The use of FDA-approved testosterone therapy has shown risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, and death in men. In January 2014, the FDA issued an alert reevaluating these safety issues based on recent findings from published studies reporting increased cardiovascular problems in males prescribed testosterone therapy. If you or a loved one has suffered complications from a testosterone therapy product, contact our experienced unsafe drug attorneys lawyers today for a free initial case review. Our testosterone therapy lawyers want to help!
What Are Testosterone Therapy Supplements?
Each year following the age of 30, testosterone levels in men begin to slowly decrease. For some, the levels drop so low that it becomes a medical problem and requires a prescription to raise testosterone levels. However, in recent years, some medical experts have said this has been exploited by pharmaceutical companies to sell men testosterone supplements that are not medically necessary.
Testosterone maintains many important bodily functions in men, such as:
- Sex drive
- Sperm production
- Production of red blood cells
- Muscle mass/strength
- Bone density
- Fat distribution
Because testosterone affects so many main functions, a decreased level can incur significant physical and emotional changes.
Prescription Testosterone Therapy Products Under Investigation:
- Androgel
- Axiron
- Androderm
- Fortesta
- Testosterone injections
Testosterone Therapy Increasingly Sold As a Lifestyle Medication
The number of testosterone supplements prescribed by doctors increased five-fold from 2010 to 2011 to 5.3 million. NPR commented that millions of U.S. men are using testosterone drugs as a lifestyle medication rather than for use of a diagnosed medical problem. In fact, only half of men taking testosterone therapy had been diagnosed with hypogonadism (low hormone levels), according to a Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine study. It appears that some doctors have prescribed testosterone supplements without testing the testosterone levels of patients. Those who have undergone testosterone therapy per their doctor’s recommendation should reach out to an attorney as soon as possible.
Studies Show Dangers of Testosterone Therapy
Two specific studies prompted the FDA investigation of testosterone therapy products. In a Jan. 31, 2014 safety alert, the FDA said: “Health care professionals should consider whether the benefits of FDA-approved testosterone treatment is likely to exceed the potential risks of treatment.”
- The first study was published in November 2013 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers reported a 30% increased risk of cardiac emergencies, including stroke and heart attack, when linked to testosterone medications.
- In January 2014, a study published in PLOS One that included 56,000 men revealed that use of testosterone therapy doubled the risk of heart attack in men over 65 and tripled the risk of heart attack in younger men with heart disease.
Testosterone Therapy Industry Grows Despite Risks
The testosterone therapy industry has climbed to over a $2 billion industry in America, according to an article published by The New York Times. The article also reveals that the United States spent 3.47 billion in advertising dollars directly targeting consumers.
Testosterone therapy manufacturers are responsible for informing people of all the risks associated with their medications. When people are harmed by a pharmaceutical drug, the company that made the drug may be held legally responsible. A skilled attorney could work with you to file a testosterone supplement lawsuit.
Seek Legal Help from a Testosterone Therapy Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered cardiac complications as a result of taking testosterone therapy, consult with one of our testosterone therapy lawyers at Childers, Schlueter & Smith to explore your legal rights. Our attorneys are committed to holding these drug manufacturers accountable and fighting for compensation for your injuries. We have a solid record of achieving success for victims like you.
Contact us today for a free consultation. There is no obligation.