Numerous patients have reportedly developed gynecomastia soon after using the popularly prescribed antipsychotic Invega (Paliperidone).

Gynecomastia, or male breast growth, has been repeatedly associated with Invega adverse effects and is now facing similar allegations as its counterpart Risperdal (Risperidone).

Invega and Risperdal are often compared to each other when presented to patients due to the similarity in treatment mechanism.

Invega is a metabolite of Risperdal, which means it is the active ingredient left in the body after the liver breaks down the drug. This essentially means that Invega started off as an ingredient of Risperdal, but has always been its most important metabolite.

While Invega and Risperdal have the same effect on the brain, it is metabolized differently.

Invega belongs to a drug class called atypical, or second generation, antipsychotic medications that is often prescribed to patients with schizophrenia and other serious psychotic conditions.

Like Risperdal, Invega works by leveling the dopamaine and serotonin brain chemicals.

Invega and Risperdal are manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, with the company facing allegations of man boobs from both sets of patients.

Male Breast Growth Among Invega Adverse Effects

Gynecomastia occurs in the body when the male body produces far more prolactin than needed during the adolescent development period.

Prolactin is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that is primarily responsible for breast development in young girls, and is produced from the pituitary gland. While prolactin is manufactured in boys, it is produced in much smaller amounts for minimal chest swelling.

Elevated prolactin levels can have different effects on men and women, with women spontaneously producing milk and men suddenly growing man boobs.

The instances of male breast growth has been reported primarily in younger male patients who were often prescribed Invega to treat their psychotic conditions.

The medications directly interacts with the pituitary gland when leveling the dopamine levels, resulting in the patient experiencing gynecomastia or other Invega adverse effects.

In addition to the male breast growth tissue, the psychological impacts can be devastating on a man’s social life and emotional well being.

Men have reported growing man boobs as large as a D-cup, with some men even producing discharge. Oftentimes patients have to undergo surgery to remove the unwanted tissue, with the most extreme cases requiring a complete mastectomy.

Even though this is such a devastating side effect, Johnson & Johnson failed to mention gynecomastia on either Risperdal or Invega’s warning label.

The company has faced major legal trouble for allegedly improperly marketing Risperdal and Invega from the U.S. Department of Justice, and later settled these allegations in November 2013.

In exchange for paying a settlement of $2.2 billion, Johnson & Johnson resolved criminal and civil claims revolving around Risperdal and Invega adverse effects.

Former or current patients who suffered Invega adverse effects may be able to file legal action against Johnson & Johnson for failure to warn. Potential claimants should contact a specialized lawyer, to determine if they have a Invega gynecomastia lawsuit.