Invega, an antipsychotic medication used to treat a number of disorders, comes with a number of Invega complications, including gynecomastia, or breast growth in men. A growing number of patients who have taken Invega, as well as their families, have begun filing lawsuits over these Invega complications.

Background of Invega

Invega (paliperidone), a widely-used antipsychotic similar to risperidone and Risperdal, is used to treat a number of mood and mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Invega and other paliperidone drugs are known as atypical antipsychotics, a group of medications that work to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain.

These paliperidone drugs are approved for use in adults and adolescents alike. While many antipsychotics are not approved for use in children, Invega is approved for children aged twelve and older.

Invega was manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a prominent subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, which introduced the antipsychotic to the market in 2006 after approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Despite the undeniable popularity of Invega, many who have used the drug have begun filing lawsuits, alleging that it can cause serious Invega complications. Most of these lawsuits cite gynecomastia, a condition that causes breast growth in males. Lawsuits allege that Janssen knew about these Invega complications and had a responsibility to warn consumers about gynecomastia risk, but failed to give adequate warning.

Invega Complications: Gynecomastia

While some might assume that the breast growth from gynecomastia is connected with excess fat, it is actually the growth of excess breast tissue. Gynecomastia is often attributed to an imbalance of hormones, such as increased levels of prolactin.

Invega increases the amount of prolactin in a person’s body, which can in some cases cause hyperprolactinemia (excess prolactin). Hyperprolactinemia is associated with a greater risk of gynecomastia. Young men whose prolactin levels increase drastically may develop gynecomastia.

Young men who took Invega increased their risk of developing gynecomastia by 69 percent, according to findings from a University of British Columbia study.

Hundreds of boys and young men who have taken Invega or Risperdal have developed excessive gynecomastia breast growth. For some, this condition is hardly noticeable, as the breast tissue growth is not extreme. For others, however, it can be quite severe and embarrassing. Reports indicate that breast tissue growth can lead to the development of up to D-cup breasts.

Filing an Invega Complications Lawsuit

Invega complications are not only physical­—gynecomastia symptoms are often embarrassing for young men, and can cause severe mental trauma.

For some patients, treatment for gynecomastia can be as simple as stopping their intake of Invega, allowing the side effects to recede. However, in other cases, the condition will not go away on its own. Some boys have been forced to undergo tissue removal surgery in order to make the breast growth complications go away.

Hundreds of families have filed lawsuits against Janssen Pharmaceuticals, alleging that patients have been affected by these serious Invega complications. These lawsuits allege that Janssen failed to adequately warn the public and the medical community about the risk of gynecomastia linked with their antipsychotic medication.

If you or someone you love has experienced Invega complications such as gynecomastia, you may be able to file an Invega lawsuit. While filing a lawsuit cannot undo the effects of gynecomastia, it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses.