Stark & Stark dangerous drug attorneys are currently representing clients who suffered injuries as a result of the use of Risperdal, an antipsychotic drug commonly prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism. Risperdal is suspected to be a cause of, or contributing factor in, the development of a number of medical conditions, including gynecomastia (growth of male breasts), diabetes (hyperglycemia), sexual dysfunction, pituitary tumors, and tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movement disorder). If you are a current or former Risperdal user who suffers from one or more of these health conditions, you should immediately contact Stark & Stark for a free, confidential consultation regarding your rights and potential claims.
Medical experts have determined that Risperdal stimulates the production of prolactin, a hormone that promotes breast development. In 2006, Duke University researchers found that the risk of male breast growth was stronger with Risperdal (risperidone) than with other drugs in the same category (“atypical antipsychotics”). In fact, those researchers attributed 70% of the gynecomastia cases studied to Risperdal.
Numerous product liability lawsuit have been filed against the manufacturer of Risperdal, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and its parent company, Johnson & Johnson. Many of these cases involve allegations that Risperdal caused female breast development in male patients which required one or more surgical procedures and inflicted enduring psychological and emotional suffering. The lawsuits allege that Janssen and J&J failed to sufficiently warn doctors and patients of the health risks associated with increased prolactin levels and failed to properly share information with the FDA. Plaintiffs also contend that the companies failed to conduct sufficient testing and the product labeling minimized the likelihood that use of Risperdal could promote male breast growth and pose other health risks.
In November 2013, J&J agreed to pay $2.2 billion to settle charges brought by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) over the alleged illegal marketing of Risperdal. According to the DOJ, the charges covered in the settlement included allegations that the company misbranded Risperdal for uses not approved by the FDA, including treating elderly dementia patients and treating children. The DOJ also alleged that J&J paid kickbacks to physicians and to Omnicare Inc. – one of the nation’s largest providers of pharmacy services to elder care and other specialized health facilities – in an attempt to drive-up Risperdal sales. In the prior year, J&J had agreed to pay $181 million to resolve the claims of 36 states that had accused the company of promoting Risperdal for unapproved uses.
The drug maker has also been subject to enormous penalties in other jurisdictions for concealing risks associated with Risperdal use. In April 2012, the Arkansas Circuit Court ordered J&J to pay more than $1.2 billion in fines after a jury found that the companies had minimized or concealed the dangers associated with Risperdal treatment. The court levied the fines as a penalty for nearly 240,000 violations of the state’s Medicaid fraud law and violations of the state’s deceptive practices act. In January 2012, Texas settled a similar case with Janssen for $158 million.
In lawsuits brought by individuals harmed by Risperdal, Janssen and J&J have avoided verdicts by settling each case before a jury can render a verdict. In September 2012, Janssen settled the first of six cases slated for trial in Philadelphia on the morning the case was scheduled to start. The company settled the next case one week into the trial and later announced it had agreed to settle the remaining four cases in the trial group.
For more than 20 years, attorneys at Stark & Stark have successfully represented victims of defective marketing practices by drug and medical device manufacturers. If you or someone you know used Risperdal and developed one or more of these health conditions, the injured person may be eligible to receive compensation for their damages. Contact Stark & Stark for a free, confidential consultation. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis and will review your case at no cost or obligation to you. Please contact us today at 1-800-53-LEGAL (1-800-535-3425).
