Risperdal is an antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. But it has been used for a lot of off-label uses. One of the major side effects of using the drug is that it causes men to develop gynecomastia or male breast growth. The problem is more widespread than thought because there has been a push to market this drug for off-label purposes that put people at risk.
A $15.5 million settlement has been reached between the State of Kentucky and the maker of the drug for some of the damages. The reason for the damages was not because of damage young people but on elderly people. The Kentucky attorney general claims that Risperdal was marketed off-label to elderly patients despite an increased risk of death in that population.
They had evidence that an “elder sales force” has been created to market the product. It’s illegal for drug companies to actively market a drug beyond the scope laid down by the FDA. Only doctors can prescribe a medicine for off-label use. They also said that Janssen tried to tell customers that Risperdal had less severe side effects than other antipsychotics that later studies showed were untrue.
If you or a loved one have taken Risperdal and have experienced gynecomastia, or believe that the drug may have contributed to the death of an elderly loved one, call us immediately. There is a growing number of Risperdal lawsuits being filed all across the nation. Don’t miss your chance for compensation. Call our offices today.