Some individuals may joke about “man boobs.” But for those young men and adult males who have experienced breast growth in males, the issue is certainly no laughing matter.

What many parents and adults may not know is that a popular pair of antipsychotic drugs used to treat a variety of psychiatric conditions can actually cause breast growth in males, which can lead to devastating psychological issues.

Risperdal and Invega Linked to Breast Growth in Males

The two medications that have been linked to breast growth in males are Risperdal (risperidone) and Invega (paliperidone). Both of these drugs are antipsychotic drugs used to treat schizophrenia. Risperdal is also approved to treat bipolar disorder.

The drugs are also used in an off-label fashion to treat other conditions as well such as ADHD, OCD, depression, autism, dementia, post traumatic stress disorder and more.

Some patients have found that they have experienced greater success on Risperdal and Invega then on previous medications to treat their symptoms. However, separate from the effectiveness of the drug, severe side effects such as breast growth in males may not make the tradeoff for symptom reduction worth it.

Risperdal affects hormone levels in the body, as does Invega, and hormone disruption can lead to an increase of a certain other hormone called prolactin. Prolactin is present in both males and females, but is most prevalent in pregnant and nursing females, as the hormone stimulates breast milk production.

Males who experience breast growth from taking Risperdal or Invega may also deal with prolactin-related side effects such as breast pain, milk production, nipple pain, nipple discharge and other breast-related side effects.

Not only is breast growth in males physically concerning, as one can only imagine, emotional distress can also a company breast growth in males.

This condition may be worse for boys and young adult males, as this age group is more subject to ridicule from peers and sexual and gender identity. Older males may still be distressed from the condition, but may not experience the same confusion and self-loathing that younger males may experience.

Lawsuits Filed over Breast Growth in Males

At least 5,400 lawsuits across the country have been filed against the makers of Risperdal and Invega over claims of breast growth in males resulting from the use of the antipsychotic medications. In one such claim, the young man alleges his breasts had grown to a size 46 DD bust.

Plaintiffs claim that the makers of Risperdal and Invega knew about the possibility of breast growth in males with the use of the drug but the companies did nothing to appropriately warn patients and physicians of male breast growth side effects.

If you or a loved one has experienced male breast growth as a result of taking Risperdal or Invega, you may be entitled to legal compensation for your injuries and may be eligible to file a products liability lawsuit against the manufacturer.

An attorney familiar with the issues surrounding male breast growth in males resulting from the use of Invega or Risperdal can provide you with a free case consultation and can guide you as you consider taking legal action.