Antipsychotic Drug Risperdal, Allegation. In a recent Risperdal (risperidone) gynecomastia lawsuit, a Pennsylvania judge has agreed to increase a $70 million award to over $76 million. Risperdal lawsuit was filed against Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiary, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, by a family on behalf of their teenage son. The boy, who took the antipsychotic drug Risperdal, allegedly began to develop breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia.
The additional $6.7 million award is meant to cover delay damages, given that the lawsuit took some time to settle on July 1, 2016. The family’s counsel indicated that they were entitled to considerable delay damages. The family’s wait took over one year after the complaint was served on April 16, 2014.
The Pennsylvania Judge Approved The Additional Award
Janssen Pharmaceuticals argued that the demand was erroneous and a representative wrote that, “we continue to believe the verdict was not justified and should be reversed on appeal.” Despite these claims, the Pennsylvania judge approved the additional ‘Risperdal’ award.
The benefits of the possibility of delay damages are allowed, according to Pennsylvania rules and ensures that defendants do not profit by extending time before injured parties receive justice.
Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit
The Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit alleged that the boy began taking ‘Risperdal’ in 2003. Lawsuit allegations also include that the boy developed gynecomastia. When gynecomastia occurs, the abnormal growth of female-like breasts are comprised of breast tissue and not fat tissue, which means that medical intervention is needed to address the male breasts.
At the time the boy started treatment in 2003 with ‘Risperdal’, the drug was approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. A warning label at that time did note that gynecomastia was a potential Risperdal side effect; however, the side effect was deemed rare.
Prolactin Increase Might Lead to the Development of Gynecomastia
The lawsuit alleged that Janssen scientists were aware, as far back as when the boy began taking ‘Risperdal’, that the drug was associated with increases in development of the hormone, prolactin, and that these prolactin increase might lead to the development of gynecomastia.
Now, hundreds of boys and young men who allege suffering from Risperdal gynecomastia have filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson. They allege that the drug maker neglected to appropriately warn patients and the medical community about the potential and significant side effects of ‘Risperdal’.
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