You can’t miss those television commercials advertising legal assistance to patients who have taken Risperdal.
Although some are keenly aware of the lawsuit in question, the ads simply leave most people scratching their heads.
Without giving any legal advice, Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery can shed some light on the Risperdal and Gynecomastia situation – hopefully answering some of the questions you were too afraid to ask.
- Risperdal (Risperadone) is an antipsychotic drug that is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
- The medication is also used to treat other conditions, such as irritability in those with Autism.
- Risperdal was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1994.
- The medication has many side effects, including dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances and excess breast growth in men.
- In April of 2012, the first lawsuit against the maker of Risperdal was filed in an Arkansas court.
- Johnson & Johnson, the maker of Risperdal, is accused of failing to provide adequate warnings about the risks of the medication, including the instances of Gynecomastia.
- It is being charged that Johnson & Johnson did not properly research the effects of Risperdal.
- A portion of the suit states that Johnson & Johnson may have illegally marketed “off label” (not yet approved by the FDA) uses of Risperdal for problems such as anger management and anxiety.
- As of now, several of the lawsuits against the makers of Risperdal have resulted in fines for the company, including a $158 million settlement in Texas.
- Due to these lawsuits, lawyers are actively recruiting those who suspect their enlarged male breasts occurred while taking Risperdal.
The important take-away from this lawsuit: medications can trigger growth of male breast tissue. Discontinuing the medication under a doctor’s supervision may reverse the physical symptoms, but not always. Gynecomastia that is present for more than a year may ultimately require a male breast reduction to restore a flat chest.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice, only to let patients know that Dr. Paul Vitenas and his staff have been treating Gynecomastia in Houston for over 25 years. His deep understanding of the condition’s sensitive nature means that all male breast reduction consultations are performed in a confidential setting. Dr. Vitenas’ surgical center is located within his own building, complete with a dedicated back entrance to keep all procedures private. Contact Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery for more information on Gynecomastia at (281) 668-7370.