What is Androgel?
Androgel is a topical hormone gel that works by supplementing the natural testosterone present in the body. Androgel is primarily used to treat male deficiencies in testosterone.
Men who cannot produce enough natural testosterone in the body may need a supplement. Testosterone therapy is growing in popularity because men tend to lose testosterone as they age. This has led to an increase in testosterone supplement prescriptions. Men have been prescribed testosterone to increase muscle mass, improve sex drive, and strengthen bone density.
It’s so popular that 432 million prescriptions were sold in 2013 with refills compared to the 208 million sold in 2008. Sales increased to over $1.6 billion in 2011 when only 5.3 million prescriptions were written.
What are the Side Effects?
According to the label for Androgel, Androgel is not recommended for women. All pregnant women should avoid contact with Androgel. It reportedly can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Claims say that even if a woman touches a surface where the drug was applied on a man, it could be dangerous. Male features could potentially form on a child or woman that comes into contact with the medication. Soap and water should be used to wash the areas where contact was made.
Labels state that topical testosterone can cause side effects such as increased libido, enlarged genitals, premature pubic hair, male-pattern baldness, and increased acne. Excessive body hair growth, irregular menstrual periods, and development of male characteristics are also side effects of Androgel. Some patients have also reported that they suffered from blood clots, heart attacks, and/or anemia when using this gel.
If you have diabetes, sleep apnea, liver disease, kidney disease, or if you’re overweight, Androgel may worsen these conditions. There may also be a risk of cancer and prostate enlargement when using this drug. Avoid using the topical gels without talking to a physician first. If you have suffered any of these conditions and believe it could have been caused by a testosterone cream such as Androgel, contact Arkansas Androgel testosterone attorneys today to find out more about your legal options.
Why are There Lawsuits?
Men who used Androgel and other testosterone treatments are reportedly 30 percent more likely to die of a heart attack or a stroke. The study consisted of participants who averaged 60 years in age and had health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and unhealthy cholesterol. The studies revealed that the healthy men taking the drug were as likely to die as the men who entered with an established health condition. Current testosterone lawsuits claim that those injured were not warned of the risks involved in taking the drugs, and therefore are seeking compensation for damages incurred after treatment.
In 2009, a testosterone trial was launched and discontinued because of the number of men having heart attacks while taking the drug. New studies are being conducted to study the effects of testosterone on the patient’s ability to walk and remember or their ability to combat hemoglobin or plaque buildup and fight fatigue. Sexual function was another consideration. Later studies funded by pharmaceutical companies revealed that there was no increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events, but the other risks have not be disproven.
In 2003, a lawsuit against Solvay Pharmaceuticals alleged that off-label promotions led to false claims worth millions of dollars in damages. They were submitting to government health care plans by pharmacies that filled the prescriptions of drugs. The lawsuit claimed that Solvay attempted to boost sales by conspiring with doctors to prescribe the drug for off-label purposes. According to the lawsuit, the doctors were allegedly given illegal kickbacks to participate in this activity. The kickback allegedly consisted of things such as resort weekends, Harley-Davidson goods, cash payments, and some were listed as speaker and research fees. This activity allegedly took place after a document was released that Solvay needed to increase its testosterone market by 36.5 percent.
Despite any speculation behind the sales and distribution of the drug, the real issues lie with those injured by the drugs. Consumers have a right to know the risks involved with anything they choose to partake in, including pharmaceutical drugs that are supposed to help improve a condition. When a person is injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another, that is when it becomes important to seek legal counsel in order to understand your legal rights in recovering compensation for injuries. That is why Arkansas Androgel testosterone attorneys are here to help anyone injured possibly due to testosterone therapy such as Androgel.
Contact Arkansas Androgel Testosterone Attorneys Today!
If you are experiencing any health problems associated with testosterone therapy, contact Attorney Group for Arkansas. Attorney Group for Arkansas can help answer your questions and help you decide if you have a claim. If you decide to file a lawsuit, we can connect you with affiliated Arkansas Androgel testosterone attorneys that can help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for your free consultation.
