A testosterone lawsuit may be an option for men who suffered severe side effects from low-T therapy. Testosterone is used to increase muscle mass, improve libido and strengthen bone density. However, studies have linked testosterone treatments to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack and death. Affected men and their families may be eligible to seek compensation with the help of a bad drug attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated testosterone lawsuit attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is Testosterone Therapy?
According to media reports, in 2011 alone, more than five million prescriptions were written for testosterone treatments in the U.S. Testosterone therapies may come in a variety of forms such as a gel, patch, injection, cream or pill, and are prescribed to men suffering from the side effects associated with low testosterone levels.
Also known as “low T treatments,” these methods help to increase testosterone levels in the body that may have declined due to a chronic condition or the body’s natural aging process. Studies show that these medications may also help to increase muscle mass, improve libido and strengthen bone density. If face, according to the recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine, many widely prescribed brands of testosterone therapy may be associated with risk of serious cardiac problems in men.
There are 10 well-known and highly prescribed testosterone treatments in circulation across the U.S. including:
- Axiron
- AndroGel
- Androderm
- Striant
- Fortesta
- Bio-T-Gel
- Delatestryl
- Testim
- Testopel
- Depo-Testosterone
Studies have linked testosterone treatments to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack and death, particularly in men predisposed to the conditions or in those currently living with cardiac complications. As a result, men are pursuing claims against several drug makers, claiming that the manufacturers knew of this increased risk and failed to warn the public in an effort to increase sales of the products.
Are Testosterone Treatments Safe?
While many men have successfully used testosterone treatment therapies to increase the levels of the hormone in their bodies, others claim that these medications are not safe and may cause serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Studies show that benign prostatic hypertrophy, high blood counts, prostate cancer, congestive heart failure and sleep apnea may be worsened in men taking testosterone treatment therapies, and several health conditions could increase a patient’s chance of experiencing stroke, death and heart attack such as plaque buildup, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and artery blockage.
Although each medication is different, most testosterone treatment therapies may cause jaundice, headache, nausea and vomiting. Additionally, men may experience anger, anxiety, depression and other mood or mental changes as well as signs of liver disease as evident by abdominal pain and unusual tiredness. A man may have difficulty urinating or may experience swelling or tenderness of the breasts as well as frequent, bothersome or prolonged erections. Other side effects include excess water retention, a decrease in sperm production and edema.
Testosterone Lawsuit Filed
Men who have experienced adverse side effects while taking testosterone treatments have filed a testosterone lawsuit against the drug makers, alleging that their products caused life-threatening complications. Additionally, several drug makers are accused of neglecting to inform physicians and consumers of the potential for testosterone treatments to increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and death. Although claims continue to be pursued on behalf of those allegedly injured, an AndroGel testosterone lawsuit was filed against AbbVie Inc. and Abbott Laboratories, Inc. on February 4, 2014 in Illinois federal court.
In addition to heart attack and stroke, testosterone lawsuit plaintiffs also allege that they endured physical and emotional damage while using testosterone therapies. Several families are also filing wrongful death claims on behalf of loved ones that passed away, allegedly due to complications caused by the therapies. Plaintiffs are also claiming that the drug makers had a responsibility to thoroughly research their products to analyze the safety and effectiveness of the medications in men with cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, obesity, blocked arteries, diabetes and other cardiac issues, yet failed to do so.
Drug makers are also alleged to have used aggressive and illegal marketing tactics in an effort to promote the medications. In one instance, a manufacturer allegedly claimed that men who are suffering from certain symptoms should be examined by his healthcare provider for signs of low testosterone levels such as weight gain, fatigue, low libido and lack of energy. However, research shows that these symptoms could also come naturally with age and are not necessarily indicative of low testosterone. As a result, many men used these medications when it wasn’t needed, resulting in injuries and harm.
Drug manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are accompanied by full and accurate instructions and warnings to guide prescribing doctors and other health care providers in making treatment decisions. If a drug maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
How a Testosterone Lawsuit Can Help
Patients who are injured by testosterone therapy may be entitled to compensation for damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- The permanency of the injury
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Loss of income or ability to work
If a patient dies from complications after testosterone therapy, family members may be entitled to compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Conscious pain and suffering of a loved one prior to death
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish from the loss of a loved one
- Funeral expenses
Patients who have suffered severe side effects after testosterone therapy, as well as the families of those who have died as a result of complications with the drug, are encouraged to seek the advice of a testosterone lawsuit attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
