Invega is a drug prescribed for treatment of neurological and physiological disorders. It is an antipsychotic drug that is prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and irritability due to autism.

However, Invega and similar drugs have been the target of several lawsuits that have alleged that the medications can cause the development of “man boobs,” also known as gynecomastia, and other Invega side effects in boys.

Invega and other atypical antipsychotic drugs have been associated with breast enlargement in boys and young men. Due to this enlargement, some boys were forced to undergo surgery to remove the tissue. This is also because the enlargement of breast tissue is because of breast tissue growth, and not fat.

Gynecomastia is believed to be the result of an imbalance of hormones in the body. Boys who take Invega may suffer from an overabundance of the hormone prolactin, which researchers believe can lead to enlarged male breasts. Prolactin is also the hormone that is known for activating and enabling milk production, typically in females, to produce milk.

Invega Side Effects in Boys Clinical Trial

Clinical trials had been conducted involving 1,885 children and adolescents taking the medication. The results of the clinical trials concluded that 43 boys experienced enlarged breasts.

Since the U.S Food and Drug Administration approved the drug in 2006, hundreds of boys have suffered from gynecomastia, some of which have enlarged enough to resemble women’s “DD” cups.

The levels of the hormone’s production from the pituitary gland is control by the neurotransmitter dopamine. Invega works by blocking the neurotransmitter, but which can therefore allow prolactin levels to increase to abnormally high levels. This condition of an increased amount of prolactin in known as hyperprolactinemia.

Although gynecomastia and Invega side effects in boys include the development of enlarged breasts, males who take Invega not only develop excess breast tissue but may accumulate fat in their chest tissues as well. The growth of enlarged breasts begins as a small lump beneath the nipple and the nipple typically sensitizes and becomes tender as it enlarges.

The amount and size of the enlarged breasts in each male varies and can be significantly different. Furthermore, while breast enlargement often occurs in both breasts, it may only affect one. This kind of Invega side effects in boys can leave them feeling very uncomfortable and suffer from an embarrassing social stigma. Gynecomastia may even cause patients to start producing breast milk.

In mild to moderate cases, the breast enlargement may resolve by discontinuing the use of the medication. In some cases, rather, switching to an alternative antipsychotic medication without prolactin hormone increasing side effects may also become an option.

Surgery may also be an option for males who have suffered enlarged breasts for a year or more. Lastly, although the enlargement of breasts may not be detrimental to a male’s physical health, Invega side effects in boys and the growth of male breasts may cause significant emotional and psychological damage in males diagnosed with gynecomastia.