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Testosterone Therapy Lawsuit: Side Effects Outshine Benefits
A 40-year-old man from Jackson took testosterone therapy for a year after he saw several “low-T ads” promoting hormone medications. He felt the need to have testosterone injections to overcome age-related androgenic hormone deficiency. To his dismay, he experienced severe heart pain and respiratory distress three months after discontinuing the testosterone supplements. A detailed diagnosis revealed that he had a blockage obstructing blood flow to his lungs. Testosterone supplements caused him to develop blood clots in his leg. The clot travelled to his lungs prior to being developed into a blockage that prevented blood supply from the heart to lungs and caused him to suffer a stroke.
The past decade has witnessed a noticeable increase in the use of testosterone therapy by the middle-aged and older men. More than 5.5 million prescriptions resulted in the selling of testosterone supplements worth $2 billion in 2012, a marked rise from around $300 million a decade ago. However, medical researches as well as post-marketing surveys have highlighted a significant rise in testosterone therapy side effects. Heart attacks, blood clots, metabolic disorders, the risk of cancer, and strokes have led to the filing of a number of testosterone therapy lawsuits across the United States.
Testosterone Therapy Side Effects
- Testosterone death
- Heart attack
- Metabolic disorder
- Other cardiovascular problems, including blockages, stroke
- Development of blood clots and risk of pulmonary embolism
- Diabetes and high cholesterol
- Increase in kidney and liver ailments
- Enhanced risk of prostate cancer
FDA Warning on Testosterone Supplements
In 2000, the FDA issued a public advisory against the use of testosterone therapy for “age-associated” reduction in the sex hormone. The Endocrine Society’s Clinical Practice Guidelines also recommends the use of testosterone therapy only after certified through clinical diagnosis and consistent symptoms of low testosterone.
However, there has been widespread off-label use and prescription of testosterone supplements, and it has almost gone up four times in the last 10 years. Consequently, there has been a spurt in testosterone therapy side effect instances.
In 2009, the FDA ordered for black box warnings on two most prescribed testosterone-enhancing gels, AndroGel and Testim. According to the label changes added, these two supplements pose health risks to women and children when they come into contact. Women may develop male sexual characteristics, hair in the chest, and enlarged genitals. Abnormal genital intensification, violent and increased sexual behavior, and rapid increase in pubic hair growth are a few side effects that children suffer from when exposed to testosterone medications.
Testosterone Therapy Research Studies
- According to Mayo Clinic, regular treatment with testosterone therapy may result in sleep apnea, dermatological side effects, growth of male breasts, and prostate tumor.
- A November 2013 report published JAMA medical journal claims that testosterone therapy causes 29 percent higher risk of cardiovascular side effects. Based on the study of the medical records of 1,223 men treated with testosterone supplements, it found that at least 15 percent of them had serious heart disorders, resulting in 67 deaths, 23 heart attacks, and 33 strokes. The study blamed large-scale use of testosterone medications by men without being sure of their needs.
- Chicago Tribune Business reported in September 2013 that a meta-analysis of 27 independent research studies had cited a two-fold increased risk of heart problems and stroke in men using testosterone therapy.
Testosterone Therapy Lawsuit
Off-label promotion and prescription of testosterone supplements has caused a number of deaths and serious cardiovascular disorders. Despite research studies and FDA warning, manufacturers have been steadfast in their promotional campaigns resulting in consumers using the medications as a safe and secure way to increase their sex hormones. However, after the recent disclosures by the American Medical Association and media reports indicating deaths, heart disorders, lung problems, and strokes caused by these supplements, a number of people have come forward to file testosterone therapy lawsuits seeking product liability.
Testosterone medications, like AndroGel, Androderm, Axiron, Depotestosterone, Fortesta, and Testim, could increase the percentage of red blood cells in your blood. The increase in red blood cells can cause strokes, blood clots, and possibly death.
If you or a loved one have experienced a testosterone replacement therapy injury after being diagnosed with Low T, please contact our team of lawyers today for a free case evaluation at:
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