Risperdal is a psychotropic drug prescribed to manage multiple mental conditions such as schizophrenia, autism and bipolar disorders. Marketed by Johnson & Johnson (J&J) to a wide range of consumer groups, covering old people with dementia to children with autism, Risperdal is worth billions of dollars. In the last 4 years, J&J has faced a lot of criticism and legal action for inappropriately marketing Risperdal. One of the earliest lawsuits claimed that J&J was involved in off-label marketing and allegedly used unethical incentives to encourage nursing homes to prescribe Risperdal. In 2012, J&J settled a lawsuit by paying $158 million in response to a claim by Texas officials who accused J&J of fraudulently marketing Risperdal to the state’s Medicaid program for uses not approved by the authorities. Thereafter, there have been several other lawsuits against the manufacturer concerning the dangerous side effects of the drug.
Is Risperdal a Dangerous Drug to Take?
In recent years there has been a big debate about the drug and its life changing side effects. Several studies have highlighted and confirmed negative side effects of the drug on consumers. A study published in 2015 in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology confirmed that taking Risperdal increases the risk of male patients developing gynecomastia, a condition that causes enlargement of the male breast tissue. Some studies have also confirmed that taking Risperdal can lead to increased levels of prolactin in the blood that can lead to galactorrhea or flow of milk from breasts in men and women. Other side effects associated with the drug are
- Dizziness, fatigue, low blood pressure
- Increase in appetite
- Sexual dysfunction (especially in men/young boys)
- Muscle related side effects like stiffness, restlessness and jerky movements
- Diabetes
There are more than 1000 lawsuits filed in courts against J&J with reference to the side effects caused by Risperdal. This clearly shows that this drug is affecting people’s lives drastically without adequate warning. In 2015, a boy from Alabama was awarded $2.5 million in damages after the jury concluded that the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warning; as a result he grew large breasts as a side effect of taking the medicine.
Psychological problems can have devastating effects on a person’s personal and professional life. If you or a loved one are taking Risperdal to treat your mental condition but are experiencing life changing side effects in the process, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit in Oklahoma against the manufacturer. Whether you were illegally prescribed the drug for unapproved causes or you are suffering because of the side effects of Risperdal, AMA Law’s competitive Risperdal lawyers can help you get the compensation that you deserve. We have vast experience in representing clients in dangerous drug cases in Oklahoma and helping them get back on their feet as effectively as possible. To learn more about your options or to meet with one of our experienced lawyers, please contact us today.