In 2004, P.M. Haddad et al. published a report in the medical journal Drugs titled “Antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinaemia: mechanisms, clinical features and management.” Aiming to elucidate the biochemical mechanism by which certain antipsychotic medications cause hyperprolactinemia (elevated blood levels of prolactin, the hormone responsible for breast development and milk production), the abstract to the article begins as follows:
“Hyperprolactinaemia is an important but neglected adverse effect of antipsychotic medication. It occurs frequently with conventional antipsychotics and some atypical antipsychotics (risperidone and amisulpride) but is rare with other atypical antipsychotics (aripiprazole, clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone).” (emphasis added)
Risperidone, marketed as Risperdal® by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has been associated with hyperprolactinemia and ensuing male breast growth (gynecomastia) by many scientific studies, and because Janssen has failed time and again to adequately warn users of this risk, Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuits are currently being filed in great number.
The Haddad et al. (2004) study even suggests that “the terms ‘prolactin-sparing’ and ‘prolactin-raising’ are more useful than ‘atypical’ and ‘conventional’ when considering the effect of antipsychotic drugs on serum prolactin” for “During antipsychotic treatment prolactin levels can rise 10-fold or more above pretreatment values.”
Continuing, the Haddad (2004) team writes, “Symptoms of hyperprolactinaemia include gynaecomastia, galactorrhoea, sexual dysfunction, infertility, oligomenorrhoea and amenorrhoea” and “Existing data suggest that [these symptoms] are common but that clinicians underestimate their prevalence.”
Importantly, the study team notes that if a patient is using Risperdal and suffers the above symptoms, there are other treatment options available: “Options include reducing the dose of the antipsychotic, switching to a prolactin-sparing agent, prescribing a dopamine receptor agonist and prescribing estrogen replacement in hypoestrogenic female patients.”
However, if you or a loved one used Risperdal and suffered male breast growth as a result, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation from the manufacturer for your injuries through a Risperdal lawsuit. For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of Risperdal lawyers at the information provided below. We have the compassion, resources, and experience required to win the justice you deserve. Call today and see how we can help!
(855) 452 – 5529
Our Risperdal Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about Risperdal.