Common Side Effects That Lead to Antipsychotic Lawsuits

What Is the Basis of the Current Antipsychotic Drug Lawsuits?

People across the country are filing lawsuits accusing the drug company of exposing them to an increased risk of breast cancer through the long-term use of their antipsychotic drugs, specifically Risperdal and Invega and their generics: risperidone and paliperidone.

You could qualify to join others in fighting the drug company in court if you took one of these medications for five or more years and have a breast cancer diagnosis. Those who took the generics can only sue if they are in California, Massachusetts, or Nevada. You may not qualify to file suit if you took any of these medications in one of the following states:

• Connecticut
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• North Carolina
• Tennessee

Previous Risperdal Lawsuits

This is not the first time that Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and its parent company, Johnson & Johnson, have faced legal issues related to this class of antipsychotic drugs. The previous Risperdal lawsuits were also linked to increased prolactin levels.

These cases, which included important victories for plaintiffs, alleged that the company knew of the risk of gynecomastia (male development of breasts) and did not issue warnings to consumers. Evidence shows that Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. knew about the increased exposure to prolactin for years before informing the public.

What Evidence Supports These Antipsychotic Drug Lawsuits?

The evidence used in previous cases against the drug manufacturer, such as A.Y. v. Janssen Pharm. Inc., points to an internal study that showed side effects, including hyperprolactinemia and prolactin-related gynecomastia. Expert testimony said the company knew of these side effects by 2000 or 2001.

More recent studies have looked into the link between medications that have a significant effect on prolactin levels and the development of breast cancer. In the most extensive study ever of women using antipsychotic medications, researchers divided the women into four groups:

• A control group
• A group given antipsychotics with a minor effect on prolactin levels
• A group given medications with a moderate effect on prolactin levels
• A group given drugs that significantly elevate prolactin levels, including paliperidone and risperidone

The results of the research pointed to a significantly higher relative risk for women who took medications that were associated with major or moderate prolactin levels. This risk increase could be as high as 54 or even 62 percent, depending on the type of drug they were on.

It is clear the side effects of Invega, Risperdal, and their generics can be extremely dangerous. Despite this, the manufacturer did nothing to warn patients, so these common side effects have now led to antipsychotic lawsuits.

What Damages Are Available If I Developed Common Side Effects, Including Breast Cancer, From These Medications?

For those who endured breast cancer after taking one of these antipsychotics, you may be able to hold the drug company responsible and recover compensation. The damages available in your case will depend on your unique expenses and losses. Our co-counsel can collect documentation of your costs to pursue a fair payout.

Some commonly recoverable damages in dangerous drug cases include:

• Medical bills for treatment and management of the cancer, current and future
• Current and future income losses because of your diagnosis and treatment
• Out-of-pocket costs
• Pain and suffering damages
• Punitive damages, in some cases

What Should I Do if I Have the Side Effects That Lead to Antipsychotic Lawsuits?

If you believe you may qualify to file a lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and seek compensation based on your breast cancer diagnosis, your first step should be to get legal help as soon as possible.

Our team can assess your options and connect you with one of our law firm partners near you. We can also answer your questions and explain how similar cases have worked.

Tight deadlines apply in many of these cases, so it is best not to hesitate or delay taking action.

What Role Do Lawyers Play in an Antipsychotic Lawsuit?

It is a mass tort lawyer’s job to guide plaintiffs through a complex and lengthy legal process. You can count on them to answer your frequently asked questions about dangerous drug cases and ensure you understand what to expect.

With help from one of our local law firm partners, you can figure out:

• When to file your lawsuit
• When and if to join any mass torts that are filed against Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Which common side effects have led to antipsychotic lawsuits, and whether you have any of those conditions
• Where and how to find proof that you qualify to file a claim or lawsuit
• Which damages you are entitled to
• Whether to settle out of court or to take your case to trial (your attorney can represent you in the courtroom)

Our law firm partners represent clients without upfront fees, so you will not need to pay anything to get started. You only pay them from the money they recover for you.