Patients taking popular antipsychotic drugs, including Risperdal, Invega, or Zyprexa are being warned about the potential for these medications to raise prolactin levels and increase the risk for developing breast cancer. Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that these commonly prescribed antipsychotic drugs can elevate the hormone prolactin, producing unwanted side effects including the development of abnormal breast tissue.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that drugs that produce high levels of prolactin were associated with a 62% increase in the risk of breast cancer. Legal claims have been filed nationwide alleging the manufacturers of these drugs knew or should have known about the dangers associated with taking these medications and failed to warn healthcare professionals and their patients. Individuals who were prescribed one of these antipsychotic drugs are encouraged to watch for symptoms and seek legal counsel to determine eligibility for filing a lawsuit. Taking legal action promptly is imperative as patients may only have a limited amount of time to file a claim.
What Is Prolactin?
Prolactin is a human hormone that comes from the pituitary gland. While prolactin contributes to hundreds of functions within the body, it is primarily responsible for developing mammary glands and supporting lactation for breastfeeding. Dopamine and estrogen control the production of prolactin.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, while prolactin levels naturally increase during pregnancy, they can also be increased by physical stress, exercise, and seizures. In some instances, the levels of prolactin can be too high. This condition known as hyperprolactinemia can be caused by tumors in the pituitary gland, hormonal therapies, and certain medications.
Antipsychotic drugs believed to increase prolactin levels:
The Relationship Between Prolactin and Breast Cancer
The link between hyperprolactinemia and breast cancer goes back decades. In the 1970s, an animal study published in the journal Cancer stated, “It is unequivocal that prolactin is an influential hormone in murine mammary tumorigenesis.”
At roughly the same time, evidence began to show that prolactin could also cause breast cancer in humans. Epidemiological studies from the late 1980s found that high serum prolactin levels were associated with known breast cancer risk factors such as parity status and mammographic breast density.
Today, the causal association between hyperprolactinemia and breast cancer is undisputed. As a 2014 study funded by one of the defendants in the antipsychotics litigation admitted, “[m]ore than 95% of [breast cancer tumors] display overexpression of the prolactin receptor, and genes that are activated by this receptor are associated with tumorigenesis and cancer cell proliferation.”
A more recent study, published in Endocrinology discussed the association between plasma prolactin levels and an increased risk of postmenopausal breast carcinomas.
According to the Endocrinology study, plasma prolactin levels have also been associated with:
- Higher recurrence rates
- Higher mortality risk
- Increased tumor size
- Later stage of disease
- Involvement of nodes
- Worse prognosis
Research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that commonly prescribed antipsychotics may affect prolactin levels thereby increasing the risk of breast cancer in patients.
How Prolactin Levels Impact Women’s Health
Higher than normal prolactin levels can deeply impact a person’s health and wellbeing. The condition, known as hyperprolactinemia, can be caused by a number of factors, including physical or psychological stress, kidney disease, and tumors on the pituitary glands. Additionally, it may be caused by certain antipsychotic medications, as discussed above.
Potential negative health impacts of high prolactin levels:
- Fertility problems
- Erectile dysfunction in men
- Irregular periods
- Painful intercourse
- Decreased sex drive
- Bone loss
Research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has also found a positive association between higher plasma prolactin levels and an increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Patients taking antipsychotic drugs that can increase prolactin levels, such as Risperdal, Invega, or Zyprexa, may be more likely to develop cancerous tumors in the breasts.
Signs and Symptoms of High Prolactin
Patients taking antipsychotics, birth control or hormone therapy replacements that have been shown to increase prolactin levels should be aware of signs and symptoms of hyperprolactinemia or high prolactin levels. Early screening is often critical to ensure a prompt diagnosis and treatment plan.
Signs and symptoms of high prolactin:
- Pain during sex
- Fertility issues
- Decreased libido (low sex drive)
- Milky discharge from the nipple
- Lactation when not breastfeeding
- Irregular periods
- Galactorrhea
- Menopausal-like symptoms (hot flashes, absences of a period)
Antipsychotics and Prolactin Elevation
Legal documents allege certain antipsychotics such as Risperdal, Invega, and Zyprexa may increase prolactin levels due to their effect on dopamine release. As discussed in the American Journal of Psychiatry, these medications block dopamine D2 receptors within the tuberinfundibular tract. This pathway is also responsible for prolactin levels. It is believed that the drugs’ interference with these dopamine receptors may cause the body to produce higher levels of prolactin leading to an increased risk of breast cancer.
Active lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of well-known antipsychotic drugs that have been linked with higher levels of prolactin. Patients who have taken these drugs are encouraged to discuss their cases with an experienced attorney.
Current lawsuits filed involving antipsychotics and prolactin elevation:
What Patients Can Do Now
Patients who took or are currently taking antipsychotics linked to increased levels of prolactin are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. Additionally, patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer should speak with an experienced attorney about lawsuit eligibility.
Options for patients taking antipsychotics that may put them at an increased risk of developing breast cancer:
- Speak with a healthcare provider about the risks, stopping the medication, and when to seek a medical evaluation for new or worsening symptoms.
- Ask for a prolactin blood test to determine if the hormone levels are high.
- Document medication history and any symptoms developed after taking the medication.
- Consult with an experienced attorney about the potential to take legal action.
How Wisner Baum Can Help
The attorneys at Wisner Baum have an extensive history helping patients who have been harmed by a prescription drug. The firm has active lawsuits filed against the manufacturers of Risperdal, Zyprexa, and Invega. Patients taking these drugs may be at an increased risk of developing breast cancer and may be eligible to take legal action.
Wisner Baum can help pursue compensation on behalf of those with valid legal claims and will work tirelessly to ensure justice is served.
Contact Wisner Baum today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
