Risperdal and gynecomastia lawsuits have been filed the parents of young boys or men who have alleged suffered and contracted this adverse effect because of taking Risperdal, an antipsychotic drug used in the treatment of disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, an irritability due to autism.

The link between Risperdal and gynecomastia has been associated with symptoms that include but are not limited to: nipple discharge, nipple pain, painful breasts, gynecomastia, man boobs, and male breast growth.

Risperdal Side Effects

Risperdal, also known as Risperidone, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of bipolar disorder and autism. The association of Risperdal and gynecomastia among children was not well known until later.

However, now, the increase in breast tissue growth in young boys resulting from them having taking who took Risperdal has led to a multitude of lawsuits being filed, alleging an association between Risperdal and gynecomastia.

This increase in male breast growth is clinically known as gynecomastia but commonly known as “man boobs.” It is an embarrassing condition that not only causes pain and discomfort in men but may also require surgery to correct.

Although the exact cause of how Risperdal causes male breast growth is unknown, it is assumed that Risperdal increases the levels of a hormone in the body known as prolactin. This hormone is one that stimulates breast development in women.

As a result, young boys who take Risperdal experience an increase in this hormone, and this causes an increased development of their breasts. In some cases, moreover, these boys may also develop painful sensation in their breasts, and they may experience nipple pain or a nipple discharge known as galactorrhea.

A study conducted in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology states that in fact Risperdal is linked with dramatically increased prolactin levels. And in this case, it can lead a boy or man to develop man boobs.

The researchers in the study warned, “risperidone [the generic name for Risperdal] administered to adolescents at doses commonly used for the treatment of psychotic symptoms can strongly increase prolactin levels, with clinical consequences such as gynecomastia and/or galactorrhea. Given that the long-term effects of antipsychotic drug-induced hyperprolactinemia are not well documented, especially regarding osteopenia, infertility, growth, and pubertal delay, risperidone should be administered with caution to children and adolescents.”

The Litigation over Risperdal and Gynecomastia

Several Risperdal and gynecomastia lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson from the U.S. government and individual plaintiffs. One such plaintiff, a man from Alabama, had allegedly filed suit against the company after he reportedly grew size 46DD breasts due to his taking Risperdal as a child for treatment of autism.

A few years ago, Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay billions of dollars in fines over ts marketing of Risperdal and many other drugs. Among other allegations, the company was accused of withholding information about the side effects of Risperdal, and in particular the link between Risperdal and gynecomastia.