Recently, some patients have reported Invega injuries such as gynecomastia and tardive dyskinesia as a result of taking the antipsychotic drug.

Invega, also known as paliperidone, is an antipsychotic drug that has primarily been used for the treatment of schizophrenia in the past.

Invega was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for schizophrenia patients in 2006. Three years later, the FDA approved it for schizoaffective disorder as well.

Invega is also frequently used off-label for treatment of other disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, anxiety and depression.

It is the primary active metabolite of the older antipsychotic drug, risperdone.

Invega is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals whose parent company is Johnson & Johnson.

Invega works by blocking serotonin and dopamine in the brain. This, in turn, decreases psychotic and aggressive behavior which minimizes the symptoms of schizophrenia.

Invega Injuries: Movement Disorders and Gynecomastia

Even though there has been much success with Invega, patients have reported a host of Invega injuries.

Potentially serious Invega injuries fall within several categories. Patients have reported Invega injuries such as diabetes, heart problems as well as movement disorders and a condition known as gynecomastia.

Invega can cause muscular and neurological problems called extrapyramidal symptoms, or EPS. These are uncontrolled movements that may involve a series of short quick movements of the limbs, head and tongue. It also may involve slow, painful, twisting movements that are repeated over and over.

One such movement disorder that has considered one of the potential Invega injuries is called tardive dyskinesia. Another movement disorder that has been linked to Invega use is tardive dystonia.

Tardive dyskinesia is disorder that is characterized by quick, jerky, repetitive movements that are both embarrassing and painful.

Tardive dystonia is characterized by slower, painful, twisting movements of the muscles of the body and mostly affects young men.

Another condition that is listed among potential serious Invega injuries is a condition called gynecomastia.

Invega can increase the production of prolactin in the body. Prolactin is normally present in both men and women, but in women in larger amounts. Prolactin is responsible for breast growth in women and milk production in pregnant and nursing mothers.

However, with Invega use, prolactin in young boys and men may reach a level that causes them to grow breasts as well. This condition is called gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia, or male breast growth, can have a devastating effect in adolescent boys and young men.

When a boy experiences gynecomastia, it is not merely fat that is developed in the breast area. Excess glandular tissue also develops in the breast beginning usually as a small lump under the nipple. The nipple, then, can become tender as the breast grows larger.

The abnormal growth of breast tissue in boys can have a psychological, emotional and physical toll on the boys that use Invega.

Other, less serious Invega injuries that may occur include:

• trouble sitting still and nervousness
• headaches
• weight gain
• nausea and vomiting
• constipation
• unusual drowsiness

If you or someone you love have experienced Invega injuries such as gynecomastia or tardive dyskinesia, you may be eligible to file an Invega injuries lawsuit. An experienced attorney is waiting to discuss your case with you.