The connection between Risperdal and gynecomastia has been well documented in many cases, from young boys and men alleging the medication had caused them to develop man boobs.

The alleged correlation of Risperdal and gynecomastia has been a prominent concern for the past several years in the health community, as numerous young boys reportedly developed male breast growth soon after starting the medication.

Risperdal is a popular antipyschotic medication, which is typically prescribed to treat extreme mental disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in adult patients. This medication can also be prescribed to treat children with certain forms of autism, along with other mental disorders.

It is important to note that Risperdal was only recently approved for pediatric use in the mid 2000s, years after evidence of the alleged correlation between Risperdal and gynecomastia began to surface.

Overview of Risperdal and Gynecomastia Allegations

Johnson & Johnson had successfully released Risperdal during that time to be a treatment option for adult patients with severe mental disorders. The medication quickly gained popularity due to the drug targeting one brain chemical in particular, dopamine, rather than the entire brain.

With dopamine being responsible for pleasure and reward, Risperdal was supposed to work with the brain to produce ideal mood balance. With its unique treatment mechanism, doctors soon began prescribing the medication to treat children for off-label purposes.

After noticing this trend, Johnson & Johnson allegedly began marketing the medication towards children. While it is not illegal for doctors to prescribe drugs for off-label purposes, it is illegal for companies to advertise them for these purposes.

Many have alleged Johnson & Johnson did not properly evaluate the drug’s risk profile towards children before marketing it, and did nothing to disclose the potential link between Risperdal and gynecomastia. The alleged correlation between Risperdal and gynecomastia stems from how the medication is processed in their body, particularly through the pituitary gland.

When Risperdal interacts with the pituitary gland, the levels of prolactin, the hormone primarily responsible for breast growth in young girls, are significantly increased. While prolactin is naturally produced in small amounts in young boys, increased production could potentially result in male breast development.

Even though this link has not been definitively proven, Johnson & Jonson has still face major litigation backlash for the Risperdal and gynecomastia link. Johnson & Johnson had settled the first Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit in September 2012, with the company facing 130 claims pending throughout the country.

This has also resulted in the company facing intense public scrutiny. A combined federal and state investigation led to allegations that the company may have illegally marketing Risperdal to children before it was approved to do so.

Many current and former patients have had to undergo surgical procedures to remove the excess breast tissue but have still sustained chronic emotional scars. Some young men have reported they grew man boobs as large as D cups, along with experiencing nipple pain, extreme weight gain, breast tenderness, and significant changes in weight.

Even with the intense scrutiny Johnson & Johnson is facing, patients may still be vulnerable to the alleged link of Risperdal and gynecomastia. Patients and their parents may be able to file legal action against Johnson & Johnson for failing to warn them of this potential side effect.