The mother of a young man in Louisiana has filed a gynecomastia lawsuit against the makers of Risperdal and Invega. The lawsuit names Johnson & Johnson, its subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Janssen Research and Development and Mylan Pharmaceuticals as defendants. The lawsuit generally states that the mother’s son, who is 13 years old, developed gynecomastia as a result of using Risperdal and Invega. These medications are used by adults with schizophrenia and by younger people who face a variety of different psychological problems. Gynecomastia is a condition whereby the breasts of a male begin to grow and develop. Clearly, gynecomastia is a condition that inflicts not only physical, but also psychological damage on patients who already face psychological challenges.
According to the complaint that was filed with the case, the plaintiff’s son was prescribed both Risperdal and Invega several times. After using these medications, the symptoms of gynecomastia began to appear. Gynecomastia symptoms include:
- Swollen breast gland tissue
- Breast tenderness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Discharge in one or both nipples
Generally speaking, gynecomastia occurs in both breasts, but it can occur in just one of them, which is known as unilateral gynecomastia. The treatments for gynecomastia are varied. Some cases simply resolve themselves over time, particularly if a medication is causing the condition and that medication is no longer taken. Other patients require medication to correct the problem, and still others will need surgery to reduce the breast tissue volume.
The gynecomastia lawsuit filed over the use of Risperdal and Invega in Louisiana states several different causes of action. They are as follows:
- Construction or Composition Defect
- Design Defect
- Inadequate Warning
- Breach of Express Warranty
- Negligence
- Redhibition
- Breach of Warranty of Fitness for Ordinary Use
- Breach of Implied Warranty of Merchantability and Fitness
- Strict Liability
- Violations of Federal Regulations
Each of these claims advances a different legal theory that alleges that the defendants should be held liable for the different types of damages that are being sought by the plaintiff. The damages that are being pursued in this Risperdal lawsuit include:
- Medical expenses past, present and future
- Physical pain and suffering past, present and future
- Mental anxiety and anguish past, present and future
- Lost wages and earnings past, present and future
- Loss of earning capacity past, present and future
- Loss of enjoyment of life past, present and future
- Loss of consortium
- All other reasonable forms of damages as proven at trial
The plaintiff also makes a demand for a jury trial, which is customary with regards to these different types of disputes.
The Realities of a Risperdal Lawsuit
The description above represents what goes into most defective drugs lawsuits in the beginning of the process. The reality of these situations is that enormous companies such as the defendants named in this Risperdal lawsuit will make use of their vast resources in order to defend themselves from legal and financial liability. Those who have been harmed by this or any other medication need to seek the help of Risperdal side effects lawyers who have been fighting for the rights of consumers for many years. If this includes you or someone you love, contact Parilman & Associates today to schedule a free initial consultation. You can either email the firm or call 800-800-DRUG.