A new and very large study that was done by researchers in Canada has concluded that men who use the antipsychotic drug Risperdal face a heightened risk of developing gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is a condition whereby men experience breast growth. The study was done by researchers at the University of British Columbia. The findings were presented a few weeks ago at the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) conference in Florida. This study is believed to not only be the first of its kind, but it is also the largest ever done with relation to Risperdal side effects.
The researchers reviewed a database of American medical claims relating to one million different men. They found that men who used Risperdal had a 69 percent higher risk of developing gynecomastia than those who had not used the drug. To date, most large studies of Risperdal have involved animal subjects. These studies generally looked at how the drug interacts with neurotransmitters in the brain and not necessarily at the potential for Risperdal side effects. This Canadian study involved men who were older, but the researchers stated that it’s probable that this medication can have a similar effect on younger men and boys.
Gynecomastia Described
Most people are not aware of the condition known as gynecomastia, as it is relatively rare. Simply put, gynecomastia is the enlargement of the gland tissue of the male breast. It is the result of a hormonal imbalance that occurs inside the body. When estrogen levels increase and androgen levels decrease, it can lead to this sort of abnormal growth of the breasts. To date, there are no specific medications available to treat gynecomastia, so many patients need to undergo surgery to correct the problem.
Risperdal Described
Risperdal is a medication that is known as an antipsychotic. That means that it is used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia and episodes of mania. Risperdal has also been used to treat problems with aggression in children. It works by altering the chemical balance in the brain so that it functions more normally and episodes and/or symptoms of these conditions are minimized. Risperdal is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, which is a division of Johnson & Johnson.
Risperdal Legal Troubles
This study concerning the alleged link between Risperdal and gynecomastia could lead to legal troubles for Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Johnson & Johnson in the future. If so, any Risperdal lawsuits that are filed would only add to the number of claims that are already active. To date, approximately 200 Risperdal side effects lawsuits have been filed in both the United States and Canada. The manufacturers have also had to pay more than $2 billion in damages in the recent past for hiding Risperdal side effects and for marketing the drug for uses that were not approved by the FDA.
If you or someone you love has used this medication and suffered as a result, contact the Risperdal side effects lawyers at Parilman & Associates today to schedule a free initial consultation. You can either email the firm or call 800-800-DRUG.
