A recent Risperdal study examined the connection between the antipsychotic medication and prolactin levels. An increase of prolactin levels can cause gynecomastia (or male breast growth) in some users. Over the last few years, Risperdal gynecomastia has been the source of several lawsuits and class action lawsuits that claim the drug caused boys and young men to develop man boobs.

The Risperdal study was published in the International Clinical Psychopharmacology journal. According to the study, Italian researchers examined 34 young patients, with a mean age of 13 who were all prescribed a Risperdal treatment. They examined both girls and boys in this study, focusing primarily on the effect Risperdal may have on prolactin levels in general, not solely on Risperdal gynecomastia.

The study followed the children over a three-month period of Risperdal use. While it impacted girls more than boys, there was an overall increase in prolactin levels. The percentage of patients who had a high amount of prolactin (or high PRL) increased from 20 (before Risperdal use) to 38 percent at the end of the three month study. 

This increase is believed to have been caused by Risperdal, but other influences, such as family history and  autoimmune disease, may also have contributed to the increase in high PRL.

According to the Risperdal study, “increase in the serum PRL in patients treated with risperidone [Risperdal] may be linked not only to the drug and its dosage but also to several risk factors such as sex, pubertal stage, psychiatric disease, and autoimmune disorders.”

This is not the first study linking Risperdal with the development of gynecomastia in young men. In light of this and other studies, many consumers have chosen to file Risperdal lawsuits on behalf of themselves or their loved ones who have suffered from this physically and emotionally painful condition.

Risperdal

Risperdal was originally intended for use by adults with schizophrenia, but it was approved in 2006 for use in children as well. It has since been used to treat behavioral disorders such as bi-polar disorder, autism, and aggressive behavioral issues.

Many young men (or parents on behalf of their sons) have alleged that the drug caused them to develop Risperdal gynecomastia, a condition caused by an increase in prolactin levels. Prolactin is most commonly known to cause breast growth in women. Some patients, between the ages of 10-18, have even claimed the drug caused them to grow D-cup breasts. Some have had to undergo surgery in order to remove the breast tissue. 

As a result, many Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuits and Risperdal gynecomastia class action lawsuits have been filed, claiming the drug manufacturer failed to warn consumers against male breast growth.

Johnson & Johnson, the drug’s manufacturer, has already paid billions in Risperdal settlements and fees concerning Risperdal gynecomastia allegations. The company has already lost three Risperdal class action lawsuits in a row.

Currently, hundreds of Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuits have been filed, and it is possible that more will come within the next year. 

Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuits additionally claim that Risperdal’s male breast growth side effect has led to bullying and other psychological issues, which is especially problematic considering that children on Risperdal are taking the drug to treat pre-existing psychological problems.