Gynecomastia in males is the development of glandular breast tissue. Often called “man boobs,” gynecomastia in males can develop due to hormonal imbalances.

Studies show more than half of male babies are born with enlarged breasts because of the mother’s estrogen influence. This gynecomastia generally subsides within three weeks as the baby’s hormone levels are no longer influenced in utero.

Uneven hormonal changes during puberty can cause the temporary development of man boobs as well until the male hormones surge forth.

Unfortunately, a percentage of the population who take either Risperdal or Invega will experience gynecomastia in males.  Oftentimes, the condition is irreversible without surgery.

Gynecomastia in Males Linked to Ripserdal, Invega

Risperdal is an antipsychotic drug made by Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Invega is a derivative of Risperdal, which means it can have similar side effects.

While Risperdal and Invega are designed to treat schizophrenia, some doctors prescribe the drugs to treat bipolar disorder, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, insomnia and depression.

Several years ago, Janssen allegedly began a marketing blitz to promote Risperdal use in child patients, even though the FDA only had approved its use for adults with schizophrenia at the time.

A leaked internal document said the company could make $340 million from the youth market in the first year, which was anticipated to expand ten percent each year.

In 2013, Janssen pled guilty to “off-label” marketing of Risperdal, which means the company sold or promoted the drug for reasons other than the conditions specifically approved by the FDA. The $2 billion settlement was a result of Risperdal being marketed to dementia-afflicted elderly patients and mentally ill adolescents.

Even though Janssen’s lawyers have tried to argue that gynecomastia in males on Riperdal and Invega is due to weight gain, doctors have noted that these cases of breast enlargement are due to enhanced glandular tissue development and not just fatty tissue. If the latter were the bulk of the problem, then weight gain would be seen as more of a determining factor.

Glandular tissue cannot be reduced by weight loss. Surgery may be the only option for glandular tissue reduction of gynecomastia in males.

How Risperdal and Invega Cause Gynecomastia in Males

Risperdal and Invega control schizophrenia by changing the chemical balance of dopamine and serotonin. The rebalancing of these chemicals leads to improved thinking, mood and behavior.

Risperdal and Invega aren’t selective of the dopamine they block. As a result, the drugs inhibit dopamine’s regulation of the pituitary gland, which can cause an unusual spike in prolactin.

Prolactin is the hormone that controls sex drive in males and enables lactation (breast milk production) in females.

When prolactin levels reach abnormally high levels, the condition is called hyperprolactinemia, which results in gynecomastia in males. Sometimes, these enlarged breasts secrete a milky substance from the nipples.

If you or someone you love has taken Risperdal or Invega and experienced gynecomastia in males, you could qualify to participate in legal action against the drug’s manufacturer.