Invega, known generically as paliperidone, is an antipsychotic medicine that is used to treat schizophrenia in teenagers and adults.

Invega works by altering the chemicals in the brain and helps to stabilize the psychotic features of schizophrenia.

While some users have experienced tremendous relief from psychotic symptoms as a result of the drug, others have developed devastating side effects from its use. The most significant commonly reported Invega side effects include gynecomastia, also known colloquially as man boobs.

Study Confirms Invega Man Boobs Link

In 2014, a study looked at Invega and Risperdal, two atypical antipsychotic medications. The findings were officially presented by Dr. Mahyar Etminan who was the lead author of the study and a pharmacoepidemiologist at the University of British Columbia.

Dr. Etminan reported that the study indicated that males using the antipsychotic drugs had a significantly higher risk of developing gynecomastia compared to other males who did not use the drug.

Tens of thousands of males were included in the study, and over all, those who took Invega or Risperdal had a 69% increase in the risk of developing man boobs as compared to those who did not take the drugs.

“The strength of this study was its large sample size that allowed us to quantify this rare adverse event,” Dr. Etminan said. He concluded that physicians may want to prescribe other antipsychotic drugs besides the two in the study to avoid the Risperdal and Invega side effects.

How Does Invega Cause Man Boobs?

Invega works on the neurotransmitter in the brain called dopamine. This brain chemical, when present in excess amounts, can lead to hallucinations or abnormal thinking.

Invega serves to block or even out the levels of dopamine in the brain.

It is believed that when dopamine is blocked in the brain, it may cause the body’s pituitary gland to be stimulated. The pituitary gland then released prolactin, a hormone that is associated with breast development and milk production in females.

While men do naturally have prolactin, their levels are typically very low. Excess prolactin in men stimulates the growth of breast tissue in men and can also cause lactation.

Men can increase in size up to a D cup as a result of Invega side effects.

Men who develop breast-related issues from Invega use also report breast pain, nipple pain and nipple discharge.

As would be expected, men who develop large breasts also suffer psychologically from this condition. It has been said that boys and young men in their teens and early 20s may have the most difficult time with this issue, as they are likely still dealing with the changes of their body and are still maturing physically.

Dealing with a physical anomaly during this crucial time can cause these young men great mental anguish and can lead to severe depression and thoughts of suicide as well as questioning their masculinity.

Filing an Invega Side Effects Lawsuit

If you or a loved one have taken Invega and developed gynecomastia (man boobs), you may be entitled to legal compensation. Plaintiffs often allege that the drug manufacturer has sold a product with a defective design that presents an unreasonable danger to consumers.

An Invega attorney can review your case at no charge and can help you determine if you qualify to pursue legal action to recover compensation.