As Risperdal Lawsuits Move Forward in U.S., New Study Sees Rising Use of Antipsychotic Drugs Among Children in Germany

NEW YORK, Feb. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As Risperdal lawsuits (http://www.risperdallawsuitcenter.com/) continue to move forward in U.S. courts, a new analysis out of Germany indicates that more children in that country are being treated with antipsychotic drugs. The analysis, which appeared last month in Deutsches Arzteblatt International, looked at data collected by a German health insurer, and found that the use of such medications among children and adolescents grew significantly between 2005 and 2011, increasing by as much as 50% in one calendar year. In particular, a sharp increase was seen in the use of atypical antipsychotics, with Risperdal ranking among the most frequently prescribed medications.

"The results of this study are disturbing, especially in light of the serious side effects allegedly suffered by Risperdal lawsuits plaintiffs. Parents and caregivers considering such treatment for their child should be aware of the potential for Risperdal gynecomastia, or male breast growth, and other complications," says Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationwide law firm representing the victims of defective drugs and medical devices. The Firm is evaluating legal claims on behalf of young men and boys who may have experienced male breast growth due to their use Risperdal.

Risperdal Lawsuits

The publication of the German study followed an investigation by Consumer Reports which found that the use of Risperdal and other antipsychotic medications among children in the U.S. had tripled in the last 10 to 15 years.  Among other things, Consumer Reports revealed in December that many children were taking these powerful medications off-label to treat behavior problems, rather than schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The report also raised concerns about the dangers these medications posed to children, as a mounting body of evidence indicates that Risperdal and similar drugs could carry more risk than first thought.

According to court documents, more than 200 Risperdal lawsuits have been filed in a mass tort proceeding underway in Pennsylvania's Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas that allege use of the drug caused patients to suffer gynecomastia and other serious side effects. Among other things, the lawsuits allege the makers of the drug concealed its serious side effects, and improperly marketed Risperdal for use in children prior to the FDA's approval of such indications in 2006. (Risperdal Litigation, case number 100300296)

On November 4th, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Johnson & Johnson and its Janssen Pharmaceuticals subsidiary had agreed to pay $2.2 million to resolve criminal and civil charges stemming from its marketing of Risperdal and other drugs. Among other things, federal prosecutors had alleged that the company improperly promoted Risperdal for pediatric patients. The Justice Department had also charged that the company concealed the potential for Risperdal gynecomastia and other side effects associated with the medication.

Risperdal patients who developed gynecomastia may be entitled to compensation for the damages related to their injury, including out-of-pocket medical expenses, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and more. To learn more about Risperdal gynecomastia, please visit Bernstein Liebhard LLP's website, or contact the Firm directly by calling (888) 340-4807 to arrange for a free case review.

About Bernstein Liebhard LLP
Bernstein Liebhard LLP is a New York-based law firm exclusively representing injured persons in complex individual and class action lawsuits nationwide since 1993, including those who have been harmed by dangerous drugs, defective medical devices and consumer products. The firm has been named by The National Law Journal to the "Plaintiffs' Hot List," recognizing the top plaintiffs' firms in the country, for the past 11 consecutive years.

Bernstein Liebhard LLP
10 East 40th Street
New York, New York 10016
(888) 340-4807

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. © 2014 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (888) 340-4807. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

Contact Information: 
Felecia L. Stern, Esq.
Bernstein Liebhard LLP
info (at) consumerinjurylawyers (dot) com
http://www.risperdallawsuitcenter.com/ 
https://plus.google.com/115936073311125306742?rel=author

SOURCE Bernstein Liebhard LLP