Risperdal & Invega: Serious Side Effects in Young Men
January 28, 2010 — The antipsychotic medications Risperdal and Invega, similar drugs approved to treat schizophrenia, bipolar mania and symptoms of autism, are the focus of lawsuits filed in Philadelphia, PA and New Jersey. Plaintiffs, who include boys and young men, have experienced serious side effects including rapid weight gain and the development of breasts. The drugs are manufactured by Janssen, a division of medical conglomerate Johnson & Johnson.
Prescription information for Risperdal on Janssen’s Web site mentions that breast growth or gynecomastia is a potential side effect for drugs that elevate levels of the hormone prolactin, as Risperdal does. Janssen says that 2.3 percent of 1,885 children and adolescents in clinical trials reported these side effects. One plaintiff that took Risperdal in his teens experienced both rapid weight gain and significant breast growth—which will require cosmetic surgery to correct.
Both Risperdal and Invega are prescribed off label to an estimated 70% of patients. These off–label conditions include attention deficit disorder (ADD), Tourette syndrome and disruptive behavior. Most of the patients involved in the Philadelphia suit were taking the drug for off–label problems.
Suits Allege Failure to Adequately Warn Doctors and Patients
The current lawsuits pending against Janssen and Johnson & Johnson allege the drug manufacturer failed to adequately warn doctors and patients of the potential side effects posed by Risperdal and Invega, especially when used as off–label treatment. Brayton Purcell is actively evaluating potential cases for those prescribed Risperdal or Invega who have experienced physical side effects such as rapid weight gain or breast growth. Please contact us to discuss your legal options with our product liability attorneys.