Invega gynecomastia is a real concern for those who have ingested the antipsychotic drug, especially young men. Many have reported the growth of male breasts, or a condition called gynecomastia.

Invega, or paliperidone, is a powerful antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia in both adults and adolescents. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also approved Invega to treat schizoaffective disorder.

It is often prescribed off-label to treat certain types of autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, sleep disorders and depression.

Janssen’s popular drug, Invega, is actually a metabolite of another antipsychotic called Risperdal. They are similar to each other but are metabolized differently by the body.

Both Invega and Risperdal work by targeting both serotonin and dopamine and have been very effective in doing so.

However, disturbing side effects such as Invega gynecomastia have been connected with the drug.

Invega gynecomastia is a condition in which boys grow breasts similar to that of a woman. Invega can raise the levels of a hormone called prolactin in male patients.

Prolactin is present in both men and women, however, when levels are increased, it can lead to male breast growth, or Invega gynecomastia. Prolactin is a stimulant of breast growth and milk production in women.

Researchers have noticed this happens more when young boys take Invega, however, now it is seen to follow these boys throughout their lives.

Invega gynecomastia is an emotionally scarring condition. Young men who experience this are often the subject of ridicule by their peers as well as emotional turmoil as they are embarrassed about the way they appear.

Some boys grow breast as large as D cups that can only be removed through surgical methods. It is not easily reversible and cannot be changed by losing weight.

A study of Invega gynecomastia side effects found that Invega not only affected young men but also older men. National health data was reviewed and researchers found that men who took Invega or Risperdal had a 69% higher risk of developing gynecomastia.

The data for one million men was used in this study between the ages of 45 and 80 who made claims between 2001 and 2011. Over eight thousand cases of gynecomastia were reported.

The researchers in this study made the suggestion that if a drug with lesser side effects can be used, then other options should be taken.

If you or someone you love has suffered from Invega gynecomastia side effect, you may have a legal claim and may be entitled to compensation.