Hundreds of boys and young men have reportedly suffered from male breast growth caused by Risperdal, leading many patients and their families to file lawsuits.

Male breast growth caused by Risperdal, known as gynecomastia, is not related to body fat. Instead, gynecomastia is essentially the growth of excess breast tissue. This leaves these Risperdal users with female-like breasts. Gynecomastia can be the result of certain medications, as in the case of male breast growth caused by Risperdal.

Risperdal Background

Risperdal (also known by its generic name, risperidone) is an antipsychotic medication from the pharmaceutical company Janssen Pharmaceuticals, part of Johnson & Johnson.

Risperdal has been approved to treat a variety of mental and mood disorders by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since its FDA approval, Risperdal has been used as a treatment for schizophrenia, bipolar mania, autism, and other conditions. Since its release onto the market, Risperdal has quickly become one of the more popular antipsychotic medications currently available.

In order to treat these conditions, Risperdal works to reverse certain chemical imbalances in the brain. Unfortunately, this may also cause Risperdal to affect chemicals that bring on the development of male breasts.

Side Effects of Risperdal

Any medication will come with certain side effects, and antipsychotics like Risperdal are no different. Risperdal side effects are generally minor, and include such complications as dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, and skin rashes. Most patients who develop any side effects of Risperdal experience these mild complications, and they usually go away on their own or simply require being taken off the medication with no lasting effects.

However, some side effects of Risperdal are more serious. Indeed, boys and young men who take Risperdal are increasingly reporting male breast growth caused by Risperdal usage. While not physically dangerous, gynecomastia is a more serious problem, given its lasting nature and difficulty of treatment.

Male Breast Growth Caused By Risperdal

Even though male breast growth caused by Risperdal is not a life-threatening condition, the social stigma young men with this condition may face can be extremely difficult. Breast growth may also be painful, and in some cases, breasts grew so extensively they became “D” cups.

For some young men, Risperdal male breasts became such an issue in their daily lives, from bullying, embarrassment, and trauma, that they underwent surgery for excess tissue removal.

Hundreds of boys and young men who have suffered from male breast growth caused by Risperdal have filed gynecomastia lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson. These lawsuits claim that that the drug manufacturer failed to adequately warn patients and the medical community about the potential side effects of the drug that could have such a drastic effect on their daily lives, including male breast growth caused by Risperdal.

If you or someone you love was negatively impacted by Risperdal, or you have suffered from male breast growth caused by Risperdal, you may be able to file a Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson for failure to adequately warn about the potential Risperdal side effects.