Lawyers Reviewing Lawsuits for Gynecomastia Side Effects from Risperdal
Gynecomastia is a rare medical condition involving the growth of breasts among males. Side effects of certain antipsychotic medications, such as Risperdal and Invega, have been linked to the development of this serious condition among boys and young men who used the drugs.
Contact Our Lawyers to Review an GYNECOMASTIA CASE
The product liability lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential gynecomastia lawsuits for individuals throughout the United States who have been diagnosed with this condition following use of Risperdal or Invega, which may result in symptoms like:
- Breast Growth
- Puffy or Enlarged Nipples
- Painful Breast Tissue
- Nipple Discharge
- Mastectomy to Remove Male Breasts
Substantial verdicts have been returned by juries in a number of early gynecomastia cases that have gone to trial against Johnson & Johnson, and additional compensation may still be available for boys and young men who are suffering from breast growth problems.
Potential Risperdal lawsuits and Invega lawsuits are being reviewed for individuals and families as a result of the drug makers’ failure to adequately warn about the gynecomastia risks. To review a potential claim for yourself, a friend or family member, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
Gynecomastia Breast Development Problems
Gynecomastia is believed to be caused by an increase of the amount of prolactin, a hormone, in the blood. This increase has been linked to the use of Risperdal and Invega.
Prolactin is a protein hormone that induces and maintains lactation in women following childbirth, but may also cause boys to develop abnormally enlarged breasts. In some cases, this may result in surgical breast removal due to gynecomastia, resulting in severe physical injury and scarring.
The psychological side effects of gynecomastia from Risperdal or Invega can also have devastating consequences for teens and young men, potentially resulting in anxiety, embarrassment and other mental health issues that can seriously impact the individual’s overall quality of life.
In addition to developing gynecomastia from Risperdal or Invega, the disorder can also be the result of an increased ratio of estrogen to androgen. Overall, it is believed that drug side effects cause about 10% to 25% of all gynecomastia cases.
Gynecomastia Classification and Treatment
Among users of Risperdal and Invega, gynecomastia problems are often compounded because the development of breast tissue may be misdiagnosed as a side effect of weight gain typically seen among users.
This may result in delayed gynecomastia diagnosis, potentially increasing the severity of the condition as users continued to take the medication.
There are four classifications of gynecomastia, depending on the extent of the breast growth.
- Grade I Gynecomastia: Minor breast enlargement without excess skin
- Grade II Gynecomastia: Moderate breast growth without skin excess
- Grade III Gynecomastia: Moderate breast development with skin excess
- Grade IV Gynecomastia: Marked breast enlargement with skin excess
Medical treatments for the Risperdal-induced gynecomastia is often considered futile after the enlarged breasts have been present for more than a year. This often requires a mastectomy, or surgical breast removal, which can still leave men with a risk of:
- Surgical Infections
- Assymmetry of Male Breasts
- Changes in Sensation
- Noticeable and Painful Scarring or other Deformities
Risperdal (risperidone) is a Johnson & Johnson atypical antipsychotic originally approved by the FDA for use among adults with schizophrenia.
Since it was introduced, Risperdal has been widely used by children for bi-polar disorders, autism, irritability, aggression and behavior disorders. However, the drug’s manufacturers, who also make Invega, have failed to provide adequate warning to doctors and parents about the risks of gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia Class Action Lawyers
As a result of the failure to provide adequate warnings for consumers and the medical community about the risk of male breast growth among users of Risperdal and Invega, financial compensation may be available for young males who have experienced this devastating injury.
The gynecomastia lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing individual claims and Risperdal class action lawsuits on behalf of individual’s throughout the United States. Substantial gynecomastia settlements may be available.
Confidential consultations and claim evaluations are provided. In addition, all cases are handled under a contingency fee agreement, which means that there are never any out-of-pocket costs to hire our law firm, as any gynecomastia attorney fees or expenses are only paid out of any money recovered.