Risperdal breast growth is a disfiguring side effect endured by many young men who have taken the antipsychotic drug.

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, makes Risperdal, which was approved by the FDA in 1993 for the treatment of schizophrenia. The drug received additional approval in 2006 for the treatment of children who were diagnosed with schizophrenia, autism or bipolar disorder.

Ripserdal is an atypical antipsychotic drug, part of a class of medicines called atypical or second-generation antipsychotics. It works by interfering with dopamine receptors that control emotions and moods.

Dopamine receptors work in other areas, too, and if blocked, adverse side effects may occur. Risperdal breast growth in boys possibly occurs because the pituitary gland’s dopamine action becomes disrupted. The pituitary gland may then react by increasing the production of prolactin, a hormone responsible for a male’s sex drive and women’s lactation (breast milk production).

The Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology published a study in 2006 that indicated Risperdal breast growth in men and boys is spurred by higher than normal levels of prolactin.

Risperdal can lead to weight gain, but losing the extra weight will not necessarily reduce the size of the breasts. Risperdal breast growth is a result of glandular tissue production, not just fatty tissue accumulation. The changes seen by increased glandular tissue can only be altered and reduced through breast reduction surgery.

Enlarged breasts in men is a condition known as gynecomastia, generally called “man boobs.” Risperdal breast growth has been described as more traumatic than dealing with schizophrenia in the first place, according to some young men who have experienced bullying and teasing, and feel outcast.

Risperdal Breast Growth Incites Lawsuits

Boys between the ages of 10 and 18 who took Risperdal and experienced male breast growth, painful breasts, nipple pain or nipple discharge could qualify to pursue compensation through legal recourse.

Risperdal’s manufacturer Johnson & Johnson has lost lawsuits filed by parents and patients who allege that the possible risk of Risperdal breast growth was hidden from the FDA, the medical community and consumers. Johnson & Johnson has paid billions of dollars in fines because of allegations of undisclosed side effects and sketchy marketing maneuvers.

For instance, Johnson & Johnson settled a claim in November 2013 when the U.S. Justice Department accused the company of inappropriately promoting Risperdal for use in children, older adults and patients who were developmentally disabled. Johnson & Johnson paid more than $2.2 billion in criminal and civil penalties.

Currently, more than 1,300 lawsuits regarding Risperdal breast growth are making their way through the court system.

In March 2015, a young man was awarded a record amount in a Philadelphia court. Johnson & Johnson had to pay $2.5 million to a young man who started taking Risperdal at age eight for his autism, and as a result suffered from gynecomastia. He took Risperdal for five years before the FDA officially approved it for children.