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July 23rd, 2004

"Risperdal Manufacturer Admits Deception"

Janssen Pharmaceutic Products, the makers of the anti-psychotic drug Risperdal, sent a letter to the health care community outlining the potential health risks associated with the medication.

This action is in compliance with the FDA''s request that makers of anti-psychotic drugs update their labels with potentially dangerous side effects. Although Janssen complied in November 2003, the FDA decided that the company''s promotional materials for Risperdal still minimized the risk of stroke, diabetes and other potentially dangerous complications from the medication. The FDA also says that Janssen misled consumers with claims that Risperdal was safer in treating mental illness than other similar drugs.

Risperdal has been prescribed to more than 10 million people worldwide. It is the most popular drug used to treat schizophrenia, and has also been used off label to treat children with autism. However, Risperdal has been cited in a recent lawsuit, which claims children have been harmed or killed by the misuse of the drug, which doctors blame on improper marketing by the manufacturer.

Risperdal, which has been on the market for eight years, has also been cited recently in the cases of several boys in Florida who developed lactating breasts after taking the medication.