What is Risperdal and Who is it Prescribed to?
Risperdal (generic name Risperdone) is a psychiatric medicine that is prescribed to patients diagnosed with bipolar, schizophrenia, or behavior problems associated with autism. In most cases it is prescribed to teenagers and adults, but has been used to treat children. This popular antipsychotic has made its manufacturer billions of dollars in sales, and is being utilized all over the country. However, it does not come without risks. Although it is aimed to improve the quality of life in people who struggle daily with mental health disorders, it has been linked to a severe side effect known as Gynecomestia. Ironically Risperdal has been proven to negatively affect the quality of life of the very people it is designed to help.
What is Gynecomestia and What are the Symptoms?
One of the more harsh complications that patients are complaining about is gynecomestia. This condition is one that occurs in young men. It is the enlargement of breast tissue due to an abundance of the hormone responsible for breast growth. The outcome of this is the appearance of formed breasts. The signs and symptoms of this condition include: chest sensitivity, swelling of breast tissue, breast enlargement/growth, an increase in the size of the areola and nipple discharge. If you or a loved one has experienced any of these symptoms after taking Risperdal you may have developed gynecomestia.
Increased levels of the hormone prolactin, which is the hormone responsible for regulating breast tissue growth, are a known side effect of Risperdal. Recent studies have proven that there is an increased level of the hormone prolactin after taking this medication, especially in adolescent males.
Gynecomestia and the Negative Effects on Psychological Well-being:
Although this problem is not particularly harmful to a patient’s health, it does not come without its own negative effects. The Mayo clinic has stated that even though it may not impact a person’s health in an adverse manner, it can elicit serious emotional trauma. It may affect the everyday quality of life for the teenage boys and young men who have to deal with it. Some men have alleged that these Risperdal side effects have negatively impacted their social functioning, directly affecting their mental health. Self-esteem can be a very important part any adolescent’s life and abnormal breast growth during this sensitive time can painfully damage their self-esteem. It is also important to recognize that in many of these cases patients will require a mastectomy to rebuild their self esteem.
Do You have a Risperdal Claim?
If you or a loved one has suffered injury related to the drug Risperdal, you may have a claim for compensation. There are 425 currently pending Risperdal lawsuits, and you may be entitled to damages for emotional anguish or pain and suffering caused by your injuries. It is important for you to contact a Risperdal defective drug attorney to obtain the legal advice that you need. d’Oliveira and Associates is working alongside some of the more experienced Risperdal attorneys in the country. Please contact the law offices of d’Oliveira & Associates at 1-800-992-6878, stop by one of our 15 locations, or fill out a contact form for a free legal consultation. There are no legal fees until you receive a settlement or reward.
Providence, RI 02909
Phone: (401) 831-8600
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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