How Prolactin from Taking Invega Causes Breast Growth
Young men who have taken the antipsychotic drug Invega are at risk of developing breasts. This side effect, also known as gynecomastia, was never fully disclosed by the company that makes and markets the drug. If you have used Invega, and you have suffered from gynecomastia, you may be able to file an Invega lawsuit and collect compensation to cover medical expenses and other damages. To schedule your free consultation with a dangerous drug attorney from Arentz Law Group P.C., and determine if you have a case, simply fill out the contact form on this page, or call 1-800-305-6000.
Invega and Risperdal Increase Prolactin Levels
Risperdal, manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, was approved by the FDA in 1993 to treat schizophrenia in adults. However, it worked remarkably well, and many doctors prescribed it “off-label” to younger people that were suffering from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, or ADD/ADHD. It was not until many years later that it was actually approved to be used in some of these cases.
Invega, which is a metabolite of Risperdal, came onto the market in 2006 (just before the patent ran out on Risperdal). This drug, which is also manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, causes the same severe side effects as Risperdal. Neither drug contained appropriate warnings until recently.
The way the drug helps to even out the thinking in those suffering from schizophrenia is to block dopamine and serotonin receptors. These two chemicals require a careful balance in order to maintain clear and rational thoughts. However, as a result of this block, the levels of the hormone prolactin increase in the body. In children those levels grow by as much as 4 times the normal amount.
How Prolactin Affects the Body
Prolactin is a hormone that is found in nearly every human. However, young women and nursing mothers have even higher levels in their system. The hormone is what causes breast development, and lactation, to occur. This is a good thing in young women and nursing mothers.
Men who are taking Risperdal or Invega, however, are at a risk of suffering from breast development. Young men, who are especially prone due to the constant changing of hormone levels in their bodies already, may experience gynecomastia (the scientific term for breast development). If the cause (taking Invega or Risperdal) is not stopped, the breast development may lead into galactorrhea (lactation).
Contact Arentz Law about Your Invega Lawsuit
Have you used Invega? Have you suffered from gynecomastia? If so, you may be able to file your own Invega lawsuit. You were hurt by Janssen because they failed to warn you about all the dangers of this drug, there is no reason that you should have to suffer on your own. Schedule your free case review with an attorney from Arentz Law today by calling 1-800-305-6000, or by filling out the contact form on this page.
Arentz Law is located in Southern California. However, a dangerous drug attorney from there can handle your case no matter what state you happen live in.