Risperdal is an atypical antipsychotic. It is a brand name of the drug risperidone, which doctors may prescribe for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar mania, and autism.
In 1993, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Risperdal for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. The federal agency later approved the drug for the treatment of bipolar disorder in adults. Not until 2006 was approval expanded to include pediatric treatment for any disorder. However, even before the drug was approved for use in children, the company allegedly began promoting it for the control of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental disorders in children. Sales representatives were allegedly pushed to promote the drug to doctors as far back as 2003.
Risperdal is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company. In November 2013, the FDA announced that the company agreed to pay more than $1.6 billion to resolve allegations that it introduced a misbranded product into the market.
The company faces several Risperdal lawsuits, and in 2012, settled its first lawsuit. Many of these lawsuits allege that unapproved use of Risperdal caused gynecomastia in young males.