Risperidone and Breast Growth Information

Friday May 03, 2024

Gynecomastia is the development of abnormally large breasts in males. This growth occurs due to the development of excessive breast tissue, not excess fat tissue. The condition may occur in one breast (unilateral) or both breasts (bilateral) and is a known side effect of the antipsychotic medication Risperdal.

Risperdal is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia, manic episodes, and behavioral problems associated with autism. Medical studies have now confirmed that Risperdal (or risperidone) may strongly increase the risk of gynecomastia when administered to young male patients.

Gynecomastia begins as a small lump beneath the nipple. The lump may be tender to the touch. As the condition develops, the breasts often enlarge unevenly.

Users of risperidone have reported breast growth that is extreme, uneven, and in some cases does not go away. These side effects are not only embarrassing but may require breast reduction surgery (such as liposuction or mastectomy) or hormone therapy to correct.

Studies Confirm Increased Risk of Gynecomastia from Risperdal

In April 2006, doctors in Switzerland reported that among 10 adolescents treated with risperidone, 3 male patients developed gynecomastia. These patients showed prolactin blood levels above the normal range. Excess secretion of prolactin is known as hyperprolactinemia, which may result in clinical consequences such as gynecomastia.

In June 2006, medical researchers at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducted a detailed comparison of Risperdal and 6 other antipsychotic drugs. Specifically, the study analyzed the disproportionate reporting of various side effects among the seven drugs. The authors found that risperidone was associated with the highest incidence of hyperprolactinemia of any drug in the study. Risperidone also accounted for 63% of gynecomastia cases reported in men, and 82% of all adverse events in children and adolescents.

In comparison to other antipsychotic medications, the FDA study concluded that overall adverse events were more than 10-fold higher with risperidone than with haloperidol or olanzapine, and more than 25-fold higher with risperidone than with clozapine, ziprasidone, quetiapine, or aripiprazole.

Risperdal Lawsuits for Gynecomastia Victims

Our Risperdal lawyers are pursuing lawsuits for the manufacturer's alleged failure to properly warn patients and physicians about the known risks of gynecomastia associated with risperidone. In addition, evidence may show Risperdal to be inherently defective in its design, posing an unreasonable risk of male breast growth regardless of the warnings given. An experienced Risperdal lawyer in our firm can be reached at (888) 849-5117 or online for a consultation about your case at any time.

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