Lawsuits are being investigated on behalf of boys and young men who developed abnormal breast tissue, a condition known as gynecomastia, after taking the antipsychotic drug Invega (generic: paliperidone). 

Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been injured by Invega side effects, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit against the manufacturer and our lawyers can help.

What is Invega?

Invega is a widely-prescribed second generation antipsychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia and other severe psychological disorders. The medicine is designed to block the action of dopamine and serotonin, chemicals in the brain that may be increased in schizophrenic patients. Invega is manufactured and marketed by ALZA Corporation and Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2006.

Side Effects of Invega

Serious side effects of Invega may include:

• Gynecomastia
• Galactorrhea (production of milk from breasts)
• Diabetes, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
• Bone loss (demineralization)
• Sexual dysfunction
• Pituitary tumors
• Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movement disorder)
• Weight gain, which may be severe
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
• Heart problems, heart attack, irregular heart rhythm
• Suicide
• Pancreatitis
• Increased risk of death among elderly people with dementia

Invega and Gynecomastia

Studies have shown that atypical antipsychotics like Invega can increase levels of prolactin, a hormone that affects breast growth and milk production. Increased prolactin levels have separate effects on men and women. In females, it can lead to spontaneous production of milk; in males, it can cause the abnormal development of breast tissue, a medical condition called gynecomastia. Symptoms of Invega gynecomastia may include:

• Swollen breast gland tissue
• Breast tenderness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Nipple discharge in one or both breasts

Antipsychotic Drugs and Diabetes

Schizophrenic patients have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and this risk is further increased by antipsychotic drugs like Invega. While sudden weight gain may be one possible cause for the development of diabetes, the direct effect Invega has on insulin action may also be a contributor. Patients with psychosis should be managed in a similar way to those with type 2 diabetes, but difficulties in complying with diet, exercise, and prescription medications should be taken into consideration. Managing cardiovascular risk factors is extremely important as well.

Sexual Dysfunction in Patients Taking Antipsychotics

Research published in The British Journal of Psychiatry pointed out that antipsychotics like Invega have been associated with sexual dysfunction, but the mechanisms are still poorly understood by the scientific community. The study’s authors set out to determine the frequency of sexual side effects in patients taking conventional antipsychotics, and to identify the potential underlying mechanisms. The researchers determined that sexual dysfunction occurred in:

• 45% of antipsychotic users
• 17% of control subjects
• 61% of control subjects attending a clinic on sexual dysfunction

The conclusion reached by the researchers was that antipsychotic medications like Invega may cause significant sexual dysfunction in certain patients. Doctors should talk to their patients about potential sexual side effects before prescribing antipsychotic regimens.

Do I Have an Invega Lawsuit?

The Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Invega Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.

Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: Again, if you were injured by Invega, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and we can help.