Risperdal, also known as risperidone, has now been linked to serious risks and side effects, leading the FDA to issues multiple warnings concerning the drug.
Risperdal is an anti-psychotic medication that has been approved to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism. Doctors, however, began to prescribe Risperdal for off-label, or unapproved, uses. The use of Risperdal has now been linked to a serious condition called gynecomastia, or enlargement of the male breast tissue. In a study published in 2006 in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, researchers warned that:
“Risperidone administered to adolescents at doses commonly used for the treatment of psychotic symptoms can strongly increase prolactin levels, with clinical consequences such as gynecomastia and/or galactorrhea. Given that the long-term effects of antipsychotic drug-induced hyperprolactinemia are not well documented, especially regarding osteopenia, infertility, growth, and pubertal delay, risperidone should be administered with caution to children and adolescents.”
Despite the warnings, the drug was still put on the market by Johnson & Johnson.
Due to the problems concerning Risperdal, lawsuits have been filed nationwide against Johnson & Johnson alleging personal and mental injuries related to taking the drug. Risperdal has been linked to negative side effects, such as:
•Gynecomastia (growth of male breasts, which may be painful or tender)
•Galactorrhea (production of milk from breasts)
•Diabetes, high blood sugar
•Bone loss
•Sexual dysfunction
•Pituitary tumors
•Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movement disorder)
•Weight gain
•Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
•Heart problems, heart attack, irregular heart rhythm
•Suicide
•Pancreatitis
•Increased risk of death among elderly people with dementia
If you or a loved one has been prescribed Risperdal and has suffered negative side effects, please contact the experienced attorneys at The Talaska Law Firm today via phone at 713-869-1240 or via email at info@ttlf.com. We look forward to helping you and your family during this difficult time.