Side effects of risperdal and growing breasts in male
Risperidone, sold under the trade name Risperdal is an antipsychotic medication which works by changing the activity of dopamine. It is mainly used to treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and irritability in people with autism.
Janssen Pharmaceuticals is the manufacturer of Risperdal which was approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 and was used for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and youths above the age of thirteen. Schizophrenia is a common term even for non-medical usage which refers to a mental illness that cause people to develop abnormal thoughts and emotions and lose interest in life.
Furthermore, Risperdal was also approved by FDA in 2003 for the short-term treatment of adults and children 10 and older. It was seen as a safe drug to treat mania or episodes of unusually excited moods, depression in adults.
Before taking Risperdal
There are chances that Risperidone can interfere with many medications. So tell your doctor:
· if you are addicted to or ever used any illegal or “street” drugs
· if you have the habit of alcoholism
· if you have ever abused any prescription drugs
· if you will be in a place with extreme temperature
· if you have any plan to engage in vigorous exercise
· if you are pregnant (specially in the third trimester)
Side effects
Risperdal has been alleged to increase levels of prolactin in boys, which is a hormone that stimulates breast development in women which is scientifically referred to as gynecomastia. Boys who have developed risperdal breasts might also experience physical pain or nipple discharge. For female, this medication might increase the prolactin level in the body which might result in unwanted breast milk, fluctuating menstruation cycle or difficulty in pregnancy.
Sleepiness, nausea, heartburn, dry mouth, increased saliva, dizziness, restlessness, agitation, muscle or joint pain, troubled urination, dry or discolored skin are the other side effects of the medication.
Although there is hardly any known allergic reaction to this drug, do not delay to get any medical help if there are any symptoms of unusual rash, itching, swelling or trouble in breathing.
The dosage of this medicine is usually once or twice daily and is based on the patient’s age, medical condition, other undergoing medications and response to treatment. Patients should not stop taking the medication without consulting the concerned physician.
Concealing the risk of gynecomastia
J&J’s knowledge of Risperdal gynecomastia (breast tissue enlargement) side effects created much controversy amongst the patients and the physicians. There were investigative reports which revealed Risperdal to high gynecomastia rates — as high as 4.5%. Post this, the Janssen group requested for seeking a “re-analysis” of the problem when the pharmaceutical group decided to skew the numbers by removing data from children above ten years justifying they were likely undergoing puberty which could have made it responsible for risperdal breasts. And, the re-adjusted data showed it to be statistically insignificant — as low as 0.8%.
Risperdal lawsuit settlements
More than 130 of the cases that have been reported against Johnson & Johnson and its Janssen unit allege that the drug caused male adolescents to grow breasts. The allegation is not only against the development of growing breast but it also leads to psychological trauma. The corrective surgery needed for removal of the breast tissue and its related injuries were also included in the lawsuit.
