As early as 2012, links between young males growing female breast and the Johnson & Johnson drug, Risperdal began to appear in the news, provoking alarm among parents of children affected by the drug’s side effects.
Plagued by recalls and revelations of severe side effects associated with other drugs manufactured and sold by the pharmaceutical giant, Johnson & Johnson officials may have been aware of the flaws associated with Risperdal when used by young males, a Bloomberg report noted in September 2012.
In addition to sparking serious side effects and health issues, some allege that Johnson & Johnson illegally marketed Risperdal to children, despite the serious issues associated with the powerful prescription drug. Many children were prescribed the drug for problems, such as Asperger’s Syndrome and ADHD and other diagnoses. The drug was not approved for pediatric conditions until 2006, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
By 2011, some states had already fined Johnson & Johnson billions for deceptive marketing practices tied to the antipsychotic drug. But despite fines endured by the drug manufacturer, their Risperdal sales reached an all-time high in 2008 with over $3.4 billion in revenue stemming from the dangerous drug.
One of the troubling side effects associated with Risperdal use included to production of female breasts among young boys. According to some studies, the use of the drug encouraged the production of the hormone Prolactin, which stimulates breast growth. The associated condition is known in the medical world as Gynecomastia. According to the Mayo Clinic, surgery is sometimes required to eliminate breasts grown as a result of the sometimes painful, and extremely embarrassing condition.
At The Carlson Law Firm, we’ve been helping clients injured and killed as a result of bad drugs and poor warnings by major drug companies, for years. We are currently representing clients who have experienced side effects caused by Risperdal and other dangerous prescription drugs. Don’t wait! Call our Risperdal attorneys in Texas for a free consultation today. We care. We can help.