Risperdal Gynecomastia Lawsuit News: Bernstein Liebhard LLP Notes New Ohio Initiative to Reduce Overuse of Antipsychotic Drugs in Children

NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuits (http://www.risperdallawsuitcenter.com/) continue to move forward in U.S. courts, Bernstein Liebhard LLP notes that the state of Ohio has launched an initiative to curb the overuse of antipsychotic drugs like Risperdal in children. The initiative is part of Ohio Minds Matter, an effort by the state to evaluate and improve prescribing of atypical antipsychotics and other psychotropic medications among Medicaid-eligible children, as well as those in foster care.

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According to a report published by the Akron Beacon Journal on February 10, 2014, less than 1% of privately insured children are currently treated with antipsychotic medications, compared to 1.3% of children covered by Medicaid. The report also noted that these drugs have the potential to cause serious health problems, including gynecomastia (male breast growth) and diabetes. Among other things, Ohio Minds Matter is aiming for a 25% reduction in the use of antipsychotic medications in children younger than 6.

"The goals of this new initiative are laudable, especially in light of the serious side effects associated with drugs like Risperdal. It should be noted that many Risperdal lawsuits alleging injury due to its use have been filed on behalf of children," 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

According to court documents, more than 200 Risperdal lawsuits filed on behalf of individuals who were allegedly harmed by the medication are moving forward in a consolidated litigation underway in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania. These include dozens involving claims of Risperdal gynecomastia. Among other things, the complaints allege that the manufacturers of the drug concealed its serious risks and improperly marketed it for use in children long before pediatric indications were approved by federal regulators in 2006. (Risperdal Litigation, case number 100300296)

The launch of the Ohio initiative follows the publication of a Consumer Reports investigation which found that pediatric use of antipsychotics like Risperdal had tripled over the last 15 years. According to an article published by Consumer Reports in December 2013, a disproportionate number of these prescriptions are being written for poor and minority children.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on November 4^th that Johnson & Johnson and its Janssen Pharmaceuticals subsidiary had agreed to pay $2.2 million to resolve criminal and civil charges stemming from their marketing of Risperdal and other drugs. Among other things, the government had accused the companies of concealing the risk of Risperdal gynecomastia and other side effects associated with the medication. Federal prosecutors also claimed that Johnson & Johnson and Janssen had improperly promoted Risperdal for children and elderly dementia patients.

Men and boys who allegedly developed Risperdal gynecomastia may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturers of the drug. Find out more about filing a Risperdal lawsuit at 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.

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(888) 340-4807

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Bernstein Liebhard LLP
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