Risperdal is an atypical anti-psychotic drug that is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a division of Johnson & Johnson. The drug was originally released as a form of treatment for schizophrenia, however, it was also used to treat bipolar disorder, autism, and dementia. Approved in 1993, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) incorporated a warning with regard to the drug’s serious side effects. However, the warning did not notify users of the increased risk of male breast development. The harm potentially done to patients since has resulted in the need for many to pursue lawsuits with the help of a Risperdal lawyer.
Risperdal Side Effects
In 1999, the association between Risperdal and male breast growth was made public in an issue of Psychopharmacology. By September 2012, Johnson & Johnson had settled the first of more than 100 Risperdal lawsuits alleging male breast growth, also known as gynecomastia.
UPDATE: J&J, Janssen Settle for $5.9 Million in Risperdal Claim
However, in April 2025, a lawsuit was filed in California alleging Eli Lilly knowingly concealed evidence that antipsychotic drugs like Risperdal can also cause breast cancer. One study cited in the lawsuit was a Swedish registry study of over 132,000 women that found a 47 percent increased breast cancer risk after more than five years of exposure to prolactin-increasing antipsychotics like Risperdal.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious side effects, such as breast cancer, caused by the use of Risperdal, the victim may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, mental anguish, lost wages, and more.
For a free and confidential review of your Risperdal claim, fill out the Free Case Review form on this page to get in touch with a Risperdal lawyer.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a medical condition that causes the benign enlargement of breast tissue in males. It is estimated that approximately 10 to 25 percent of all gynecomastia cases are caused by the use of medications.
It has been alleged that Risperdal could increase the body’s levels of prolactin, a hormone that stimulates breast development and also alters the production of other important hormones. Although gynecomastia may not pose serious health risks, it could cause psychological or emotional trauma.
Some common signs of gynecomastia include:
- Breast tenderness
- Nipple discharge
- Pain
- Swelling
In 2006, a study in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology revealed that prolactin levels increased when adolescents were given Risperdal. A follow-up study published three years later in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology concluded that elevated prolactin levels associated with Risperdal could last up to two years.
Since these findings were revealed, many more lawsuits have been filed on behalf of young men who have experienced male breast growth caused by Risperdal.
Jury Orders Janssen Pharmaceuticals to Pay $70 Million in Risperidone Lawsuit
On July 1, 2016, Reuters reported that a jury ordered Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Pharmaceuticals unit to pay $70 million to “the family of a boy who developed breasts after taking” the company’s antipsychotic drug, Risperdal (risperidone). The jury also found that the company had “intentionally falsified, destroyed or concealed evidence in the case.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that this was the “fifth Risperdal lawsuit tried in Philadelphia, and by far the largest verdict so far,” with earlier verdicts ranging from $500,000 to $2.2 million.
Contact our Risperdal Attorneys Today
Despite being approved by the Food & Drug Administration, Risperdal led to many adverse medical conditions. At Phillips Law Group, we believe that negligent drug manufacturers should be held accountable for their actions and the harm they caused.
Our dangerous drug lawyers can provide comprehensive legal counsel and help guide you through the litigation process. We will work hard to fight for your right to the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.
Our main office is located in Phoenix, Arizona, but we are pleased to assist Risperdal victims in the surrounding areas.
For more information on how we may be able to help you and to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation review of your Risperdal claim, call 602-222-2222 . One of our intake staff members will connect you with one of our lawyers best suited to handle your claim.
If you would prefer to contact us online, fill out the Free Case Review form on this page.
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