Antipsychotic Lawsuit FAQs

What Is the Latest News on the Antipsychotic Drugs Lawsuit? (January 2025)

As of January 2025, these lawsuits are still in their early stages. There have been no settlements or verdicts to report. 

Individuals who meet the criteria are filing lawsuits based on their breast cancer diagnosis. There is not yet a mass tort based on these lawsuits. If this does occur, it is likely the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation would consolidate them into a multidistrict litigation (MDL). This is the most common path for similar dangerous drug lawsuits.

Our legal team will continue to follow these lawsuits as they proceed.

Who Is the Defendant in the Antipsychotic Drugs Lawsuits?

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is the drug company that makes Invega (paliperidone) and Risperdal (risperidone). Janssen is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. The pharmaceutical company has previously faced other litigation related to these drugs.

Who Are the Plaintiffs in the Antipsychotic Lawsuits?

In general, the plaintiffs are individuals who were prescribed these medications for long-term use and were later diagnosed with breast cancer.

What Is the Basis of the Antipsychotic Breast Cancer Lawsuits?

The basis of the lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is the allegation that taking these drugs for an extended period can increase the risk of breast cancer. Studies show this could be related to increased exposure to the hormone prolactin. This hormone is essential during puberty, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.

This is not the first time the drug manufacturer has faced allegations related to prolactin levels in these antipsychotic medications. They fought—and paid—plaintiffs in numerous mass torts based on gynecomastia. In these cases, such as A.Y. v. Janssen Pharm. Inc., evidence included an internal study that showed the company was aware of this risk years before consumers found out.

Since then, other studies have confirmed the link between prolactin and breast cancer. These studies will likely play a key role in getting justice for plaintiffs in these cases. Science and research are often essential to showing the judge and jury that dangerous medications cause or contribute to the harm that occurred. Strong research could also compel the drug company to make a fair settlement offer in some cases.

Who May Qualify to File a Lawsuit Based on Antipsychotic Medications and Breast Cancer?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions about antipsychotic lawsuits as individuals nationwide consider whether they may qualify to take action against the drug company based on their cancer diagnosis.

In general, those who can pursue damages will meet the following criteria:

• They were prescribed Invega or Risperdal
• They took a generic version of Invega or Risperdal (only applicable to those in California, Massachusetts, or Nevada)
• They took these medications for five years or more
• They received a breast cancer diagnosis during or after use of the medication
• They did not use the medication exclusively in Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, North Carolina, or Tennessee

Gender is not a factor in these cases: if you meet the criteria, you can file a lawsuit.

The best way to learn whether you may qualify to file a lawsuit based on your breast cancer diagnosis is to speak to a legal professional. Our team can match you with a law firm partner near you to proceed with your case and pursue fair financial compensation for your losses.

What Damages Are Recoverable in a Dangerous Drug Breast Cancer Lawsuit?

As of January 2025, there have not been any settlements or payouts in antipsychotic lawsuits involving breast cancer diagnoses. However, based on similar dangerous drug cases, we know the types of damages that victims might be able to recover. This could include:

Economic Damages Related to the Antipsychotic

You could be reimbursed for the current and future costs of your cancer diagnosis and treatment, including medical bills, income losses, and related expenses.

Non-economic Damages Related to the Antipsychotic

These are the intangible damages suffered, focused primarily on physical and emotional pain and suffering. If you were temporarily or permanently disabled or your quality of life suffered, you may ask for non-economic damages.

Punitive Damages Against the Drug Manufacturer

Some plaintiffs may recover punitive damages in these cases. The courts award these damages when defendants act with particular malice or intention.

How Can a Lawyer Help Potential Plaintiffs in Antipsychotic Drug Lawsuits?

Our co-counsels and network of experts work together to get justice for those harmed by dangerous drugs. An attorney can manage your case by:

• Reviewing your circumstances and advising you on what legal actions to take
• Filing all paperwork
• Managing all communications with other parties, including Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Collecting evidence that shows your cancer diagnosis is likely connected with your use of Risperdal, Invega, or a generic
• Collecting evidence of the effects the cancer diagnosis has had on your life
• Fighting hard on your behalf for a fair payout, either through a pretrial settlement or a jury award

In short, with a mass tort attorney on your case, you do not have to handle any aspect of your legal action alone. A professional will always be available to answer your questions and advocate for you.