices, asbestos-related illnesses, consumer fraud, water contamination, the Gulf oil spill and fraudulent financial practices.
Amanda Billo, Marketing, Baron & Budd, http://baronandbudd.com, +1 (214) 991-1051, [email protected]
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