Invega is an antipsychotic drug popularly used to treat schizophrenia in adults and adolescents but it comes with its share of side effects, like gynecomastia.

Invega (paliperidone) and Risperdal (risperidone) are second generation antipsychotic medications manufactured by Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Pharmaceuticals unit.

Risperdal has also been approved to treat bipolar disorder and autism spectrum disorders in children and adolescents and Invega can be used to treat schizoaffective disorder.

Both are often used off-label to treat ADHD, anxiety, sleep problems and depression, and both have gynecomastia side effects.

Risperdal was approved by the FDA for treatment of schizophrenia in 1993, and Invega was approved in 2003. Later the FDA expanded the treatment options for both drugs.

Invega is a metabolite of Risperdal. The liver breaks down Risperdal into chemical components called metabolites. Invega has much of the same affects as Risperdal, but is broken down by the body differently.

These metabolites block serotonin and dopamine in the brain which reduces psychotic and aggressive behavior. This in turn minimizes the symptoms of schizophrenia.

However, both Risperdal and Invega can come with some serious side effects.

Invega Gynecomastia Side Effects

Some young men and boys, after taking Invega, report Invega gynecomastia side effects.

Both Invega and Risperdal affect the hormone levels in the body and both increase the production of prolactin. Prolactin is what causes milk production in pregnant and nursing women.

Gynecomastia is the abnormal growth of breast tissue in males, and Invega has been known to cause this condition.

Invega gynecomastia side effects are not easily reversible. If the abnormal breast tissue grows large enough, it may have to be removed through surgery.

Also worth mentioning is the destructive emotional toll that conditions such as Invega gynecomastia side effects take on young men and boys. Gynecomastia is an embarrassing condition and can be very difficult for adolescent boys during an already rough time.

Risperdal comes in both tablets and liquid as well as an injectable form. Invega comes in an extended release tablet form as well as a once-per-month injection as well.

Invega Gynecomastia Side Effects Study

A recent Invega gynecomastia side effects study found that Invega and Risperdal not only increased abnormal breast tissue growth in young men, but also in older men.

A review of national health data found that in men who used either Invega or Risperdal, a 69% higher risk of developing gynecomastia was present. Over one million men’s data was used in this health data review.

This Invega gynecomastia study looked at information from the IMS LifeLink Health Plan claims database for U.S. men between the ages of 45 and 80 years who made claims between 2001 and 2011. 8285 cases of gynecomastia were reported.

Investigators in the study suggest that other drugs with lesser side effects should be chosen to treat schizophrenia instead of Invega or Risperdal.

If you or someone you love has suffered gynecomastia side effects from Invega or Risperdal, you may have a legal claim.