For some patients and families, Invega has been a lifesaving medical intervention.

Those who have taken this antipsychotic drug have said they can function normally following a period of hallucinations and delusions as well as obsessive thoughts.

Parents have said their children have experienced a complete turnaround and are able to function like their typical peers.

What isn’t so widely talked about is the Invega male breast growth that is a potential side effect from taking the drug.

What Is Invega?

Invega (paliperidone) is an antipsychotic medication approved to treat symptoms of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. It is also used to treat symptoms of bipolar disorder, autism, ADHD and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Invega works by altering various brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. Specifically, Invega works on dopamine and serotonin in order to create balance in the brain.

Invega Male Breast Growth

Invega also appears to affect a hormone in the body called prolactin. Prolactin’s role in the body is to stimulate milk production and breast development.

Both males and females produce prolactin, but at different levels. Males typically have very low levels of prolactin, females have higher levels, and pregnant women have the highest levels.

Prolactin is a necessary hormone also used for metabolism regulation, immune system regulation and pancreatic development.

In males, excess prolactin levels can have a very devastating effect. It can stimulate male breast growth, also known as gynecomastia or “man boobs.”

The extent of Invega male breast growth due to prolactin stimulation can vary widely. Some males only experience softening breast tissue but do not experience an increase in growth or any other symptoms.

Other males have experienced excessive Invega male breast growth, nipple pain, nipple discharge, milk discharge and other concerning breast problems.

Psychological Ramifications of Invega Male Breast Growth

As one can imagine, men and boys dealing with a changing body to include Invega male breast growth and other breast-related changes can be devastating.

Males may be teased for their growing breasts and unconventional appearance by strangers and those close to them.

Some males, especially younger males, may feel less secure in their masculine identity due to the confusing physical appearance.

Treatment of Invega Male Breast Growth

Invega male breast growth may persist even after the medication is discontinued. For others, stopping the drug is enough to stop further growth. However, it is usually not the case that breasts reduce in size after Invega is stopped.

As a results, surgery aimed at reducing Invega male breast growth is indicated. Two types of surgery are typically used to reduce male breast size.

The first type of surgery is liposuction, where fat in the breast is removed but the breast gland tissue is kept intact. The second type of surgery is a mastectomy, where the breast gland tissue is fully removed from the breast.

Invega Male Breast Growth Lawsuits

Patients and families who feel the manufacturer of Invega did not do enough to warn patients of the possibility of Invega male breast growth may consider filing a lawsuit against the company.

Lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies often allege the manufacturer failed to warn patients, sold defectively designed products, acted negligently and breached product warranties.

If you or a loved one suffered Invega male breast growth, an experienced attorney can review your case for free and can help you decide if filing a lawsuit is right for you.