Risperdal and Children

Risperdal (risperidone) is an atypical anti-psychotic medication approved to treat symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism. When it comes to prescribing Risperdal to children and adolescents, these uses are narrow and limited. Unfortunately, that has not stopped thousands of doctors from prescribing Risperdal for unapproved and untested uses, with serious consequences.

ALERT: Jan. 19, 2012: Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay $158 million to the state of Texas to settle claims that the drug company illegally promoted its anti-psychotic drug Risperdal for off-label uses, including unapproved uses in children.

"[They] misused Texas and, I believe, well-meaning officials to further their marketing. They subverted science and they influenced others to betray the people they were supposed to be taking care of. To me, that is reprehensible," Allen Jones, the whistleblower who filed the original Risperdal lawsuits in Texas and Pennsylvania.

Approved Uses for Children

Risperdal has only been approved for the following:

Schizophrenia- Treatment of schizophrenia in adolescents aged 13-17 (approved in 2007).

Bipolar Disorder- Short term-treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder in children and adolescents aged 10-17 (approved in 2007).

Autistic Disorder- Treatment of irritability associated with autistic disorder in children and adolescents aged 5-16 (approved in 2006).

Off-Label Prescribing

While Risperdal has only been approved for the above uses in children, doctors are able to prescribe it for various other unapproved or “off-label uses” such as:

ADHD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Anxiety disorders
Eating disorders
Tourette syndrome
Disruptive behavior disorders in children
Depression

While it may be legal, the practice of off-label prescribing puts children at risk for serious, life-threatening side-effects without concrete proof/evidence of benefit.

Risperdal Side-Effects

Rapid weight gain
Hypertension
Diabetes
Breast cancer
Tumors of the pituitary gland
Gynecomastia (breast development in males)
Galactorrhea (lactation)
Hyperprolactinemia
Decreased bone mineral density
Osteoporosis
Metabolic syndrome
Involuntary movement disorders (tics, twitches, muscle contractions)
Nueroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)

Recent Risperdal Lawsuits

2010- Johnson & Johnson ordered to pay $257.7 million to the State of Louisiana over Risperdal marketing.
2011- Johnson & Johnson ordered to pay $327 million to the State of South Carolina over Risperdal marketing.
2012- Johnson & Johnson settles Texas Risperdal lawsuit for $158 million.
2012
2012- 2

Contact An Experienced Risperdal Attorney

Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys is currently accepting Risperdal cases for evaluation. If your child has suffered as a result of off-label prescribing of Risperdal, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys today for a free case review.

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