Johnson & Johnson Found Guilty in Risperdal Lawsuit

A jury ruled in favor of Arkansas’ billion dollar lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals - a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary - claiming the company withheld and downplayed the risks associated with the antipsychotic drug Risperdal.

Judge Tim Fox determined that Janssen and Johnson & Johnson committed about 240,000 violations of Arkansas’ Medicaid fraud law, according to the Washington Post. Each violation carries a $5,000 fine, which brings the total amount to more than $1.1 billion.

Risperdal is used to treat schizophrenia, irritability in autism patients, and bipolar disorder. Studies link the drug to an increased risk of death and strokes in dementia patients, diabetes, seizures, and weight gain.

Earlier this year, Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay $1 billion to the U.S. government and other states to settle litigation involving Risperdal.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous drug, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a dangerous drug lawyer may be able to help you.

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