Amid Product Liability Suit, Johnson & Johnson Announces Another Recall
Provided by HG.org
Johnson & Johnson, well known pharmaceutical company, announced a recall for its anti-psychotic drug, Risperdal Consta. The recall was due to concerns that the drug may not be sterile. The Risperdal recall is just the latest of dozens of recalls by Johnson & Johnson in recent years, costing the Brunswick, N.J.-based company hundreds of millions of dollars, and damaging its reputation in the medical community and among patients.
Risperdal Consta is an injectable anti-psychotic drug used for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Johnson & Johnson announced the recall on September 11 after routine testing showed that at least one lot of the drug was contaminated with a common variety of mold known as alternaria alternata. There have not yet been any reports of injuries linked to the contaminated vials.
The concern raised by the mold contamination was that it could cause infections around the area where the injection would be given. Patients whose immune systems are compromised would be at a risk of infection.
Johnson & Johnson instructed all wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies, and healthcare providers to send the drug back to their facilities. The company estimated that around 5,000 of the 70,000 vials of Risperdal Consta made in a single lot last year remain unused. Because the drug is injected, it is stored in doctor’s offices and clinics, not in patient’s homes.
The Risperdal Consta that was recalled was the 25 mg dose and from lot No. 309316. Johnson & Johnson advised patients to continue treatment and contact their doctors with any questions.
Just days before the most recent recall, on September 7, Johnson & Johnson issued a voluntary recall for 200,000 bottles of its popular infant formula Motrin Infant Drops Original Berry Flavor. Tiny plastic particles were discovered in the product lot before it was released to the public, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Other recent Johnson & Johnson product recalls include Children’s Tylenol, contact lenses, and heart devices.
Unfortunately for Johnson & Johnson, these recalls are but the latest in a series of problems. While Risperdal accounted for $1.4 billion in sales last year, the pharmaceutical giant is facing a number of Risperdal lawsuits on behalf of men who suffered a condition known as gynecomastia (development of enlarged, female-like breast tissue) after using the antipsychotic medicine as a child.
The Risperdal lawsuits allege that Johnson & Johnson failed to adequately warn doctors and patients about the risk of breast growth from Risperdal, and that this condition has a severe and negative impact on the quality of life of young, male patients. In some cases, it is alleged, the side effect is so severe as to require the surgical removal of the breast tissue.
Johnson & Johnson’s Risperdal is also the subject of an ongoing government investigation concerning the number of children being prescribed anti-psychotics. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at the Department of Health and Human Services is running the investigation. Doctors and parents have raised concerns that the drugs are being overused to treat behavioral problems, and children are being unnecessarily exposed to the side effects of Risperdal and other anti-psychotics that are used for off-label purposes.
If you or someone you know has been prescribed Risperdal and you believe you have suffered the negative side effects of this drug, you should contact a local attorney experienced in personal injury. They may be able to assist you in receiving compensation for any injuries you have suffered, medical bills associated with removal of the gynecomastia, and emotional harm of this condition. Additionally, most such attorneys will handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay out of pocket for their services, but will share a small portion of any settlement or judgment with the attorney when you prevail.
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Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
The concern raised by the mold contamination was that it could cause infections around the area where the injection would be given. Patients whose immune systems are compromised would be at a risk of infection.
Johnson & Johnson instructed all wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies, and healthcare providers to send the drug back to their facilities. The company estimated that around 5,000 of the 70,000 vials of Risperdal Consta made in a single lot last year remain unused. Because the drug is injected, it is stored in doctor’s offices and clinics, not in patient’s homes.
The Risperdal Consta that was recalled was the 25 mg dose and from lot No. 309316. Johnson & Johnson advised patients to continue treatment and contact their doctors with any questions.
Just days before the most recent recall, on September 7, Johnson & Johnson issued a voluntary recall for 200,000 bottles of its popular infant formula Motrin Infant Drops Original Berry Flavor. Tiny plastic particles were discovered in the product lot before it was released to the public, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Other recent Johnson & Johnson product recalls include Children’s Tylenol, contact lenses, and heart devices.
Unfortunately for Johnson & Johnson, these recalls are but the latest in a series of problems. While Risperdal accounted for $1.4 billion in sales last year, the pharmaceutical giant is facing a number of Risperdal lawsuits on behalf of men who suffered a condition known as gynecomastia (development of enlarged, female-like breast tissue) after using the antipsychotic medicine as a child.
The Risperdal lawsuits allege that Johnson & Johnson failed to adequately warn doctors and patients about the risk of breast growth from Risperdal, and that this condition has a severe and negative impact on the quality of life of young, male patients. In some cases, it is alleged, the side effect is so severe as to require the surgical removal of the breast tissue.
Johnson & Johnson’s Risperdal is also the subject of an ongoing government investigation concerning the number of children being prescribed anti-psychotics. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at the Department of Health and Human Services is running the investigation. Doctors and parents have raised concerns that the drugs are being overused to treat behavioral problems, and children are being unnecessarily exposed to the side effects of Risperdal and other anti-psychotics that are used for off-label purposes.
If you or someone you know has been prescribed Risperdal and you believe you have suffered the negative side effects of this drug, you should contact a local attorney experienced in personal injury. They may be able to assist you in receiving compensation for any injuries you have suffered, medical bills associated with removal of the gynecomastia, and emotional harm of this condition. Additionally, most such attorneys will handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay out of pocket for their services, but will share a small portion of any settlement or judgment with the attorney when you prevail.
Copyright HG.org - Google+
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
