Risperdal Attorneys for Norfolk

Thursday November 21, 2024

Our law firm assists young males from Norfolk who experienced breast growth while taking Risperdal (or risperidone). Lawsuits are underway to compensate victims for breast development as well as other Risperdal side effects such as excessive weight gain and diabetes.

The growth of abnormally large breasts in males is known as gynecomastia. The condition is associated with elevated levels of the hormone prolactin in the blood, or hyperprolactinemia. Risperidone has been shown to strongly increase the risk of hyperprolactinemia in children and adolescents, with clinical consequences such as gynecomastia.

Norfolk users who experienced male breast growth after taking Risperdal are encouraged to consult an attorney in a timely manner to safeguard their legal rights. Call (888) 849-5117 or use our online form to get a prompt evaluation of your Risperdal lawsuit at no cost.

Risperdal Lawsuits Allege Improper Use in Norfolk Patients

Risperidone is known as an atypical antipsychotic medication. The FDA first approved the drug in 1993 for sale in Norfolk and elsewhere in the U.S. to treat schizophrenia in adults. In 2003, the FDA approved Risperdal to treat manic or mixed episodes in adults with bipolar disorder. The first approval for use in children and adolescents came in 2006, when the FDA approved the drug to treat symptoms of irritability associated with autism. In 2007, the FDA further approved Risperdal to treat schizophrenia in adolescents, and manic or mixed episodes in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder.

Evidence shows, however, that the manufacturer of Risperdal may have promoted the drug for use in Norfolk children and adolescents well before the FDA approved such use in 2006. While doctors can prescribe medication in whatever manner they deem appropriate for their patients, drug companies are prohibited from marketing or promoting their drugs for any uses the FDA has not yet approved. This type of "off-label" promotion can subject Norfolk consumers to serious side effects like risperidone-induced gynecomastia without proper regulatory oversight by the FDA.

Risperdal Settlements Reached for Personal Injuries

In September 2012, Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay the first reported settlement in a Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit. The 21-year-old plaintiff alleged that he used Risperdal as a child from 2000 to 2004. At the time, the FDA had not yet approved risperidone for use in children. The plaintiff sought to recover damages for alleged psychological trauma and other injuries after growing breasts that required surgical removal. In October 2012, J&J settled five more Risperdal lawsuits involving similar gynecomastia claims.

Consult Our Risperdal Lawyers for Help in Norfolk

A class action lawsuit has not been formed for Risperdal victims. Rather, each plaintiff in Norfolk who suffered gynecomastia or other serious risperidone side effects must file suit individually in the appropriate state or federal court. Our experienced Risperdal attorneys can evaluate your potential lawsuit promptly and at no cost. Call (888) 849-5117 or send a message using our online form to get legal help.

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