Why Would You Need a Florida Testosterone Attorney?
As a man grows older, the amount of testosterone his body produces often declines. This decline is a natural process, but it is nonetheless undesirable: symptoms include lower sex drive, erectile dysfunction, depression, and concentration problems. In recent years, testosterone treatments have grown in popularity among middle-aged men who hope to recover the vitality and sex drive they once had in their youth. These treatments are prescribed to slow down testosterone decline, and they can improve sex drive, mood, and self-confidence, increase bone density, lower cholesterol and insulin resistance, and build muscle mass. These treatments can be administered with a patch, gel, or injection. Some of the brands used include:
- Androgel
- Androderm
- Axirom
- Bio T-Gel
- Delatestryl
- Depo-Testosterone
- Fortesta
- Striant
- Testim
- Testopel
Testosterone therapy is approved by the FDA only to treat those diagnosed with abnormally low testosterone levels. Sales of Androgel even exceeded those of Viagra in 2012. The treatment is quite expensive, typically running from $300 to $400 a month. However, many companies are reportedly offering to cover prospective patients’ copayments or to give away a free one-month sample, making the drugs seem much more affordable.
While the popularity of testosterone has been spreading, health concerns have been raised. A Veterans Affairs study conducted in 2013 found that testosterone treatments were associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes, including heart attack, stroke, and death. Another recent study funded by the Intramural Research Program of the National Cancer Institute found that testosterone treatment increased the risk of heart attack by more than 200%. For non-users, the risk of heart attack was five for every 1000 men followed for one year. For testosterone users, the risk of heart attack is 10 per 1000 patient years. The researchers of the study adjusted for variables such as smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure. This study was a follow-up on an earlier one conducted by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health that found evidence of the same risk. However, that study was halted due to unusually high incidents of heart problems.
These new findings have led some medical professionals to advise greater caution in prescribing testosterone treatments, to request further studies about their safety, to require warnings on instructions for testosterone drugs, or even to call for the FDA to suspend the treatments until more is known about their effects. AbbVie, which manufactures Androgel, one of the most popular testosterone supplements on the market, has already publicly acknowledged the potential harms that its product could cause for those predisposed to heart, kidney, or lung disease. Other manufacturers may quickly follow suit.
Experienced Problems After Testosterone Therapy? Contact Us Today
If you are currently using testosterone supplements, speak to your doctor first about the increased risk for heart problems. If you or someone you know has been injured or otherwise negatively affected by testosterone supplements, Attorney Group for Florida may be able to help direct you to an affiliated Florida testosterone attorney. We can help answer questions and concerns that you may have and advise you on the possibility of pursuing a claim. At Attorney Group for Florida, we will be able to consult with you and discuss whether litigation is the best option for you. Contact us today.
