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Since the FDA’s approval on February 1994 for Risperdal to be sold to the market, there have been thousands of lawsuits filed around the country.  Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has already settled thousands of cases including a criminal misdemeanor case filed by the Federal Government. As part of the settlement with the government, J & J has agreed to acknowledge that “it improperly marketed Risperdal to older adults for unapproved uses.”  However, despite this admonition, J & J has adamantly denied any wrongdoing for its actions in promoting Risperdal to Children and the developmentally disabled.

Currently, thousands of Risperdal cases are still being filed nationwide. These cases are commonly being grouped together in what is called a coordinated judicial proceeding or often referred to as multidistrict litigation. In California, the proceedings are referred to as Judicial Council Coordinated Proceedings. (JCCP)

Risperdal (risperidone) and Invega (paliperidone) are medications sold by Johnson & Johnson (J&J) aimed at curbing antipsychotic problems.  Initially, Risperdal and Invega were approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat schizophrenia. Eventually, Risperdal was approved by the FDA to treat a much wider range of behavioral issues. This enabled the marketing of Risperdal to reach a bigger population including children suffering from all sorts of behavioral problems. Today, Risperdal and Invega continues to have combined sales of $3 billion per year. Risperdal is estimated to have made about $40 billion.

Risperdal has been linked to various serious side effects including gynecomastia, weight gain, hyperprolactinemia and EPS. Gynecomastia is enlargement or development of breast tissue in males. This development is usually permanent and requires a surgical removal by a reconstructive surgeon. Gynecomastia is largely attributed to Risperdal’s stimulation of prolactin, a hormone common in pregnant or nursing women. Also, Risperdal has been attributed to rapid weight gain. A new study in the journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry confirms growing concerns that the weight gain associated with risperidone can have unhealthy consequences including risks for insulin resistance which in turn can lead to diabetes, heart and liver disease. Moreover, Risperdal has been linked to have caused extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) which include: 1) Akathisia (restlessness); 2) Akinesia (inability to move); 3) Tardive Dyskinesia (abnormal movement of face, shoulders, arms and legs); 4) Parkinson’s like tremor; 5) Torticolis (stiffening of the tongue)

Most children, mentally disabled individuals and their parents/guardians were never informed of the possible health risks attributed to taking Risperdal.  These serious side effects remain permanently with them affecting every aspect of their lives causing not only physical distress but also tremendous mental anguish especially for their loved ones who witness their suffering on a daily basis.

If you or a love one suffered complications due to taking Risperdal and/or Invega, you may be entitled to compensation. We are currently filing Risperdal Cases. Speak with our qualified Risperdal attorney about your case.

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