Invega injections are a powerful antipsychotic drug approved to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

However, a variety of adverse side effects of Invega injections have been reported. One of the most disturbing is gynecomastia, the abnormal growth of breast tissue in young males.

About Invega Injections

Invega, also known by the generic name paliperidone, is a relatively new antipsychotic drug typically used for treatment of schizophrenia. More specifically, Invega Sustenna is the injectable form of the prescription drug and was approved by the FDA in 2009.

In the U.S. the patient is given a monthly dosage every 28 days by their physician in the form of an injection typically administered deep into the muscle tissue.

Invega is actually a metabolite of Risperdal. This means that as Risperdal breaks down in the body, it metabolizes into different chemicals.

One of those active chemicals is what composes the drug Invega.  Since both drugs are essentially the same, they also have the same devastating side effects.

How Invega Injections Work

Invega injections work by affecting two neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine. Since one of the main causes of schizophrenia is dopamine overactivity, Invega works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain.

Johnson & Johnson developed and distributes Invega in their pharmaceutical segment, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies.

Side Effects of Invega Injections

The active ingredient in Invega injections, paliperidone, may cause serious side effects which warrant medical attention. Some of these serious adverse side effects of Invega injections include:

• Male breast growth, or gynecomastia
• Rapid weight gain
• Diabetes mellitus
• Pancreatitis
• Metabolic syndrome
• Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements, usually of the face)

More About Gynecomastia Caused by Invega Injections

Gynecomastia (colloquially known as man boobs) is the growth of male breasts, possibly with pain or nipple discharge.

Gynecomastia caused by Invega injections can include abnormal breast growth, puffy or enlarged nipples, painful breasts, nipple discharge, and may require mastectomy or male breast removal.

Additionally, adolescent males who develop gynecomastia may suffer devastating psychological and social damages.

For this reason, many doctors recommend surgery to remove the breast growths either by liposuction or with a mastectomy, both involving removal of extra tissue from the male’s breasts.

Filing an Invega Lawsuit

Males who take Invega injections are at an increased risk of suffering from a condition known as gynecomastia.

This condition is more likely to affect younger men, such as those who are going through puberty, but it has been known to be present in older generations as well.

Janssen Pharmaceuticals never fully disclosed that growing breasts was a side effect of their drug, according to many lawsuits that allege man boobs caused by Invega injections.

As a result of the drug maker’s failure to adequately warn about the serious and devastating side effects of Invega man boobs, financial compensation may be available through a gynecomastia lawsuit.

If you or your son has experienced man boobs caused by Invega injections, contact an experienced Invega attorney for a free, no obligation case consultation. You may be eligible to recover financial compensation.