Invega rained billions of dollars for their manufacturer, Johnson and Johnson. But this antipsychotic drug may be linked to serious adverse like abnormal male breast growth and a host of other serious Invega injection side effects.

The atypical antipsychotic Invega was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006. Three years later, the agency cleared Invega Sustenna, an injectable form of the drug.

The active ingredient in both medications is a metabolite of Risperdal, another antipsychotic that is also marketed by Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Pharmaceuticals unit. As such, Invega works in a similar manner to Risperdal, and carries many of the same risks.

Invega Injection Side Effects

Gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia is the most reported adverse effect of Invega injections. The condition refers to the enlargement of the tissues and growth abnormality on a male’s breasts, more specifically to adolescent. The breasts then appear as though they were of a woman’s. This abnormal growth happens because Invega injection side effects increase prolactin levels in the body.

Movement Disorders. Among the most dangerous adverse effects of SGAs like Invega are movement disorders like tardive dyskinesia, dystonia and Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS). Some of these disorders are treatable but severe cases often become permanent conditions.

Diabetes, Heart Problems and Death. Invega injection side effects are linked to high blood sugar and Type 2 diabetes among patients who have taken them. Antipsychotics like these carry black-box warnings which indicate risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

Other Invega injection side effects:

• Priapism (prolonged penile erection)
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Sedation
• Akathisia (restlessness)
• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Tremor

What is Gynecomastia?

As noted, gynecomastia is one of the most disturbing Invega injection side effects.  Gynecomastia is a condition marked by the excessive growth of breast tissue in men and boys. In some cases, it may even be accompanied by lactation. Symptoms can include:

• Swollen breast tissue
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Discharge from one or both breasts

While not life-threatening, gynecomastia can be an extremely painful and embarrassing condition. The excess breast tissue will not go away, even with weight loss or when a patient stops Invega injections.

Some gynecomastia victims have reportedly developed female-like breasts as large as a 44DD cup. When the condition becomes this serious, patients may be forced to undergo surgical procedures, including liposuction or mastectomy, to remove their excess breast tissue or man boobs.

Filing an Invega Gynecomastia Lawsuit

Invega lawsuits are being filed on behalf of men and boys who allegedly suffered gynecomastia due to Invega injection side effects. The active ingredient in Invega (paliperidone) is a metabolite of Risperdal, and may be associated with many of the same side effects, including excessive male breast growth or man boobs.

If you or a loved one is suffering from gynecomastia because you took Invega, then you may have the right to seek compensation from the drug maker.