Texas Risperdal Lawsuit – Texas Risperdal Lawyer – Gynecomastia Settlements
If you or a loved one developed breasts or were diagnosed with Gynecomastia after taking the medication Risperdal, you may be entitled to financial compensation from the manufacturer. Call us today to get the facts. Toll Free 1-866-777-2557 or use our online contact form and a Texas Risperdal Lawyer will get back to you within 24 hours to answer your questions and discuss your possible claim. This is a free, no obligation case review and there are no legal fees unless you receive money at the end of the case. Time is limited, so please call today.
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Risperdal
Risperdal is an atypical antipsychotic treatment that is prescribed for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It is also used to treat bad tempers associated with autism. It was designed to help patients think clearly and allow them to participate normally in everyday life.
It works by altering the chemical components in the brain to achieve balance. In particular, it affects both serotonin and dopamine. Because it targets two hormones, is often considered more effective than other types of antipsychotic medications. Because of its increased effectiveness, it is extremely popular with both doctors and patients. At one point, Risperdal was the top antipsychotic medication on the market in the United States.
Off-Label Use of Risperdal
This medication is also occasionally used to treat depression, hyperactivity disorder, sleep difficulties, and anxiety. However, these are “off-label” uses that are not specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Risperdal (owned by Johnson & Johson), has already paid millions of dollars in fines for improperly marketing Risperdal, including marketing for off-label uses.
Technically speaking, it is not illegal for doctors to prescribe a medication for off-label use, but it is illegal for manufacturers to market the drug for uses that are not FDA approved.
Risperdal has also occasionally been used in elderly patients with dementia. Doctors intermittently prescribed it to calm dementia patients who are aggressive or violent. However, when Risperdal is used in this way, there is an increased risk of death and stroke. Risperdal is not approved for patients with dementia. Janssen Pharmaceuticals paid a fine of more than $1.67 billion related to marketing Risperdal for this off-label use.
Risperdal is only specifically approved by the FDA for:
- Adults and children over the age of 10 with bipolar disorder who experience episodes of mania or unusually excited moods (short term)
- Children between the ages of five and 16 who have autism that may also involve sudden mood changes, self-injury, and aggression
- Adults and children over the age of 13 who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia
Side Effects Associated with Risperdal
Abnormal amounts of hormones in the brain can result in odd complications. The following side effects may be associated with Risperdal.
- Breast development in boys
- Diabetes
- Heart problems
- Certain movement disorders
- Increasing blood sugar
- Weight gain
- Increasing blood cholesterol
- Unwanted breast milk in women
- Decreased sexual ability in men
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
More common, but less severe side effects, include:
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Drooling
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Sedation
- Vomiting
- Tremor
- Body aches (fever symptoms)
- Difficulty regulating internal temperature
Those who have schizophrenia are at a greater risk of developing diabetes. Taking Risperdal for schizophrenia will increase this risk even more.
Risperdal may also be associated with birth defects, especially if taken in the last trimester pregnancy. Women who are nursing should avoid taking Risperdal, if possible.