New studies have concluded that testosterone treatments may result in an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes or death. According to clinical trials, men with symptoms of heart conditions were 30 percent more likely to suffer from these conditions compared to those who were not taking testosterone supplements.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in November 2013, followed 8,700 men who were taking testosterone for a period of three years. It is the second major study that has found an increased health risk in patients using testosterone. From 2000 to 2011, the use of testosterone therapy has increased more than five-fold.
If you or a male in your life have been injured, you may be entitled to file a testosterone treatment lawsuit and seek compensation for your condition. Contact Attorney Group today to learn more about your legal rights and whether you have a valid claim.
Low Testosterone Therapy Overview
Low testosterone therapies or treatments are prescribed to patients in an effort to fight the natural decline in the amount of testosterone their bodies produce as they age. Experts assert that increased testosterone can strengthen bone density, improve libido and build muscle mass.
More than five million prescriptions for testosterone were filled in the U.S. in 2011 alone, according to recent media reports. Most often prescribed testosterone by way of an injection, patch or gel, the following are several common testosterone products:
- Testopel
- Testim
- Striant
- Fortesta
- Depo-Testosterone
- Delatestryl
- Bio-T-Gel
- Axirom
- Androderm
- Androgel
Complications of Testosterone Therapy
According to plaintiffs filing a testosterone treatment lawsuit, several patients who took these supplements experienced signs or symptoms of health complications, including heart attacks, strokes, transient ischemic attacks, pulmonary embolisms, arrhythmias and death. Other conditions that could potentially increase a man’s risk of heart problems while undergoing testosterone treatments include:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Artery blockage
- Plaque buildup
Researchers note that healthcare providers should exercise extreme caution when prescribing testosterone to patients who were previously diagnosed with one or more of the above conditions. Additionally, plaintiffs seeking compensation by way of a testosterone treatment lawsuit allege that several manufacturers took to aggressive and direct marketing tactics in order to promote their products.
Physicians claim that, while there are multiple treatments for men suffering from low testosterone, patients are not always aware of the risks and complications of the products. Instead, pharmaceutical companies allegedly directly advertise to consumers and suggest that men should be treated if they suffer from sadness, lack of energy, decreased libido or if they find themselves falling asleep after dinner – all of which may also be considered periodic, normal symptoms or feelings. Symptoms of low testosterone may include:
- Physical or emotional changes
- Lack of energy
- Difficulty sleeping
- Decreased libido
The manufacturer of AndroGel, AbbVie, Inc., issued its own statement in response to the most recent clinical trial. The company stated that its product could potentially cause serious and life-threatening complications in patients who have kidney, heart or lung disease.
Additionally, there is little data suggesting that testosterone therapy actually provides any benefit for those suffering any but the most severe cases of low testosterone. Low testosterone may not become a recognized medical condition until the patient’s levels have hit an extreme low, due to hormonal deficiencies or hypogonadism.
However, pharmaceutical companies still must be accountable for the products that they sell, particularly if the medications are causing unnecessary dangers or adverse side effects to patients. It is the manufacturer’s duty to inform consumers about the possible dangers associated with their medications so that patients may make informed decisions regarding their health.
Have Questions about Filing a Testosterone Treatment Lawsuit?
If you or someone you love is undergoing or has undergone treatments for low testosterone, it is vital that you discuss the potentially increased risk of heart complications with your physician. However, if you have been injured or suffered from adverse side effects during therapy, you may be entitled to file a testosterone treatment lawsuit and seek compensation for your injuries. Contact Attorney Group today for your free, no-obligation consultation and to learn whether you have a valid claim. We will connect you with an attorney who will handle your testosterone treatment lawsuit and work to help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
