Risperdal

Drug Alert:

Risperdal, which was approved by the FDA to treat psychosis in adult patients has been found to cause abnormal breast growth (gynecomastia) in children who have been prescribed the drug for less severe behavioral problems such as ADD. Risperdal has been found to increase a hormone called prolactin which stimulates breast growth. If you feel that you or a loved one have developed gynecomastia as a result of Risperdal, please contact Bailey & Galyen to discuss your case.

Risperdal is an uncommon antipsychotic medication. Approved by the FDA in 1993, the drug is most often used to treat delusional psychosis, including schizophrenia. Lower dosages of Risperdal are used in the treatment of autism. Similar to other atypical antipsychotics such as Zyprexa, it is also prescribed to treat forms of bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, psychotic depression and Tourettes syndrome. The FDA has asked manufacturers to include a warning statement describing the increased risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes, including possible or hyperosmolar coma or death.

Janssen Pharmaceutical Inc. advised physicians that the FDA has asked all manufacturers of atypical antipsychotic medications, including Janssen Pharmaceutica, Inc. to add a warnings statement describing the possibility of diabetes and hyperglycemia in patients taking antipsychotic medications including Risperdal.

As a result, the Warning section of the Risperdal Prescription Information was updated to advise that hyperglycemia, in some extreme cases associated with ketoacidosis or death or hyperosmolar coma, has been reported in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics including Risperdal. It also advised that patients with an established diagnosis of diabetes mellitus who are started on atypical antipsychotics should be strictly monitored for a decline of glucose control. Patients with risk factors for diabetes mellitus (eg, obesity, family history of diabetes) who are beginning treatment with atypical antipsychotics should undergo fasting blood glucose testing at the start of treatment. Any patient treated with atypical antipsychotics should be monitored for symptoms of hyperglycemia including polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weakness.

Pharmaceutical Litigation Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen have extensive experience in cases involving injury or wrongful death associated with prescription drugs. Contact us to set an appointment with an attorney to discuss your case.