When men are diagnosed with abnormally low levels of testosterone, health care providers often prescribe testosterone therapy. Men receive the treatment via topical gel, a transdermal patch or as a physician-administered injection. The many names of the products used as replacement therapy include:
- Androgel
- Androderm
- Axirom
- Bio-T-Gel
- Delatestryl
- Depo-Testosterone
- Testopel
However, research in recent years concluded that men receiving supplemental testosterone are at greater risk for a number of potentially life-threatening medical conditions.
Testosterone Health Risks Discovered
Prior to a study performed by Colorado cardiologist, Michael Ho, physicians were largely unaware of the possible health risks associated with the hormone. The research evaluated 8,700 men who had been taking testosterone supplements for a time period of three years. The group of scientists led by Dr. Ho found that the men exhibited a 30 percent increased risk of suffering a heart attack, stroke or sudden death compared to men not receiving the hormone.
Approved by the FDA for the treatment of low testosterone levels, statistics indicate that in 2008, pharmacists filled 208 million prescriptions worldwide for the supplement. By the year 2013, this number increased to 432 million. In 2011, the number of prescriptions filled in the United States alone was 5.3 million. Researchers believe that consumer directed advertising perpetuated by pharmaceutical companies led to the dramatic rise in prescriptions. In lieu of the study findings, which were publicized and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, patients began filing lawsuits in connection with damages suffered by taking testosterone therapy. Georgia Androgel testosterone attorneys began evaluating claims concerning complaints linked with the medication.
Androgel Side Effects
Androgel and similar testosterone preparations have been associated with a number of side effects that include anemia, abnormal blood clotting, exacerbated cardiac conditions, hypertension and an increased risk of prostate cancer. Men have also developed drug induced hepatitis, liver cancer and life-threatening heart failure. Georgia Androgel testosterone attorneys are aware that the medication poses a particular risk for men having certain underlying cardiovascular conditions. The diagnoses include:
- Arterial blockages
- Diabetes
- Elevated blood serum cholesterol
- Obesity
- Vascular plaque formations
FDA Warnings
In September of 2009, the FDA required that Abbot Labs, and other pharmaceutical companies manufacturing testosterone therapy supplements, include a Black Box Warning on the packages of topical formulations. Children and women coming in contact with the hormone though skin-to-skin or skin-to-clothing exposure were at risk of a number of side effects, which included aggression, premature bone aging and virilization. Under some circumstances, Georgia Androgel testosterone attorneys understand that these side effects may be permanent. In 2011 and 2012, warnings were updated per request by the FDA.
Pharmaceutical Company Lawsuits
Beginning in 2000, the FDA reportedly warned Abbot Labs concerning advertisement methods, which insinuated that the hormone replacement therapy was designed for more than hypogonadism. By 2003, attorneys in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas filed a suit against Solay Pharmaceuticals alleging that the company violated the False Claims Act. As the company reportedly promoted off-label uses, attorneys claimed that millions of government health care dollars paid for unnecessary prescriptions.
Testosterone Therapy Lawsuits
Following the Colorado and subsequent studies, physicians have became more aware of the risks involved with prescribing Androgel or other testosterone treatment preparations. Georgia Androgel testosterone attorneys advise that anyone currently undergoing hormone treatments for low-level testosterone should discuss the benefits and risks with their physicians. Do not stop using the medication unless under the direction of a qualified health care provider.
The Georgia Androgel testosterone attorneys are involved in evaluating legal claims submitted by men or family members of patients who may have suffered a heart attack, stroke or other serious medical condition allegedly in connection with taking hormone replacement therapy. In some instances, Androgel therapy contributed to the death of male patients.
Seek Legal Advice From a Georgia Androgel Testosterone Attorney Today
If you believe that your or a loved one developed a medical condition after receiving testosterone therapy, contact Attorney Group for Georgia today. We can help answer your questions and connect you with an affiliated Georgia Androgel testosterone attorney, all at no cost to you.
