The popular antipsychotic Risperdal and gynecomastia side effects have been linked in studies and reports, causing some patients and their families to file lawsuits.

Risperdal (also known by its generic name, risperidone) manufactured and distributed by pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson.

Risperdal was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in order to treat a variety of mental and mood disorders, ranging from schizophrenia to bipolar mania to autism.

Atypical antipsychotic medications, including Risperdal, work to restore the balance of various natural substances in the brain.

Any medication will have its side effects, and Risperdal is no exception.

Risperdal side effects include involuntary motion, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, and skin rashes.

These side effects are comparable to complications for other antipsychotics, and patients are made aware of these possible risks prior to taking the medication.

However, Risperdal has been linked with one side effect that is not adequately warned about, according to lawsuits.

Risperdal and Gynecomastia

On top of these fairly normal side effects, Risperdal has also been connected to the development of male breasts, also known as gynecomastia.

Risperdal and gynecomastia have been linked in hundreds of boys and young men who have taken the drug.

Gynecomastia is caused by the enlargement of breast tissue rather than excess fat. This excess breast tissue, similar to female breasts, can in some cases grow to form size D cup breasts in males who take Risperdal.

Studies Linking Risperdal and Gynecomastia

Data from the New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority found that over 90 percent of Risperdal patients have increased or elevated levels of prolactin.

This makes them more likely to develop hyperprolactinemia, eventually causing them to develop gynecomastia.

For some young men, breast growth from Risperdal became such an issue in their daily lives that they underwent surgery for excess tissue removal.

Other Serious Risperdal Side Effects

Movement disorders and diabetes are also serious conditions allegedly caused by Risperdal, as well as severe heart problems that can lead to death.

Risperdal’s production of excess prolactin may also cause the pituitary gland to grow in size, which can lead to the development of pituitary tumors.

One study, which analyzed the FDA’s adverse effect database, found that Risperdal was connected to about 70 percent of all pituitary tumors. In most cases, these tumors are benign. However, they can cause other serious health problems.

Risperdal Lawsuits

Hundreds of boys and young men who have suffered from Risperdal side effects have filed gynecomastia lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson.

These injured parties claim that that the drug maker failed to adequately warn patients about the potential side effects of the drug.

If you or someone you love was negatively impacted by Risperdal, or you are a male who has developed excessive breast tissues due to taking Risperdal, you may be able to file a Risperdal and gynecomastia lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson for failure to adequately warn about the potential side effects of the drug.