Scientific studies have shown that boys and young men who have taken the anti-psychotic drug Risperdal have increased levels of the hormone prolactin, which stimulates breast growth and milk production or “lactation.”

Known medically as gynecomastia, the condition is irreversible without surgery, embarrassing and a source of major psychological trauma.

What is Risperdal?

Risperdal is made and sold by the Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. Risperdal (risperidone) is a medication used to treat severe psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, acute mania, and irritability associated with autistic disorders. Risperdal is also occasionally prescribed with antidepressant medications to treat severe depression.

Risperdal’s Complications Lead To Serious Side Effects

In 2006, Duke University released a study indicating that Risperdal could cause male breast growth, as well as pre-puberty lactation among females.  The connection was that Risperdal stimulates the production of prolactin in boys, and that is the hormone that causes lactation in women.

This increase may be one reason that boys taking Risperdal may experience abnormal breast growth. Other reported Risperdal side effects include:

• Asymmetrical breast enlargement
• Tardive dyskinesia, or involuntary, repetitive body movements
• Swollen nipples
• Nipple discharge
• Breast tenderness
• Redness or discoloration around the nipple

What is Gynecomastia?

Many pediatric patients were prescribed Risperdal before it was even approved.  In fact, Risperdal has forced many young men to have mastectomies to correct the development of breasts or gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia is the growth or enlargement of male breast tissue caused by a hormonal imbalance. Although the tissue is benign (non-cancerous), it can be devastating for a man’s social health, self-esteem, and emotional wellbeing. This is especially likely when it affects young boys or teenagers.

Surgery is often necessary to cure gynecomastia. Liposuction procedures may be effective for mild or moderate cases. However, severe cases of gynecomastia usually require breast-reduction surgery, or a complete mastectomy— removing the breast tissue and the excess skin of the breast.

The embarrassment, pain, suffering, and emotional trauma that these young men have endured is unfortunate.  They are truly victims of what some have described putting profits before safety at the expense of the innocent.

Risperdal Litigation

A number of separate civil cases brought by plaintiffs allegedly injured by the drug continues to grow. In all, there are more than 1,500 Risperdal lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson and Janssen pending in a consolidated litigation in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. They claim, among other things, that the drug caused gynecomastia and other serious medical conditions that the manufacturer failed to warn about.

If you were prescribed Risperdal, and believe this caused gynecomastia (development of male breasts),  you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and damages that include pain, suffering, disfigurement, and emotional distress. Contact an experienced Risperdal attorney immediately for a free case evaluation.