Nearly 2,000 federal testosterone injury lawsuits have been filed after a significant number of men suffered serious harm following the use of a low testosterone drug such as Axiron, Testim and AndroGel. After an MDL was established in the Northern District of Illinois in June 2014 to centralize the cases, more and more men have come forward to join that MDL. This type of consolidation and centralization is common among prescription drug and medical device litigation in which the facts of the cases are likely to be very similar from one plaintiff to the next.

AbbVie the Major Defendant in Testosterone Lawsuits

The vast majority of the testosterone lawsuits have been brought against AbbVie, the manufacturer of AndroGel which has been, by far, the top-selling testosterone replacement therapy. In 2012 alone, AndroGel generated more than $1 billion in sales. Sales of the drug skyrocketed following an $80 million dollar aggressive marketing campaign by AbbVie. Anyone who watches television saw one of the commercials which informed men who suffered from low libido, a decline in physical strength and muscle mass, an increase in belly fat or the need for an occasional nap they must be suffering from “Low T.” Despite the fact that these “symptoms” are considered the normal effects of aging, and not the intended use of those drugs, men flocked to their doctors for a testosterone prescription.

Risks Associated with Testosterone Supplements

Unfortunately, there are significant risks associated with testosterone therapy, such as heart attack, stroke, and even death. The FDA ordered manufacturers of testosterone drugs to add warnings regarding the link between testosterone replacement therapy and blood clots, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. In June 2014, the FDA required additional information regarding the risk of blood clots for those taking testosterone supplements also be added. Blood clots which occur in the veins are known as venous thromboembolisms, while blood clots which occur in the legs are known as deep vein thromboses. Should a blood clot break off and move to the heart and lungs, a pulmonary embolism can result.

Inadequate Warnings for Men Taking Testosterone

The plaintiffs in the testosterone cases are alleging inadequate warnings regarding the risks of heart attack, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or stroke for those taking testosterone drugs. The lawsuits also claim testosterone drugs were marketed in a reckless manner to men who did not require medical treatment for normal, age-related decreases in testosterone.

AndroGel Bellwether Trials Set

Six AndroGel trials have been scheduled in 2016 and 2017. These trials are called bellwether trials, and represent issues which are common in all the cases. A bellwether trial provides both plaintiffs and defendants a good idea of how future trials will be decided, and whether at least some of the cases should be settled. The bellwether trials will be divided among those men who suffered blood clots and those who suffered heart attacks after taking AndroGel. A second group of bellwether trials involving other testosterone manufacturers are not expected to begin until the second part of 2017.

Contact Our Experienced Dangerous Drugs Lawyers

If you have suffered a heart attack or cardiac complication from AndroGel or other testosterone supplement, it can be very beneficial to speak to an experienced Philadelphia class action lawyer to determine what options are available to you. Drug companies who routinely put profits before people should pay for their negligence—and their unscrupulous behavior. To learn more about your legal options or to schedule a free consultation call the Philadelphia product liability lawyers at Golomb & Honik today at (215) 278-4449 or fill out our confidential contact form.

The national dangerous drug lawyers at Golomb & Honik have successfully represented individuals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and throughout the United States.