In children with schizophrenia and other psychiatric issues, there are many concerns above and beyond the challenge of treating adults with mental illnesses. One common drug, Risperdal, is part of the arsenal of drugs that physicians have to treat psychiatric conditions. Originally, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug to treat schizophrenia, but in 2006, the FDA approved it to treat the symptoms of autism. However, Risperdal does have some serious side effects, particularly when treating male youth.

The observed Risperdal side effects are serious. Since the drug is used to treat such debilitating illnesses, patients and physicians must weigh these risks. The risks known to be linked to Risperdal include drowsiness, tremors, dizziness and weight gain. But one of the most dramatic side effects has only recently come to light.

While Risperdal can cause a variety of complications in adults, and many of the same issues in children, male children and adolescents are at a greater risk of hormone-related complications.

Risperdal can alter the endocrine system, the part of the body which regulates hormones, chemicals which in turn regulate many systems in the human body. More specifically, the drug appears to promote increased prolactin levels. Prolactin suppresses other hormones, including GnRH. Among the potential health problems stemming from these factors is gynecomastia—breast growth in males.

Gynecomastia carries a substantial social stigma, and may embarrass patients who develop this side effect. This condition often requires surgical intervention to reconstruct the chest and remove the breasts. As many as 2.3 percent of patients may develop gynecomastia, numbers which could translate to hundreds of patients suffering from this side effect.

J&J Settles Risperdal Lawsuits

In 2012, Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturers of Risperdal, settled a lawsuit that alleged that the drug caused breast growth in hundreds of males.

Additional Risperdal lawsuits have been filed, alleging that the drug caused gynecomastia. The lawsuits further allege that the drug manufacturer failed to adequately warn the public about these risks. These Risperdal lawsuits seek to procure compensation for the cost of medical care, pain and suffering, and psychological trauma that can come with male breast growth.

If you took Rispderal (also known as Rispderone or Rispderal Costa) between the ages of 10 and 18 and suffered from male breast growth, you’ve almost certainly been through a trying ordeal. The growth of breasts in males can be profoundly embarrassing, and that can make it hard to seek help. But you need to remember that you still have rights, and there are steps that you can take to regain a measure of control over your situation.