Risperdal Can Cause Abnormal Breast Growth in Boys, Lawsuits Claim
St. Louis, Missouri (PRWEB) June 09, 2014 -- A May 2014 report in Scientific American, titled Widely Used Autism Drug Carries Heavy Risks for Children, detailed the many side-effects caused by Risperdal, a prescription atypical antipsychotic drug. As stated in Scientific American, Risperdal can cause abnormal breast growth (known as gynecomastia), and other severe conditions in those exposed to the drug. Due to these risks, researchers say Risperdal “should be given with caution, only for children with the most serious symptoms and only after other treatments have failed.”
As Scientific American reports, hundreds of civil lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturers of Risperdal, regarding the side-effects caused by the drug. According to court documents, the lawsuits allege that the makers of Risperdal improperly promoted Risperdal to minors, causing them to suffer severe medical problems, including gynecomastia.
Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals already have been subject to civil and criminal investigations by the federal government over Risperdal, which, according to a November 6, 2013 Department of Justice news release, settled for more than $2.2 billion.
In the federal civil complaint, which was filed in Eastern District of Pennsylvania and titled United States v. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, No. 04-cv-1529, prosecutors alleged Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals improperly marketed Risperdal for use in children—a use that was never approved as safe and effective—despite knowing the severe side-effects caused by the drug, including gynecomastia. When announcing the settlement, Attorney General Eric Holder stated that the makers of Risperdal “recklessly put at risk the health of some of the most vulnerable members of our society” and engaged in conduct that “jeopardized the health and safety of patients and damaged the public trust.”
Kristine Kraft, an attorney with Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, states “We are investigating claims against the makers of Risperdal. As alleged by federal prosecutors, these drug manufacturers caused significant damage to boys and young men by promoting a drug that was not approved as safe for their use. The attorneys of Schlichter, Bogard & Denton intend to seek redress for the harms these drug manufacturers so recklessly caused.”
About Schlichter, Bogard & Denton LLP
The Pharmaceutical Litigation Department at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP represents clients nationwide who have suffered serious and fatal injuries as a result of dangerous pharmaceutical medications. At Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP, we are committed to protecting the rights of persons injured by pharmaceutical companies.
The attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP are offering a free case review with no further obligation regarding allegations that boys and men developed breasts after using Risperdal. If you believe that you or your child suffered injuries after using Risperdal, please contact the attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP toll-free at 1-800-873-5297 for your confidential and free consultation.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements. The cases discussed do not predict outcomes in future cases. Past results afford no guarantee of future results and every case is different and must be judged on its own merits.
Kristine K. Kraft, Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP, http://www.druginjuryinformation.com/, +1 (314) 621-6115, [email protected]
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