It is widely understood that drugs often present side effects. Yet, consumers trust companies to responsibly test for and advise the public of the potential complications. When drug companies practice transparency, doctors and patients can weigh a drug’s benefits versus its side effects. However, sometimes manufacturers do not disclose the full extent of the health issues their products may cause. For example, Johnson & Johnson failed to inform patients regarding the risk of gynecomastia linked to its drug, Invega.
Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of individuals who developed gynecomastia after taking Invega. Traversing a mental illness is difficult, but the added stress of another condition can worsen your situation. If you have endured unintentional side effects from Invega, contact us today to speak with an Invega lawyer.
The FDA approved Invega (paliperidone), the sister drug to Risperdal, in 2006. Similar to Risperdal, Invega is an antipsychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar mania. The drug works by blocking and regulating dopamine receptors in the brain. The drug behaves and produces the same effects as Risperdal. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of J&J, manufactured both drugs.
Like Rispderal, Invega’s labeling discloses numerous side effects like dizziness, weight gain, stomach pain, drooling, and so on. But the drug’s labeling includes no mention of gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is a condition in which the breast gland tissue increases in boys or men.
Paliperidone is one of the main metabolites in Risperdal. Metabolites result from our bodies breaking down the original drug. Therefore, Risperdal essentially turns into paliperidone once ingested, and the two drugs produce nearly identical effects.
A 2006 study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that Risperdal can highly increase prolactin levels in patients. Prolactin is a hormone that is responsible for breast tissue development. Yet another study published by the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology discovered that young men on Risperdal are nearly five times more likely to develop gynecomastia compared to those who did not take the drug.
Research indicates that Risperdal increases the risk of gynecomastia in boys and men. Physical symptoms of gynecomastia include swollen breast gland tissue, breast pain or tenderness, and nipple discharge. Although, the psychological impact of gynecomastia may prove more damaging than the physical side effects.
Many boys and men relied on Invega to treat their mental disorders. Invega patients already suffer mental impairments, and the drug may have worsened their state of mind. In 2013, researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital conducted psychological evaluations on forty-seven boys with gynecomastia and compared the results against boys without the condition. Those with gynecomastia scored lower for self-esteem, social functioning, mental health, and eating behaviors.
Furthermore, patients may resort to breast reduction surgery to correct gynecomastia. Reconstructive surgery for adolescents and adults can be a traumatic experience that may result in scarring, infection, and breast shape irregularities. Gynecomastia often results in lifelong demoralizing physical and mental effects in boys and men.
In 2013, Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay $2.2 billion in a settlement with the Department of Justice for allegedly illegally marketing Invega, Risperdal, and other drugs for unapproved uses in elderly and children patients.
Countless individuals have won Risperdal lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson for the unintended and undisclosed gynecomastia reactions. Many adolescents and adults have won millions of dollars in claims that allege Johnson & Johnson failed to warn doctors or patients of the risk of gynecomastia. Since Risperdal and Invega are so alike, these trials may serve as a helpful indication of what Invega lawsuits can expect.
If you or a loved one developed gynecomastia after taking Invega, you may qualify for a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson. An Invega lawyer can help you recover compensation for:
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.
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