National Law Firm, Arentz Law Group, Investigates Cases Involving Risperdal Side Effects in Boys and Young Men

PHOENIX - Nov. 10, 2015 - PRLog -- Yesterday, Janssen Pharmaceuticals was ordered to pay a $1.75 million verdict in a case brought in Pennsylvania State Court alleging the company did not properly disclose the risks of abnormal breast growth in adolescent boys taking the antipsychotic drug Risperdal. The jury agreed with testimony suggesting that a Maryland man, Nicholas Murray’s breast growth was largely the result of Risperdal side effects after he was first prescribed the medication in 2003, and that the pharmaceutical giant had not adequately informed the then 9-year-old Murray's doctors or parents of the troubling side effect.

Murray was prescribed the drug to alleviate symptoms associated with an autism spectrum disorder called Asperger’s Syndrome. At the time, Risperdal was only approved to treat adults with schizophrenia. Further, the drug’s label indicated that gynecomastia, caused by increased levels of prolactin, was a rare complication that would only occur in fewer than 1 out of 1,000 patients. Janssen later changed Risperdal's label to indicate 2.3% of boys experience increased prolactin levels resulting in breast growth; however, recent studies indicate the side effect may occur in as many as 12.5% of boys.

Over 1,500 Risperdal lawsuits are currently pending in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. Two gynecomastia trials concluded in February and March of this year. The first case, also involving an autism patient, resulted in a $2.5 million verdict for the plaintiff. The jury in the second trial found that Janssen’s warnings to patients were inadequate, but were unable to conclude that Risperdal caused the plaintiff's breast growth and awarded no damages.

A third gynecomastia trial that began earlier this month is still underway.

The outcomes of these bellwether trials, and the verdicts awarded, could provide insight into the potential outcomes of future male breast growth trials.

Help for Victims:

"The time for young men harmed by Risperdal to file is now," says Robert Arentz, primary attorney and founder of the Arentz Law Group. "The evidence is clear that Janssen was negligent in warning patients of all the risks associated with taking Risperdal, so far this year, all three juries have agreed on that."

Arentz Law Group, which with its partner firms has recovered more than $1 billion in settlements and verdicts on behalf of injured consumers, is investigating claims on behalf of young men across the country who have suffered physically and psychologically due to gynecomastia caused by Risperdal. The Risperdal side effect attorneys of Arentz Law Group have announced that they are offering free legal consultations for males who have experienced breast growth after taking Risperdal, as well as for the parents and guardians of those affected by Risperdal.

To claim this offer, Risperdal side effect victims and their loved ones are urged to call 1-800-305-6000 or visit the Arentz Law Group's online Risperdal Help Center. Additional information, conversations, and updates can be found on the Risperdal Legal Help Center Facebook page.