Risperdal Frequently Asked Questions

Risperdal is a prescription medication that is used to treat and lessen the symptoms associated with the medical condition schizophrenia. It is also used to treat symptoms of acute mania and mixed episodes of Bipolar I disorder. In some cases, it may also be used to treat irritability associated with autistic disorder in children between ages 5 and 16. Risperdal has been associated with numerous dangerous side effects, including high fever, galactorrhea and gynecomastia, and uncontrollable movements. This dangerous drug can result in great harm to patients who are already suffering and need help.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by Risperdal, the highly experienced attorneys at Gilman & Bedigian are here to fight for you. Here, we answer frequently asked questions about the medication, as well as what to do once you have suffered injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Risperdal?

Risperdal is a part of a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1994 for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and symptoms of autism. It is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson and has earned the company billions of dollars even before generics became available.

2. What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a long-term mental disorder that involves the breakdown in the relation between thought, emotion, and behavior. It leads to faulty perception, inappropriate actions and feelings, as well as a withdrawal from reality and personal relationships. It can result in fantasy and delusion, as well as metal fragmentation. It can cause delusions, hallucinations, and lack of motivation. The disease can be treated with medications and therapy in some cases, but it is never cured.

3. Are there serious side effects associated with Risperdal use?

Risperdal can cause very serious side effects, ranging from direct effects of the medication to it causing other serious medical conditions. These include, but are not limited to:

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: life-threatening nervous system problem
High blood sugar leading to diabetes
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): a movement problem
Strokes
Liver injury
Confusion
Parkinson’s disease
Fast, Irregular pulse
Extrapyramidal symptoms
Painful, long-lasting erections
Changes in cholesterol and triglycerides

4. Can Risperdal cause lactating in men and women?

One of the most dangerous side effects associated with Risperdal is galactorrhea. This is the spontaneous flow of milk from the breasts that is not associated with pregnancy. This is caused by elevated levels of prolactin in the blood and is a condition that can be caused in both men and women.

5. Can I sue my doctor for failing to warn me of symptoms?

You can file a medical malpractice lawsuit against a doctor who failed to properly advise and warn you of the possible side effects associated with Risperdal. Because the medicine has known risks, the doctor is required to inform you of those risks, as well as give you important medical information about how your life will change while on the drug. Failure to warn you of these side effects can be considered medical malpractice in many cases.

When a doctor commits medical malpractice, he or she should be responsible for the injuries caused by his or her failure to warn you of the potential side effects. Discuss with your attorney the facts and circumstances of your case to better understand how this may apply to you.

6. What is a defective products liability lawsuit?

When a manufacturer of a medication or drug puts a defective product into the market for people to purchase, that company should be held responsible for its actions. Defective products can cause serious injuries such as unintended side effects that may cause serious medical injury or even death. The pharmaceutical company can be held responsible for a drug when it causes harm to the patients that take it.

As issues have become known about Risperdal and its use, safety concerns have not been properly raised and warned by the maker of Risperdal, and the company has been subjected to many lawsuits as a result of harm caused by the drug.

7. What experience does your firm have with Risperdal lawsuits?

Our firm is highly experienced in representing patients injured by the use of Risperdal. Our firm is also highly experienced in the area of medical malpractice law and product liability law. We understand the complicated medical issues associated with this medication, as well as how to prove that your injuries were caused by it. Our team of experts is ready to put in the time on your individual case to make sure your rights are protected.

Our attorneys have represented countless victims of defective drugs, with Risperdal as well as many other medication injuries. We utilize medical experts to prove your case and show how your injuries were caused by this defective medication. You deserve to be financially compensated for the injuries you have suffered.

8. What compensation can I receive?

An injured person is entitled to receive financial compensation in the form of money damages for any injuries that result from the use of Risperdal. This financial compensation may include, but is not limited to:

cost of medical bills
future medical costs
rehabilitation costs
pain and suffering
lost wages
loss of consortium
damages related to loss of ability to get pregnant
wrongful death damages

These money damages can help make you whole again and help pay for the costs you have incurred already, as well as any future costs as well. You also deserve compensation for any lost work, as well as money damages for the pain and suffering you were forced to go through. You should not be on the hook for the costs of your injuries—only the responsible party should be.

Risperdal Lawyers in Philadelphia

When Risperdal causes you harm, you are entitled to bring a medical malpractice and/or products liability claim to receive financial compensation. The experienced attorneys at Gilman & Bedigian have the knowledge and years of practice to fight for your rights.