Risperdal Linked to Breast Growth in Young Males, Drug Manufacturer Pays for Off-Label Marketing

 Posted on October 22, 2014 in Defective Drugs & Treatments

Defective drug manufacturers that have not properly tested products or have been found to market illegally with misleading statements are facing the consequences of lawsuits. When someone is the victim of taking a defective drug, they can suffer medical, emotional, and financial hardships as a result.

The FDA issued a press release last year that said the manufacturer of Risperdal, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, was fined $2.2 billion for the illegal promotion of its drug to males under the age of 18. Risperdal marketing material highlighted symptoms the drug can be used for while minimizing warnings about its safety. The FDA stood firm by its commitment to prevent and fight all forms of health care fraud and hold responsible parties accountable.

Risperdal is labeled as an antipsychotic medication, but has been linked to gynecomastia, an enlargement of male breast tissue and increased levels of prolactin, a hormone that can stimulate milk production. In an article from the Wall Street Journal, a Duke psychiatrist reported that for 70 percent of the cases he analyzed, Risperdal had the strongest connection to gynecomastia in minors among any of the newer antipsychotic drugs.

The prescription drug industry is worth $300 billion a year worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), a figure that is expected to increase to $400 billion within the next three years. WHO also details that pharmaceutical companies like Johnson & Johnson spend nearly twice as much for product marketing than on research and development.

Lack of proper product development and marketing can lead to possible drug defects resulting in harm to patients. If you or someone you know have experienced adverse effects as a result of taking medication, contact an Arlington Heights defective drug attorney today. Our attorneys have experience going against major drug manufacturers and are ready to seek the justice you deserve.