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Risperdal is an antipsychotic medication made by Janssen Pharmaceutical (a Johnson & Johnson company) and approved by the FDA for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Studies have showed that 5% of young boys who took Risperdal experienced breast growth known as gynecomastia. In many cases Risperdal was improperly marketed to children and adolescents for anxiety and ADHD.

Invokana, an SGLT2 inhibitor, is widely prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. The new-age diabetes drug has been linked to a toxic side effect known as ketoacidosis. Invokana may lead to infections, amputations, bone fractures, kidney problems and cardiovascular complications. Despite the dangers, Invokana is one of the highest-earning diabetes drugs for its manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceutical (a Johnson & Johnson company).

Xarelto is a next-generation blood thinning medication designed to prevent deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The anticoagulant can cause excessive, uncontrollable bleeding that may be fatal. More than 21 million Americans have been prescribed Xarelto. Despite the lack of an antidote for the bleeding side effect, Bayer AG and Janssen Pharmaceutical continue to market the drug.

IVC filters are metallic traps inserted into the inferior vena cava vein to stop blood clots from traveling to the lungs. The devices can fail, migrate, fracture and perforate organs. IVC filters have been linked to a number of side effects, including infection, bleeding, hematoma and deep vein thrombosis. More than 250,000 IVC filters have been implanted in America, many of which are unable to be removed. Because C.R. Bard failed to provide proper disclosure of the health risks, the manufacturer has been hit with thousands of lawsuits.

Taxotere is a chemotherapy drug used to treat an estimated 75% of U.S. women with breast cancer. Taxotere has been linked to a form of permanent hair loss known as alopecia. Though one study found 19 of 20 individuals developed alopecia, the manufacturers did not publicize the research. Lawsuits have been filed against the pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis, who failed to inform patients about the risk of irreversible hair loss.

Transvaginal mesh is a plastic netting used to repair pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. Vaginal mesh poses a series of life-changing risks, such as recurrent prolapse, chronic pain, infection, urinary issues, bleeding, neuro-muscular problems and emotional trauma. Vaginal mesh can fail, erode, fuse to tissue and perforate organs. Mesh side effects often require revision procedures, removal surgeries or hospitalization, and many women have received substantial settlements to assist with their medical bills.

Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder contains talcum, a carcinogenic substance linked to ovarian cancer. More than 20 studies have confirmed the link between talcum and ovarian cancer. Though researchers discovered the cancer risk in the 1970s, Johnson & Johnson continued to market the product as a safe and effective hygiene method.

Hip replacement surgeries involve substituting a damaged hip with an artificial implant. Implants can fail and cause serious side effects, such as infection, heterotopic ossification, bone death or organ damage. A hip implant may dislocate, loosen or fracture, creating the need for additional procedures and hospitalization. Up to 10% of patients may require revision surgeries. Patients file lawsuits after being injured by failed or defective hip replacement devices. Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiary DePuy Orthopaedics agreed in 2013 to pay $2.5 billion to settle approximately 7,500 suits.

More than one million hernia repairs are performed in the U.S. each year. Certain hernia mesh products have been included in a federal class I recall due to an increase of complications like pain, infection, adhesion, obstruction and perforation. Studies show hernias have a high rate of recurrence, often requiring additional surgeries.

Abilify, approved to treat depression, schizophrenia, autism and bipolar disorder, may cause cognitive side effects. Researchers linked Abilify, which now carries a black box warning, to suicidal thoughts, compulsive behaviors and impulse control issues. Bristol-Myers Squibb has paid nearly $20 million in settlements for misrepresenting and minimizing risks of Abilify.

Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used for treating short-lived symptoms of indigestion and long-term esophageal damage of chronic acid reflux. Manufactured by the multinational pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, it has been linked to an increase in acute kidney injury, often leading to chronic kidney disease. Nexium has also been linked to an increase in the development of dementia; decreased levels of magnesium and vitamin B12, resulting in bone fractures; and onset of the severe intestinal infection Clostridium difficile (C. diff).