A popular drug used to treat some neurological and physiological problems has been found to cause devastating side effects. Families of young boys who take the drug have wondered if Risperdal causing male breasts is reason enough to stop taking the drug and file lawsuits against the drug manufacturer.

Risperdal is an atypical antipsychotic that was originally approved to treat schizophrenia. It has also been used to treat bipolar disorder.

In addition to schizophrenia, Risperdal has also been approved to treat autism. Some types of autism have symptoms of irritability and aggression that Risperdal may be an effective treatment for. Doctors also prescribe Risperdal off-label to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, sleep problems and depression.

Risperdal has been seen to help such problems because it does not leave patients sedated and “drugged” like other medications can.

However, in addition to treating a myriad of physiological and neurological problems, many say the risk of  Risperdal causing male breasts is a cause for alarm, especially when the drug is used to treat young boys.

Risperdal causing male breasts is a concern among families of young boys who take the drug. Some research has suggested that Risperdal use can increase the levels of a certain hormone in the body called prolactin.

Prolactin is found in both sexes, but it is present in larger amounts in women. Prolactin is the hormone that is responsible for breast growth and milk production during pregnancy and nursing.

Risperdal and Gynecomastia

If larger amounts of prolactin are found in men or boys, it can lead to a condition known as gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is abnormal breast growth in a male. Originally, researchers worried about Risperdal causing male breasts in younger males who have taken this drug during their childhood and adolescence. Studies now seem to suggest that this condition can last well into adulthood and is not just an issue with younger men and boys.

Gynecomastia is not simply the addition of fatty tissue in the breast area. In essence, the breasts will not go away if a young man loses weight. Gynecomastia actually produces glandular tissue that can only be remedied by surgery. Risperdal causing male breasts is a large concern for both the families of the boys who have taken the drug as well as researchers who continue to see this condition in those who take it.

Risperdal is a huge moneymaker for Johnson & Johnson. Over the course of its existence, Risperdal has grossed about $18 billion in total for J&J. Profits began to decline in 2007 when Johnson & Johnson lost patent protection, but it still continues to bring in millions of dollars for the drug makers.

Johnson & Johnson has been accused of engaging in illegal marketing practices in order to promote Risperdal, all the while allegedly ignoring reports of Risperdal causing male breasts.

If you or someone you love has taken Risperdal and you suspect that there has been an instance of Risperdal causing male breasts, you may be eligible for legal compensation.