RISPERDAL: WHAT DOES THE $125 MILLION PENALTY AGAINST THE DRUGMAKER MEAN?
Verdict Against Risperdal Drugmaker Upheld By U.S. Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal from Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson and maker of the anti-psychotic drug, Risperdal, also known as risperidone. The company has been penalized $124 million by a South Carolina court after finding the drug maker had improperly marketed the drug Risperdal.
This verdict is the largest drug marketing award in South Carolina state history and the largest penalty levied for violation of the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act.
How does this verdict effect you, if you have been injured by taking Risperdal?
Sending The Message That Deceptive Practices By Large Companies Will Not Be Tolerated
Risperdal, launched by Johnson & Johnson in 1994, is used to treat mental conditions such as schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder. The drug has been linked to side effects such as diabetes, strokes and gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts).
In refusing to overturn the imposition of $124 million in civil penalties against Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceutical for deceptive trade practices relating to Risperdal, the Supreme Court of the United States has allowed justice to be served. This is a clear message from our country’s highest Court that deceptive and misleading actions by large pharmaceutical companies should not be tolerated.
In support of his ruling, the trial Judge stated that “Janssen’s desire for market share and increased sales knew no bounds, leading to its egregious violation of South Carolina law.”
Trevor Rockstad, attorney at Davis & Crump noted, “although this case involved a lawsuit brought by the state of South Carolina and was was not a suit brought on behalf of injured individuals, it illustrates the wrongful conduct of Janssen and Johnson & Johnson in marketing Risperdal.”
Our law firm is pursuing Risperdal lawsuits against Janssen Pharmaceutical and Johnson & Johnson on behalf of men and boys who have developed gynecomastia (or male breast growth) as a result of ingesting Risperidone.
What Next?
If you know of someone who has taken Risperdal and has suffered from one of these conditions, have them call Davis & Crump at 800-277-0300, or email us at info@daviscrump.com.
For more information about Risperdal and it’s side effects, see our video.
