Testosterone Treatment Risks Are Too Great, Society Claims
The Endocrine Society issued a statement in February 2014 in which the organization reported that the testosterone treatment risks and benefits for older men living with declining testosterone levels must be fully evaluated. The statement comes in response to several recent studies that have raised concerns pertaining to the safety of testosterone treatments in older men with a history of cardiovascular disease.
One randomized trial and two retrospective analyses supported by the National Institute of Health and the Veterans Health Care System found an increased rate of cardiovascular complications in men who used testosterone treatment products and had preexisting heart problems. As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it will be evaluating the safety and efficacy of these products as well as any potential testosterone treatment risks.
Testosterone treatments are approved to manage symptoms of hypogonadism, or low testosterone levels, due to known diseases of the hypothalamus, pituitary and testes. Although the use of these products is increasing, the FDA has not yet approved the treatment for treating the decline of testosterone levels that often occurs as men age.
The National Institute on Aging is conducting an ongoing randomized trial in which the organization is evaluating testosterone levels in nearly 800 older men with low testosterone levels and symptoms such as physical and sexual dysfunction. The trial’s careful monitoring of cardiovascular events and the way in which the study is structured may help to provide important safety information pertaining to testosterone treatment risks.
The Endocrine Society calls for the development and implementation of randomized, larger-scale controlled trials to determine the true testosterone treatment risks and benefits, particularly in older men. The Society recommends that older and middle-aged men who may be considering testosterone treatment therapies should be adequately informed of potential cardiovascular complications, among other testosterone treatment risks. The Society reports that those who have previously experienced a cardiovascular event in the previous six months such as acute coronary syndrome, stroke or myocardial infarction should reconsider the decision to begin a testosterone therapy.
Patients who are receiving treatment for low testosterone levels as a result of diseases of the hypothalamus, pituitary or testes are urged to consult with their physicians prior to beginning any treatment or making changes to their medications. According to its statement, the Society believes that testosterone is typically beneficial and safe when used to treat hypogonadism in men with the aforementioned conditions. However, several men have reported serious complications while taking testosterone treatment therapies and are pursuing claims throughout the U.S. against the products’ manufacturers.
Do You Have Questions about Testosterone Treatment Risks?
If you or someone you love has suffered from severe or life-threatening complications that you feel were the result of testosterone therapy, contact Attorney Group to receive a free consultation. We can help answer questions and connect you with an affiliated attorney who can further explain the testosterone treatment risks and lawsuits involved, and help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
