Do You Need an Arkansas Testosterone Attorney?
As men age, the testosterone levels in their body naturally diminish, and, for some men, this can cause life-altering symptoms, including low energy and sexual dysfunction. One way that doctors deal with the reduction in testosterone is through testosterone replacement therapy. Unfortunately, as an Arkansas testosterone attorney will tell you, this type of therapy can come with significant risks for which many men are now filing lawsuits.
Contact with Children and Women
One of the most common ways men are given testosterone replacement is through the use of a topical gel that is absorbed through the skin. Many men prefer this type of delivery to monthly injections, which was the most common method a few years ago. However, there are significant risks to using these gels, and one of those is the potential contact with children or women. Men with a child or a female spouse must take extra precautions not to expose any child who has not reached puberty and any women even over the age of puberty from coming into contact with the gel. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received reports of adverse reactions in children due to secondary exposure to testosterone gels, say Arkansas testosterone attorneys. Over 20 reports of adverse events including an enlargement of the penis or clitoris and premature development of breasts and/or pubic hair have been received by the agency. Parents and doctors also reported an increase in self-stimulation, erections, libido and aggressive behavior in children, all of which were later tested and found to have higher than normal testosterone levels. Once the exposure ended, most symptoms improved, although cases of enlarged genitalia and bone aged were not always corrected. In fact, it is reported two children underwent clitoral reduction surgery. For women, signs of exposure can include acne and unusual hair growth. It is also reported that women can come into contact with the gel from contaminated sheets or brushing against a man who has applied the gel before the substance dries completely.
Increased Risk of Heart Attack
A study of men who used Veteran’s Administration Services found that men who underwent testosterone therapy were 30 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke than those patients who did not. In fact, nearly 26 percent of the men studied suffered either a heart attack or stroke within three years of the study. A second study, conducted by experts from Consolidated Research, the US National Cancer Institute and the University of California, Los Angeles, supported this finding after researchers found that heart attack risk in men under the age of 65 that were already diagnosed with heart disease were twice as likely to suffer a heart attack after using testosterone treatment, and also doubled in men over age 65 who had never been diagnosed with heart problems. These are some of the reasons why those injured are being urged to seek legal counsel from an Arkansas testosterone attorney.
Need for Supplement
Because testosterone levels drop naturally as men age, there are many who believe that prescribing testosterone replacement therapy is unnecessary unless the patient is suffering from severe symptoms, such as significant memory loss, sexual dysfunction or chronic fatigue. In order for a patient to be prescribed replacement therapy, a doctor should order blood tests to confirm that their levels are below 200 ng per dL, which is significantly lower than the normal level of 300 to 1,000 ng per dL. However, according to reports, far too many men whose symptoms are not severe are being prescribed the drug, and that allegedly the prescriptions are often given without any type of blood test to confirm that the patient’s levels are low enough to warrant the therapy. Many believe that this is a result of the aggressive marketing of testosterone supplements promising increased vigor and vitality in older men.
Although testosterone treatment is warranted in some patients, especially those with life-altering symptoms and blood tests that indicate significantly low levels, testosterone treatment may be necessary. However, it is important to consider the risk of heart attack and especially the effect accidental contact could have on small children or females living in the home, and speak with your doctor about any concerns you have about the risks involved.
If you or a loved one have suffered injury or a loved one has died after using testosterone replacement therapy, contact an Arkansas testosterone attorney today to learn what rights you may have. At Attorney Group for Arkansas, we want to help you understand your rights in your unique situation, help you decide if you have a claim, and connect you with an Arkansas testosterone attorney who can help you with your claim, all at no cost to you. Contact us today for your free consultation.
