For years, young children have been prescribed antipsychotic medications to help with depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. One of those drugs, Risperdal, has been tied to serious side effects, including an increased risk for developing diabetes and gynecomastia in young boys. Young boys in particular, who are prescribed Risperdal before or during puberty, are at an increased risk for developing this particular disorder. Gynecomastia is the abnormal development of breast tissue in young boys. The psychological ramifications of this disorder are far-reaching and many of these teens and young adults are required to undergo double mastectomies to surgically remove their breast tissue. These boys face ridicule, depression, and decreased self-esteem, in addition to the physical side effects. Risperdal is an antipsychotic medication that was marketed by Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of bi-polar disorders and schizophrenia in 1993. It is believed that when young boys began taking this medication, the pituitary glad released prolactin that led to the development of breast tissue. It can cause symmetrical breast development or it can cause uneven or even unilateral breast development. Boys who develop gynecomastia often require surgery to correct it. While liposuction can remove the breast tissue in mild cases, more severe cases often require double mastectomies and cosmetic surgery. In 2012, Johnson & Johnson settled the first Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit with 21-year-old Aron Banks. Banks argued that he suffered severe psychological trauma as a result of the condition after taking the drug since the age of 9.
National Risperdal Lawsuit Attorneys
If you or someone you love has developed gynecomastia after taking the dangerous drug Risperdal, it is important to seek legal help immediately. The national Risperdal lawsuit attorneys at Phillips Law Firm can help. We represent patients across the United States who have been injured or hurt after taking a dangerous drug. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Risperdal lawsuit attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.