In 2012, more than 5.3 million prescriptions were written for testosterone
drugs, resulting in sales of nearly $2 billion. Thanks in large part to
pervasive and deceptive advertising, millions of men have been convinced
that low testosterone is to blame for a myriad of aging symptoms, such
as fatigue, low sex drive, and depression. Yet a study published in the
New England Journal of Medicine found that only 2% of men in the world actually suffer from a condition
that causes low testosterone. Unfortunately, these testosterone drugs
and therapies are not without significant risk.
Our national class action lawsuit attorneys are currently investigating
low testosterone claims.
Contact Golomb & Honik, P.C. at (215) 278-4449.
Current Research for Low Testosterone Cases
New research published in
PLOS One has shed light on two rather severe and problematic side effects of testosterone
therapy-heart attacks and strokes. Researchers combed through the records
of nearly 56,000 men who had been prescribed testosterone treatments.
Men who were younger than 65 years old and who had a history of heart
disease were 3x more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. Men who
were over the age of 65 were 2x more likely to suffer a heart attack or
stroke-even when they did not have a prior history of heart disease.
In November 2013, the
Journal of the American Medical Association found that men without a history of heart disease were nearly 30% more
likely to die from a heart attack or stroke after using a testosterone
drug product.
These latest studies have prompted the Federal Drug Administration to investigate
low testosterone drugs more closely and possibly update product labeling
to include specific warnings regarding heart complications. At present,
physicians are urged to monitor their patients closely for signs of heart
and vascular complications, including heart attacks, strokes, pulmonary
embolisms, and other clotting events.
What is Low Testosterone?
Testosterone is a natural male hormone that is produced by the testicles.
It is responsible for numerous tasks including sex drive, red blood cell
production, muscle strength, and bone density. Testosterone naturally
declines some with age, but some men have a medical condition known as
hypogonadism, which means that the body does not produce normal levels
of testosterone. Low testosterone drugs were approved
only for the treatment of hypogonadism. None of the FDA-approved testosterone
products are approved for use in men with low testosterone conditions
who lack an associated medical condition.
Types of Low Testosterone Drugs
There are numerous types of testosterone therapy drugs available in gels,
patches, creams, injections, and oral tablets. Drug manufacturers have
created numerous brand name testosterone products, including:
- Androgel
- Androderm
- Axiron
- Delatestryl
- Depo-Testosterone
- Fortesta
- Methitest
- Striant
- Testim
- Testopel
- Testred
Contact Golomb & Honik, P.C. at (215) 278-4449
If you or someone you love has suffered cardiovascular complications after
using a low testosterone drug, you may be able to file a lawsuit. Men
who have been injured after taking testosterone therapy are currently
filing lawsuits across the country against testosterone manufacturers.
To learn more about your rights and legal options, call our Philadelphia
defective drug lawyers at Golomb & Honik, P.C. today.
Our experienced litigation lawyers have represented men and their families
across the United States in their quest for justice. We believe in holding
negligent pharmaceutical companies responsible for their actions and fight
aggressively for all our injured clients. Reqeust a
free case evaluation today.