In recent years, a number of scientific studies have been published linking the antipsychotic drug Risperdal (risperidone) with gynecomastia – the development of breasts men.  An article published in a 2006 edition of The Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology titled “Risperidone-induced symptomatic hyperprolactinaemia in adolescents.” by L. Holzer et al. addresses this risk.  For clarity, hyperprolactinemia is an ailment characterized by elevated blood levels of prolactin, the hormone responsible for breast development.

The Holzer (2006) team studied ten adolescents suffering from psychosis who were prescribed Risperdal, monitoring prolactin levels and side effects.  The authors state “Among the 10 psychotic adolescents treated with risperidone in our unit, we had 3 cases of gynecomastia in 3 male patients and 2 cases of galactorrhea in 2 female patients. The prolactin blood levels in these cases and in 3 other patients without apparent prolactin-related side effects were all above the normal range (median, 59 ng/mL; range, 30-123 ng/mL). (hyperlink added)

Though the study does not reveal the gender breakdown of the group of ten adolescents, we can still see that at least 3 out of 8 boys using Risperdal suffered gynecomastia.

As such, the authors conclude “risperidone administered to adolescents at doses commonly used for the treatment of psychotic symptoms can strongly increase prolactin levels, with clinical consequences such as gynecomastia and/or galactorrhea. Given that the long-term effects of antipsychotic drug-induced hyperprolactinemia are not well documented, especially regarding osteopenia, infertility, growth, and pubertal delay, risperidone should be administered with caution to children and adolescents.”

Due to the fact that the rates at which boys suffer gynecomastia are found by independent researchers to be far greater than the rate of gynecomastia with Risperdal reported by the drug’s manufacturer, hundreds of Risperdal lawsuits are currently being filed.

If you or a loved one used Risperdal and suffered breast enlargement or another Risperdal side effect, contact our team of Risperdal lawyers at the information provided below — you may be entitled to significant financial compensation for your injuries.

(855) 452 – 5529

justinian@dangerousdrugs.us

Our Risperdal Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about Risperdal.