Invega and male breast growth is a topic that may make some people feel uncomfortable, and may cause parents to feel guilty and responsible for having given their sons a medication that caused them to develop male breasts.

However, the conversation is an important one, and parents and loved ones should know that there may be more to the story behind their son’s condition and there may be help for you as you navigate this difficult journey.

What is Invega?

Invega is an antipsychotic medication, generically known as paliperidone, and it is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia in teenagers and adults. It is also used to treat symptoms of bipolar disorder.

The medication works by altering brain chemicals, also known as neurotransmitters, and by doing so it assists in stabilizing the psychotic features associated with schizophrenia and with the mood instability seen in bipolar disorder.

Some parents and patients have witnessed a tremendous turnaround in the behavior of those taking Invega, and the psychotic symptoms associated with their mental health issues have greatly declined.

But for some, this came with a price as parents and patients realized Invega and male breast growth were linked, as the condition is a common side effect of the medication.

What is the Mechanism Behind Invega and Mail Breast Growth?

Of the neurotransmitters in the brain that Invega works on, dopamine is the particular chemical that appears to be involved in the development of gynecomastia, the clinical term for abnormal breast growth.

Excess levels of dopamine lead to the hallucinations or abnormal thinking present in schizophrenia.

Invega works by blocking dopamine activity to even out its levels in the brain to a more functional level.

When dopamine is blocked, however, it is believed that the body’s pituitary gland may become stimulated. When the pituitary gland become stimulated, it releases prolactin, a hormone responsible for milk production and breast development.

Prolactin is not a hormone just seen in females; it is present in males too, though in much lower levels.

When a man’s body is exposed to excess prolactin levels, breast tissue growth is stimulated and milk production may also be stimulated as well, causing men to lactate.

As a result of the excess prolactin allegedly caused by Invega, men and boys have seen an increase of breast size up to a D cup as a result of the antipsychotic’s side effects.

The excess prolactin can also cause nipple pain, breast pain and nipple discharge in addition to lactation and gynecomastia.

Research Validates Invega and Male Breast Growth Link

A study was conducted by Dr. Etminan at the University of British Columbia in 2014 and it looked at Invega and Risperdal, another antipsychotic medication.

The results of the study indicated that males who used Invega or Risperdal experienced a significantly higher risk of developing male breast growth when compared to males who did not use the drugs.

In total, tens of thousands of males were included in the study, and in the large sample size it was found that males who took Invega or Risperdal all experienced a 69% increased risk of developing gynecomastia.

Filing an Invega and Male Breast Growth Lawsuit

If you or a loved one has taken Invega and male breast growth was a side effect of the medication for you, you may be entitled to legal compensation.

Those who file lawsuits often feel that the manufacturer did not adequately warn patients and physicians about the potential consequences that could result from using the medication.

An Invega and male breast growth attorney can review your case at no charge and can help you decide if filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer to recover damages is right for you.