Young men who developed Risperdal breasts after taking either Risperdal or Invega as children often have to endure surgery to correct the disfiguring condition. Both drugs are made by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.

Ripserdal and Invega are antipsychotic drugs originally used to treat schizophrenia. In 2006, Risperdal was approved to treat autism and bipolar disorder in children. The drugs work by blocking dopamine receptors that control emotions and moods.

Dopamine receptors work in other areas, too, and if interrupted, side effects can ensue. One theory is Risperal breasts develop when the pituitary gland’s dopamine action is affected. The pituitary gland can react by producing more prolactin, a hormone responsible for a male’s sex drive and women’s lactation (breast milk production).

The Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology published a study in 2006 that indicated Risperdal breasts may be caused by increased prolactin levels.

Risperdal breasts consist of glandular tissue, not just fatty tissue. The latter could be reduced by weight loss, but glandular tissue can only be eliminated through surgery.

Breast growth in men is called gynecomastia and is sometimes referred to as “man boobs” in everyday language. Risperdal breasts can become embarrassing for men and boys, who are apt to experience one breast appearing larger than the other.

Lawsuits Filed Because of Risperdal Breasts

Young men or boys with Risperdal breasts can become the target of teasing and bullying. These affected young men also might withdraw socially, spending a lot of time alone. Some men say the psychological effects of schizophrenia were not as bad as the social stigma associated with Risperdal breasts.

Patients who took Invega, Risperdal, risperidone or Risperdal Consta between the ages of 10 and 18 and have experienced male breast growth, painful breasts, nipple pain or nipple discharge could be qualified to seek compensation for their pain and suffering and for the expense of surgical intervention.

Risperdal maker Johnson & Johnson has lost several lawsuits filed by patients who allege the company hid the possibility of Risperdal breasts from the FDA, the medical community and consumers. Billions of dollars in settlement payments have been paid by Johnson & Johnson to resolve claims of unlawful marketing tactics and hidden side effects.

In November 2013, the company settled a claim by the U.S. Justice Department that Johnson & Johnson inappropriately promoted Risperdal and Invega for use in children, older adults and people who were developmentally disabled. Criminal and civil fines totaled more than $2.2 billion.

A large individual award regarding Risperdal breasts was awarded in March 2015 in a Philadelphia court. Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $2.5 million to a man with autism who began taking Risperdal at age eight. He took the drug for five years before the FDA had approved it for children and at a time when the drug’s label indicated the risk of Risperdal breasts was low.

Nearly 1,300 lawsuits over Risperdal breasts have been filed in the United States court system.