Side effects from testosterone can leave devasting emotional and physical effects on your well-being. If you have been affected by this and looking for the best route for proper compensation, look no further. The Senators Firm in Irvine California has you covered. Contact (949)-557-5800 for a free case evaluation, we have the best defective drug lawyers in California who can help.
Are You Taking One of These Testosterone Replacement Drugs?
Prescription testosterone products are marketed in a variety of forms, including injectable, topical gels, and transdermal patches. AndroGel®, marketed by AbbVie Inc. (a division of pharmaceutical giant Abbot Labs) is a topical gel that currently dominates the testosterone market and is heavily advertised as a treatment for “low” testosterone.
Increasing Use and Serious Risks of AndroGel® and Other Testosterone Replacement Drugs
It has been reported that almost 3% of all U.S. men over 40 are currently taking some form of prescription testosterone to treat a variety of “aging” symptoms as low energy and libido and weight gain. While synthetic testosterone has been around for decades, it only recently achieved mass popularity, driven by enormous drug company sponsored direct-to-consumer advertising and the aging of the “baby boomer” generation. Reports indicate that yearly prescriptions for testosterone replacement drugs have increased fivefold between 2000 and 2011. The market for testosterone replacement drugs is now estimated at around $1.6 billion annually. Unfortunately, as the use of these drugs becomes more widespread, the true risk of side effects is becoming more apparent as well.
Some Doctors Are Asking: Are Testosterone Replacement Drugs Worth the Risk?
It is generally accepted that both men and women produce less testosterone in their bodies after age 30. A small portion of the population suffers from organic hypogonadism, in which congenital or other physiological factors make it impossible for the body to produce adequate amounts of testosterone. However, in most otherwise healthy people, testosterone production does not fall out of the “normal” range until much later. Or, testosterone levels may fall owing to “lifestyle” choices and obesity, which has caused many doctors to question the popularity of testosterone medications, especially since testosterone drugs have been associated with increased risks of stroke, heart attack, and death.
Despite the risks and questionable benefits of testosterone medications such as AndroGel®, we are seeing a huge amount of advertising on the part of drug and dietary supplement makers over the past several years touting the benefits of increasing testosterone levels, especially in men. It is claimed that by increasing the amount of testosterone in the body, men may be able to add or maintain lean muscle, reduce body fat and weight, and increase sexual function.
AndroGel® and Testosterone Drug Heart Attack and Stroke Lawyers
AndroGel® and other testosterone replacement medications are associated with a number of potential adverse effects, including:
- Gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts)
- Liver dysfunction
- Sexual side effects
- Dermatological effects such as acne
More recently, testosterone replacement drugs have come under increasing scrutiny because of the possibility that they may increase the risk of cardiovascular and other serious events, including:
- Blood clots
- Stoke
- Heart attacks
A study recently published in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Assn. (JAMA), found that among 8,709 older men who were evaluated for blocked arteries, those taking testosterone were 30% more likely to suffer an adverse cardiovascular episode, including strokes, and heart attack, and also had a higher overall risk of death than those men who did not take the drug.
AndroGel® Lawsuits
If you or a loved one unexpectedly suffered blood clots, a stroke, or heart attack around exposure to testosterone drugs such as AndroGel, you may have a claim for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It is important that you contact a law firm experienced in evaluating and prosecuting injury claims against large drug manufacturers.
The lawyers at The Senators Firm have decades of litigation and trial experience in the most complex pharmaceutical injury cases. Recently, the firm obtained a multimillion-dollar award for the victim of a synthetic testosterone (steroid). We understand the medicine and the legal complexities in representing our clients so they achieve the maximum amount of compensation available under the law.