Invega is a powerful antipsychotic drug approved to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

However, a variety of adverse side effects of Invega have been reported. One of the most disturbing is gynecomastia, the abnormal growth of breast tissue in young males.

About Invega

Invega is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a division of Johnson & Johnson, the same company that also manufactures Risperdal.

Invega was the original name given to the drug paliperidone. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006 as another option for schizophrenia treatment.

In 2009, the FDA also approved its usage in order to specifically treat schizoaffective disorder.

All of these above conditions relate to certain social and emotional behavior disorders, and Invega was developed as a means of treating these conditions.

It is also very common that doctors will use this prescription for an off-label use, similar to Risperdal, in order to treat other conditions such as Asperger syndrome or autism.

Reported Adverse Side Effects of Invega

The active ingredient in Invega, paliperidone, may cause serious side effects which warrant medical attention. Some of these serious adverse side effects of Invega include:

• Male breast growth, or gynecomastia
• Rapid weight gain
• Diabetes mellitus
• Pancreatitis
• Metabolic syndrome
• Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements, usually of the face)

Invega and Abnormal Male Breast Growth

Among the adverse side effects of Invega, one of the most serious concerns is the development of breasts in young men or boys. The condition, known as gynecomastia, can have serious physiological effects on young men and boys.

It is believed that Invega promotes pituitary gland secretion that releases different hormones including prolactin, a hormone found naturally in breastfeeding women. In turn, those who use these antipsychotic drugs may be at risk for developing gynecomastia.

Symptoms of Invega gynecomastia include:

• Swelling of the breast tissue
• Pain or discomfort in the breast area
• Nipple discharge in one or both breasts

Invega Lawsuits

Lawsuits against Janssen Pharmaceuticals allege that Invega is defective. Plaintiffs say the manufacturer misled doctors and patients about the safety and efficacy of the drug and marketed it for off-label, unapproved uses.

These lawsuits have been filed on behalf of patients who, after using the drug, allegedly developed serious adverse side effects of Invega including male breast growth or gynecomastia, among other adverse effects.

Specifically, Invega lawsuits allege that the drug maker knew safer, less expensive alternatives were available for patients, yet continued to market Invega as a safe and effective treatment.

All pharmaceutical companies are required to post the side effects of their medicine blatantly on the packaging so that it will serve as a warning to individuals that are receiving doses of the drug.

Many men who have suffered from gynecomastia say that they could have been spared the embarrassment and shame of their situation if Invega had clearer warnings about the male breast growth side effect.

If you are suffering from gynecomastia because you took Invega, then you may have the right to seek compensation from the drug maker.