Men or adolescent boys taking the antipsychotic drug Risperdal may have suffered a serious side effect called gynecomastia — or the development of man boobs.

Risperdal (risperidone) is a psychiatric medication, in a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. The drug began as an FDA-approved medication in 1993 for treating schizophrenia in adults.

In 2006-2007, Risperdal received additional FDA approval to treat symptoms of schizophrenia in children, as well as for treating episodes of bipolar disorder (manic depressive illness) in adults and children. The drug was also approved to treat behavior disorders in autistic children.

However, since its approval, a number of studies have pointed to a link between the use of Risperdal and the development of gynecomastia. In 2006, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology reported that some children who took Risperdal had developed high levels of the hormone prolactin, which is associated with breast development in girls and lactation in new mothers.

Another study, published in 2009 in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, reported that the elevated prolactin levels seen in Risperdal patients could persist for up to two years.

Risperdal Side Effects

Risperdal Male Breast Growth
:  Antipsychotic drugs commonly produce side effects, from anxiety and nausea to seizures and fever. But gynecomastia, a major side effect of Risperdal, was not anticipated.

This complication causes male breast tissue to become enlarged. The breast formation can be extremely tender and painful, and it may affect one or both breasts, often in an uneven presentation.

Risperdal Nipple Discharge: Some cases of Risperdal gynecomastia resulted in nipple lactation. This condition is called galactorrhea, in which a milky discharge (not related to breast feeding) is excreted.

Treatment to repair Risperdal man boobs can include surgical procedures.

Since FDA approval in 2007 for Risperdal to be used in young boys, hundreds of Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuits have been filed. Although the man boobs side effects are generally not life-threatening, they are life-altering causing many Risperdal users to endure immense emotional and physical trauma.

Risperdal Lawsuits

Consumers nationwide are filing Risperdal lawsuits due to the man boobs side effects for which the manufacturer failed to provide warnings.

Johnson & Johnson allegedly marketed Risperdal illegally for uses that were not approved by the FDA as safe. The so-called “off-label” marketing of Risperdal is yet another reason injured consumers are filing Risperdal lawsuits.

Men or boys who developed gynecomastia while taking Risperdal should consider filing a lawsuit to obtain compensation for the pain, suffering and embarrassment they have endured.