Three bellwether trials in the lawsuits against Risperdal manufacturers Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals have been rescheduled.

The first bellwether Risperdal male breast growth case, originally scheduled for trial on Sept. 29, has been reset to Nov. 3. The second case has moved from Nov. 3 to Jan. 3 and a third that was slated to begin in February has not yet been determined by the court.

Bellwether trials allow a small number of plaintiffs with similar claims to try their cases, giving both sides an idea how future juries might rule. If the plaintiffs win the bellwether trials, Johnson & Johnson may look to settle the remaining pending cases.

Approved for use in children in 2006, Risperdal, or risperidone, is used for treating adult and adolescent schizophrenia, bipolar disorder in adults and children ages 10-17, irritability in children 5-16 years of age with autism, aggression or other behavior disorders. It is also sometimes prescribed for off-label uses, including the treatment of ADHD in children.

There are more than 700 pending Risperdal lawsuits that are part of the consolidated litigation in Pennsylvania.

Many of the plaintiffs allege that the medication resulted in pain and suffering caused by gynecomastia, the enlargement of breast tissue in males commonly known as “man boobs.”

Johnson & Johnson reached a confidential settlement for a Risperdal lawsuit in 2012 brought by a 21-year-old man who said that growing breasts resulted in “severe psychological trauma.”

The plaintiff underwent a mastectomy to remove the breasts. Shortly after the first settlement, Johnson & Johnson settled cases brought on behalf of at least five other boys who experienced similar breast development.

The mental anguish of being bullied and teased can result in depression, anxiety and insecurity in young men already battling mental health issues.

The medical journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has reported that research shows that even mild breast growth can have a serious, negative psychological impact on boys.

Last year, Johnson & Johnson paid more than $2.2 billion in both criminal and civil fines to settle accusations that it improperly promoted Risperdal and the drug Invega, used to treat some forms of schizophrenia.

Risperdal lawsuits allege that the manufacturer did not adequately warn boys prescribed the medication that breast development was a possible side effect and that surgery might be needed to have the breasts removed.

It is believed that the drug may cause elevated levels of the hormone prolactin in those who take the medication.

Risperdal, compared with newer drugs, had the strongest connection with gynecomastia in children and adolescents, making up 70 percent of the cases analyzed, according to results of a 2008 Duke University study on antipsychotic medications. The same study found some girls taking Risperdal lactated before hitting puberty.