Patients who used Invega and were diagnosed with gynecomastia may be entitled to financial compensation. Lawsuits have been filed against the maker of Invega (generic: paliperidone) linking the antipsychotic to the abnormal growth of breast tissue in young males, as well as other life-altering side effects. The suits allege that Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the drug’s manufacturer, failed to provide adequate warnings on Invega’s labeling, misled consumers and doctors about the safety of the drug, and hid the risk of gynecomastia to increase its profits.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with gynecomastia after using Invega or Invega Sustenna, you may be entitled to compensation for mental anguish, medical expenses and other damages via a class action lawsuit. To find out if you can file a lawsuit or to receive more information about this case, please contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation.

Why Are Lawsuits Being Filed?

Lawsuits involving defective drugs are typically filed after allegations surface that a product was sold with defects in design, manufacture and/or marketing. In the case of Invega, Janssen is facing lawsuits claiming that the drug is defectively designed and unreasonably dangerous, was sold under misleading marketing claims and failed to include proper warnings about its side effects. Plaintiffs have filed lawsuits to recover compensation for their injuries and to hold Janssen accountable for releasing a potentially dangerous drug into the marketplace.

How Does Invega Lead to Male Breast Growth?

Invega works by blocking or moderating a user’s level of dopamine, a chemical in the brain that, in excessive amounts, can cause hallucinations and abnormal thinking. It is believed that this action may cause the pituitary gland to release prolactin, a hormone known for stimulating breast development and milk production in females. High levels of prolactin can cause spontaneous lactation in women and, in men, can lead to gynecomastia. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology{:target="_blank"} found that drugs like Invega can cause excessive production of prolactin and recognized that this could lead to gynecomastia in males.