The end of 2015 brought with it the successful end to Risperdal litigation filed by Thomas Law Offices, the Office of the Kentucky Attorney General and the Houston Law Firm of Bailey Peavy Bailey Cowan and Heckman. The lawsuit, which alleged the drug company violated the Kentucky Consumer Protection Act, sought penalties against the company and its parent, Johnson & Johnson.
The lawsuit, filed in 2013, alleged that Janssen Pharmaceuticals lied to doctors and patients about the adverse side effects of the drug. In announcing the settlement, Attorney General Jack Conway reiterated the lawsuit’s allegations that Janssen and Johnson & Johnson hid the fact that Risperdal was specifically dangerous for children and elderly patients.
The suit also alleged that Janssen marketed the drug to children before it was approved to do so by the FDA and failed to disclose to parents and doctors that the drug could cause abnormal growth breast tissue in boys and infertility in young girls. In addition, the drug is alleged to have caused a higher risk of death in elderly patients treated with Risperdal.
On December 22, 2015, a Circuit Court Judge in Louisville, Kentucky, entered an Agreed Judgment and Consent Degree between the Office of the Kentucky Attorney General and Janssen Pharmaceuticals resolving the litigation between the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the maker of the drug. (Commonwealth of Kentucky v. Janssen et. al. 13-CI-002488, Jefferson County Circuit Court Division 3). To resolve the claims, Janssen will be making a payment to the Commonwealth of $15.5 million dollars and has agreed to cease its promotion of Risperdal for non-FDA approved uses. In addition, the company has agreed to adequately disclose known risks associated with the use of the drug.
For more information about Risperdal, its side effects, pending Risperdal class actions and injury lawsuits click here.
A copy of the press release is attached. Thomas Law Press Release.