Breast Cancer Awareness Month Highlights Potential Antipsychotic Drug Risks

As September transitions into October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month emerges as a pivotal time to highlight essential conversations surrounding prevention, screening, and early detection of breast cancer. Wisner Baum LLP attorney Monique Alarcon emphasizes the importance of ensuring that women with serious mental health challenges are included in these discussions, particularly regarding antipsychotic medications that could potentially heighten their breast cancer risks.

Inclusion of Mental Health Patients in Health Narratives

This month, as various organizations push for women to schedule necessary screenings, it’s crucial to address a significant gap: many patients taking antipsychotic medications might not have received adequate warnings about the associated risks. Wisner Baum is currently representing women in legal actions claiming that pharmaceutical manufacturers have failed to inform both patients and healthcare providers about the potential risk of breast cancer linked to antipsychotics like Risperdal, Invega, and Zyprexa.

In recent years, an increasing body of evidence has indicated that medications elevating prolactin levels could contribute to breast cancer. Prolactin, a hormone crucial for breast tissue health, if elevated, can lead to heightened risks associated with cancerous developments. According to Alarcon, "Patients prescribed these antipsychotics have the right to know the risks involved and should be able to engage in informed discussions with their healthcare providers about screening and risk factors."

The Challenge of Overlooking Women with Serious Mental Illness

Women dealing with serious mental conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are often excluded from the mainstream dialogues about women’s health. A recent systematic review published in Schizophrenia Bulletin evaluated participation levels in breast and cervical cancer screenings among this demographic, revealing that 21 out of 35 studies indicated lower screening participation rates among women with severe mental illness. With higher mortality rates attributed to breast cancer within this group, it is imperative to amplify awareness around their unique challenges and risks. Breast Cancer Awareness Month should go beyond merely encouraging screenings; it should also promote dialogues regarding the potential medication risks that these women might face daily.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Risk Associations

Research indicates that antipsychotics such as Risperidone, Paliperidone, and Olanzapine can significantly affect prolactin levels. Studies have documented that increased prolactin, or hyperprolactinemia, is connected with a greater likelihood of developing breast cancer. Statistical evidence reveals alarming data: one U.S. study reported a 62% increased risk of invasive breast cancer in women who used highly prolactin-elevating antipsychotics. Moreover, findings from a 2024 Swedish study highlighted a 20% increased incidence of breast cancer in women who had been on these medications for one to four years, escalating to a staggering 47% with five years or more of use.

Consequently, ongoing litigation is examining how pharmaceutical companies have communicated these associated risks. Through rigorous analyses, Wisner Baum’s approach entails reviewing corporate records and scientific research to ascertain how drug manufacturers handled knowledge regarding antipsychotics and breast cancer risks.

Historically, large settlements have been made by these manufacturers, including Eli Lilly's $1.415 billion settlement in 2009 for off-label promotion of Zyprexa and Johnson & Johnson's 2013 $2.2 billion settlement concerning Risperdal and related drugs.

A Call to Action for Informed Consent

Alarcon passionately reiterates, "Breast Cancer Awareness Month must ensure that every woman, especially those relying on psychiatric medications, is equipped with all necessary information to safeguard her health. Informed consent is about providing clear, actionable data regarding medication risks so that patients can make informed choices alongside their healthcare providers."

About Wisner Baum

Wisner Baum is a nationally prominent law firm committed to advocating for individuals impacted by corporate negligence and harmful products. Renowned for its expertise in high-stakes litigation, the firm has a proven track record in representing clients against some of the world’s most significant corporate actors. For further information, please visit Wisner Baum's website.