Many young boys who take an antipsychotic drug, Riseprdal, develop a devastating side effect. In young boys, Risperdal can cause a gynecomastia side effect that is sometimes only reversible through surgery.

Risperdal is a drug that has been used for years to treat emotional and behavioral problems. It is a second generation anti-psychotic used to treat schizophrenia and other psychiatric conditions.

Risperdal has also been found useful to treat bipolar disorder and certain aggressive forms of autism. Patients have found relief from the aggression and irritability present in some types of autism, and Risperdal can produce calming effects without the side effects that a sedative would bring.

Additionally, it is used off-label to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders and depression.

It received FDA approval in 1993 and is in the same drug class as Invega, Abilify and Zyprexa.

Risperdal has brought in billions of dollars for Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturers of Risperdal. It has grossed about $18 billion dollars since its approval almost two and a half decades ago.

However, Risperdal also comes with a possible devastating gynecomastia side effect. Gynecomastia is a condition in which a male grows breasts similar to those of a female. This growth is actual breast tissue and is not fat that can be lost by losing weight.

Many young boys who have taken Risperdal for schizophrenia, autism or bipolar disorder have developed this gynecomastia side effect.

Researchers believe that Risperdal, generically known as risperidone, may increase the production of the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is present in all people, in both men and women. But prolactin is present in larger amounts in women. It is responsible for breast growth as well as lactation during pregnancy and nursing.

It’s normal for women to experience higher levels of prolactin. However, when it is present in men in increased amounts, the results can be devastating. In men, it can cause unnatural breast tissue growth.

This gynecomastia side effect as a result of Risperdal use is difficult to treat. It cannot be reversed by simply losing weight, as the tissue is not fat, but actual breast tissue.

Young men who experience this gynecomastia side effect may need to undergo breast reduction surgery to reverse it. Until then, many often experience severe emotional and social effects of gynecomastia.

Originally it was thought that this only affected young boys and adolescent boys, but newer studies suggest that this gynecomastia side effect can be seen in men throughout their life.

Filing a Gynecomastia Side Effect Lawsuit

Many families of young men who have suffered from this Risperdal gynecomastia side effect may find themselves eligible to file a lawsuit against the drug makers.

Risperdal gynecomastia side effect lawsuits bring attention to preventable injuries and can help to restore and improve the quality of life in plaintiffs and their families. A gynecomastia side effect lawsuit can also help offset expenses hospitalization and surgery and can restore lost wages of family members.

If you or someone you love has experienced a Risperdal gynecomastia side effect, you may benefit from speaking with an experienced attorney.