Popular antipyschotic Invega (paliperidone) has been linked to gynecomastia, or male breast growth, which reportedly occurs soon after starting the medication.

The question ‘”Is Invega linked to gynecomastia?” is being asked by patients and their prescribing physicians, pointing out the similarities between Invega and its cousin Risperdal.

Approved by the FDA in 2006, Invega is an atypical antipyschotic commonly prescribed to adults or adolescents with serious psychological disorders. Manufactured by Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the pharmaceutical company has experienced financial gain from the numerous Invega prescriptions.

However the number of patients asking “Is Invega linked to gynecomastia?” has become a concern, as numerous young male patients who were prescribed Invega reportedly grew man boobs. These allegations are very similar from young men who had been prescribed Risperdal and allegedly developed male breasts as a result.

Is Inevga Linked to Gynecomastia?

Invega and Risperdal share many similarities, including treatment purpose and severe side effects reported. Invega is a metabolite of Risperdal, which means it is the main ingredient left after the liver metabolizes Risperdal down to its core chemicals.

As the most important metabolite of Risperdal, Invega has the same psychological treatment effect but is processed differently. Both medications are known as prolactin increasing medications, which is the hormone primarily responsible for breast growth in young women.

While prolactin naturally occurs in small amounts in young boys, Risperdal and Invega allegedly cause the prolactin levels to produce much greater volumes. It is important to note that Invega causes unusual breast development in young female patients as well, in the form of glactorrhea or sudden milk production.

So patients asking ‘”Is Invega linked to gynecomastia?” have legitimate reasons to explore this question, and be concerned over the alleged link. At this time, experts are unsure why Invega may be causing gynecomastia in young boys, but believe it is linked to the drug’s treatment mechanism.

Invega works by leveling the dopmaine and serotonin levels in the brain to insure chemical balance, with dopamine being the brain chemical responsible for pleasure and reward sensors. The direct effect of interfering with the dopamine levels of the brain spurs the pituitary gland to increase the manufacturing prolactin levels.

Young male patients who develop gynecomastia can experienced breasts as large as D-cup, with other cases reporting nipple discharge and lactation. Oftentimes patients have to undergo surgery to remove the excess breast tissue, and have to contend with emotional trauma and distress from growing man boobs.

Even though this is a serious complication for patients, Johnson & Johnson allegedly failed to list male gynecomastia on Risperdal or Invega’s warning label. Concerned patients asking “Is Invega linked to gynecomastia?” should consult their physician, and discuss different options if they want a different medication.

Invega patients who have already allegedly suffered gynecomastia may be able to file legal action against Johnson & Johnson. Potential claimants should contact a specialized lawyer to determine if they are eligible for an Invega gynecomastia claim.