Risperdal Makers Fight to Keep Study Results from Going Public
Attorneys for Johnson & Johnson are fighting to keep results from clinical studies for Risperdal sealed and private, against the requests of the patients who are claiming the drug has caused abnormal breast growth in boys and young men. The legal team for Johnson & Johnson claims that unsealing the study results would be burdensome and unnecessary, while those filing claims against the drug maker insist the studies will show that Johnson & Johnson knew the risks they were imposing on users of the drug, without disclosing those risks.
Risperdal is an effective drug, used for treating psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism in adults. However, Johnson & Johnson recently paid $2.2 billion in fines and admitted to wrongfully promoting use of the drug for other, non-approved uses, like ADD or ADHD in children.
In some cases, use of Risperdal by pubescent boys have caused rapid development of female breasts, in some cases causing lactation as well. Such a condition is called gynecomastia and occurs when the body produces lactosin, the hormone responsible for breast growth and milk production. Risperdal has been shown to increase levels of lactosin in its users, often leading to the abnormal condition.
Mild cases of gynecomastia may be resolved with liposuction, while more extreme cases require a complete mastectomy. In addition to breast growth and milk production, gynecomastia can cause pain or discharge from the nipple. The condition, even once use of the drug has stopped, is irreversible.
If you or a loved one took Risperdal and developed gynecomastia or other side effects, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our experienced personal injury attorneys for a free consultation to see if you have a case by calling 1-800-BAD-DRUG or using the contact form and telling us more about your case.
