As Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuits continue to progress in courts all over the United States, one state is taking the initiative to curb the overuse of antipsychotic drugs like Risperdal in children. The initiative is taking place in Ohio and 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.
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 under the age of six.
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 4th 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.
Legal Commentary
From a civil standpoint, our firm has represented numerous individuals and families who have become victim to Risperdal’s dangerous side effects and the following psychological trauma. If you or a loved one have taken Risperdal and have experienced abnormal breast growth or milk production we encourage you to consult with one of our Risperdal attorneys as soon as possible. A successful civil claim pursued against the responsible party will ensure the victims are not burdened with costly medical expenses, and will hopefully compensate them for their pain, suffering, and lost wages for time missed from work. Further questions can be directed to the Fears | Nachawati Law Firm by emailing the lead Risperdal lawyer, Majed Nachawati at mn@fnlawfirm.com, or by calling our office at 1.866.705.7584.
About the Author
Majed Nachawati is a preeminent Pharmaceutical Products Liability Lawyer with a focus on representing testosterone replacement therapy victims and families harmed by dangerous treatments on a nationwide basis. Mr. Nachawati has resolved numerous cases through trial and settlement that have resulted in seven and eight figure confidential settlements. He is on the Grievance Committee for the State Bare of Texas. He is licensed to practice before the Supreme Court of Texas and Arkansas, and is in most federal courts in the nation and holds specific licenses in the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of Texas. Mr. Nachawati is a member of the Board of Directors of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the Board of Directors for Public Justice, a Leaders’ Forum and PAC member of the American Association for Justice. Mr. Nachawati has been recognized as a Super Lawyer in Texas Monthly Magazine for the past four consecutive years for legal excellence, in connection with pharmaceutical injury cases. Mr. Nachawati is also a member of The Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Mr. Nachawati can be reached by email at mn@fnlawfirm.com or by calling 1.866.705.7584.