Thousands of men and boys who took the antipsychotic drug Risperdal have filed lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, claiming the medication caused gynecomastia—the abnormal growth of breast tissue. These claims argue that the drugmaker failed to warn patients and doctors about this disturbing side effect.
If you or a loved one developed enlarged breasts after using Risperdal, you may be eligible for a Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit settlement. In this article, we explain what the lawsuits are about, who qualifies, and how much compensation could be available.
What Is Risperdal?
Risperdal (risperidone) is an antipsychotic medication approved to treat:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Irritability associated with autism
While it was initially approved for adults, doctors frequently prescribed it off-label for children and teens—a group especially vulnerable to hormonal side effects.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the development of excess breast tissue in males, caused by hormonal imbalance. In the case of Risperdal, the drug may increase prolactin levels—a hormone that stimulates breast growth and milk production.
Symptoms include:
- Swelling of breast tissue
- Tenderness or pain
- Nipple discharge (in some cases)
- Psychological distress or embarrassment
Some patients required surgical breast reduction (mastectomy) to correct the issue.
What Is the Risperdal Lawsuit About?
Plaintiffs in the Risperdal lawsuits claim that:
- Johnson & Johnson knew about the link between Risperdal and gynecomastia as early as the early 2000s
- The company failed to adequately warn patients, doctors, and parents
- Risperdal was aggressively marketed to young boys and children, despite limited safety testing for that group
- Victims suffered physical and emotional harm, and many needed surgery
Some court documents revealed that internal company emails showed concern about breast development risks, but the warnings were not placed on labels until years later.
What’s the Status of the Risperdal Lawsuits in 2025?
As of 2025, the majority of Risperdal gynecomastia cases are part of mass tort litigation or state court proceedings, primarily in Philadelphia.
Several bellwether trials have already taken place, and some have resulted in massive jury verdicts:
- $2.5 million awarded in 2015 to a young man who developed breasts after taking Risperdal
- $8 billion (later reduced) awarded in a separate punitive damages case
While not every case goes to trial, these large verdicts have pushed the manufacturer to consider settlements.
Who Qualifies for a Risperdal Gynecomastia Settlement?
You may be eligible to file a claim if:
- You are male
- You took Risperdal (or generic risperidone)
- You were under 18 when you began taking the medication
- You later developed gynecomastia or were diagnosed with elevated prolactin levels
- You have medical records or photographic evidence of your condition
Victims who had surgery to remove breast tissue are generally considered strong candidates for higher compensation.
How to Prove Your Case
To strengthen your claim, you’ll need to provide:
- Medical Records
Showing your Risperdal prescription, dosage, and time frame. - Diagnosis Reports
Confirming gynecomastia, elevated prolactin, or any related hormonal imbalance. - Photographic Evidence
Optional, but helpful if available, especially for psychological harm claims. - Surgical Records (if applicable)
Mastectomy procedures, anesthesia records, post-op instructions, etc. - Psychological Evaluations
Counseling or therapy records related to emotional distress or trauma. - Expert Opinion (provided by your attorney)
A medical professional may be brought in to connect your symptoms to Risperdal.
What Compensation Can Victims Receive?
Settlements or jury awards aim to cover:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Surgery costs
- Therapy or counseling
- Lost wages or reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (in extreme cases)
While amounts vary case by case, past settlements have ranged between $30,000 and $750,000+, depending on the severity of the condition and long-term impact.
Class Action or Mass Tort?
Risperdal cases are being handled as mass tort lawsuits, not a class action. That’s good news for victims because:
- Each case is judged individually
- Payouts are based on personal injuries, not a one-size-fits-all fund
- You can still settle out of court, or go to trial if needed
How to File a Risperdal Lawsuit
- Contact a Lawyer Specializing in Drug Injury Cases
Many work on contingency—you don’t pay unless you win. - Get a Free Case Review
Most law firms will quickly tell you if you’re eligible. - Collect and Submit Documentation
Medical, psychological, and surgical records are key. - Avoid Signing Anything from the Manufacturer
Do not agree to any settlement or sign documents without legal counsel. - File Before the Deadline
Statutes of limitations vary by state—don’t wait too long.
What If I Took Risperdal Years Ago?
You may still qualify. Many states allow extra time if:
- You were a minor at the time
- You only recently learned about the link between Risperdal and gynecomastia
- You have ongoing symptoms or had recent surgery
Speak to a lawyer immediately to determine whether you’re still within the allowed window.
Final Thoughts
The Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit settlement process has helped thousands of men and boys seek justice for a condition that was never clearly disclosed. If you were harmed, you deserve to be heard—and possibly compensated.
You don’t have to face it alone. Legal support is available, and filing a claim could not only help you heal financially, but also help protect others from going through the same ordeal.