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.
The national class action lawsuit attorneys at Golomb & Honik are currently investigating low testosterone claims. If you or someone you love has suffered cardiovascular complications after undergoing low testosterone therapy, call us at 1-800-355-3300 or 1-215-985-9177 immediately to evaluate your case.
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
National Low Testosterone Drug Lawyers
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 the Philadelphia defective drug lawyers at Golomb & Honik 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. To learn more about your legal options or to schedule a free consultation call the Philadelphia class action lawyers at Golomb & Honik today at 1-800-355-3300 or 1-215-985-9177 or fill out our confidential Contact Form.
The national class action lawyers at Golomb & Honik have successfully represented individuals throughout the United States.
