Florida Risperdal Lawyer

Risperdal (risperidone) was first developed to treat people with various behavioral problems, including bipolar disorders, manic depression, irritability, and schizophrenia. Developed by Janssen-Cilag, a subsidiary medical company of Johnson & Johnson, Risperdal was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1993.

Risperdal is designed to balance the brain’s chemicals and act as a mood stabilizer to increase the recipient’s daily functioning. While Risperdal may be an effective medication in this regard, it has also been associated with a variety of negative side effects, including sleeplessness, fatigue, anxiety, and upper respiratory infections, as well as more serious complications such as gynecomastia.

If you developed gynecomastia or suffered another adverse side effect after taking Risperdal or Risperidone, a West Palm Beach Risperdal lawyer is prepared to help you pursue compensation from the drug’s manufacturer. Call an experienced attorney today to schedule a consultation.

Defining Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a medical condition in which males experience swelling of the breast tissue. While gynecomastia can naturally occur during infancy and puberty, gynecomastia in adults is typically caused by a hormonal imbalance.

Gynecomastia itself often does not have any adverse medical effects, but for those who develop the condition, the non-medical effects can be devastating. Men with gynecomastia often experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and embarrassment, and many of their personal and professional relationships suffer as a result. Someone who has experienced these negative side effects may want to contact a Risperdal attorney in West Palm Beach to file a claim.

Treatment for Gynecomastia

Many men who develop gynecomastia seek medical attention for their condition because it can cause severe physical and emotional discomfort. Gynecomastia may be treated with certain medications, which in turn may carry their own side effects. Alternatively, severe cases of gynecomastia may be treated with surgical procedures, such as a reduction mammoplasty or an endoscopic subcutaneous mastectomy, to remove the unwanted breast tissue.

Correlation between Risperdal and Gynecomastia

Studies have shown that there may be a correlation between taking Risperdal and increased levels of a hormone, prolactin, which can cause breast tissue in men to enlarge and grow over time. Beginning in 1999, studies conducted by several independent research organizations began to document the connection between Risperdal and gynecomastia. Since then, many more studies have found evidence of this risk.

According to one study published in Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology in 2006: Risperidone administered to adolescents at doses commonly used for the treatment of psychotic symptoms can strongly increase prolactin levels, with clinical consequences such as gynecomastia … risperidone should be administered with caution to children and adolescents.

Reach Out to a West Palm Beach Risperdal Attorney Today

Mass tort lawsuits consolidate individual lawsuits against a common defendant and allow them to be heard before the same judge. As compared to class action lawsuits where a group of individuals can have their entire case consolidated into a single action, Risperdal mass tort lawsuits still require each plaintiff to prove certain facts to their case, and to draw the connection between the defendant and their injury.

Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Janssen-Cilag since 2010 alleging that Risperdal’s manufacturers knew that the drug contained defects that caused men to develop breast tissue. If you or a loved one were prescribed Risperdal to treat mental or emotional health concerns and experienced damages or losses from this medication’s side-effects, contact a West Palm Beach Risperdal lawyer today to start exploring your legal options.