Risperdal Gynecomastia Lawsuit Settles Before Trial for Undisclosed Amount

A confidential settlement was recently reached in a Risperdal lawsuit that was set to go to trial earlier this month, resolving allegations that Johnson & Johnson failed to adequately warn that side effects of the popular antipsychotic medication may cause the development of male breasts among boys and young men; a condition known as gynecomastia. 

There are currently more than 1,500 similar cases pending on behalf of individuals nationwide who developed gynecomastia from Risperdal, and the case was expected to be the fourth in a series of early “bellwether” trials designed to help gauge how juries may respond to certain evidence and testimony that is likely to be repeated throughout the litigation.

Following verdicts of $2.5 million, $1.75 million and $500,000 in three of the cases to go before juries in Pennsylvania state court so far, a report by the Legal Intelligencer indicates that Johnson & Johnson decided to settle a lawsuit brought by Robert Moffat, avoiding a trial that was expected to begin on May 9.

Details of the agreement were not disclosed, and it does not appear that deal suggests any global Risperdal settlement may be imminent, as representatives of the drug maker have indicated an intention to continue to try individual cases “as appropriate.” About a dozen other bellwether trials are scheduled over the coming months.

Johnson & Johnson and its Janssen Pharmaceuticals subsidiary have been quietly dealing with Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuits for years, with settlements reached in several dozen cases in 2012. However, as the number of claims has continued to grow in recent years, the manufacturers have refused to negotiate any global settlement and have continued to deny their medication caused boys and young men to experience dramatic breast growth.

Risperdal Breast Growth Risks

Risperdal (risperidone) is an antipsychotic medication that was originally approved for use among adults with schizophrenia. Since it was introduced, it has also been widely used among children for a wide variety of conditions, including bi-polar disorders, autism, irritability, aggression and behavior disorders.

Gynecomastia is a rare medical condition involving the growth of breasts among males, which has been reported among a number of boys and young adult males who previously used Risperdal.

The impact of gynecomastia from Risperdal can have a devastating psychological consequence on teens and young men, potentially resulting in severe anxiety, embarrassment and other mental health issues that impact their overall quality of life. The breast growth also often results in the need for surgery to correct the problems, resulting in scarring and other health risks.

Although many of the cases filed by individuals nationwide have been pending for several years, Risperdal gynecomastia lawyers are continuing to evaluate and pursue new cases for families and young men who have experienced breast growth problems.