The FDA has recently agreed to take a second look at the safety of testosterone supplements following the results of a testosterone study which were published in the Journal of American Medical Association in November, 2013. The conclusion of that research was that men taking testosterone supplements might have as much as a 30% higher risk of heart attack, stroke and death. Other issues potentialy associated with testosterone supplements include deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. While researchers are not sure why testosterone supplements can lead to such health issues, it could be due to the fact that testosterone increases blood clotting. Older men typically have much thinner-walled arteries, therefore a blood clot could be have much more serious consequences.
As the American population ages and the direct-to-consumer marketing of testosterone supplements ramps up, testosterone manufacturers are sharing in over $2 billion in annual sales. Over 5 million testosterone prescriptions (including refills) were issued to men just last year; what was once a niche treatment for those suffering from hormonal deficiencies caused by hypogonadism, endocrine tumors or the effects of chemotherapy, is increasingly being sold as a lifestyle product. The aggressive marketing of testosterone supplements for men with “symptoms of Low-T,” has, in effect, created an artificial “disease.”
After men reach the age of 30, their levels of testosterone will naturally decrease from 1-3% each year. This decrease eventually leads to lower energy levels, a decrease in bone density, strength and muscle mass, a decrease in libido, excess weight in the belly region, and the occasional need for an afternoon nap. While these are all perfectly normal results of aging, marketing campaigns have implied that older men with these symptoms can almost reverse the aging process simply by taking testosterone supplements. What manufacturers are failing to say, is that there are significant risks associated with testosterone therapy, both to the men taking the drug as well as to their partners, children, and anyone else they come into contact with. When the drug is applied as a cream or gel, it can be transferred to others who touch the spot of application.
Axiron Specifics
Axiron, a relative newcomer in the testosterone market is manufactured by Eli Lilly. Axiron received a $48 million dollar share of the testosterone bounty in 2011, and offers a different delivery method than most other testosterone supplements. Axiron is applied like antiperspirant or deodorant, under the arm, with a special applicator. The insert which comes with Axiron states “Axiron is a controlled substance because it contains testosterone, which can be a target for people who abuse prescription medicines.” It is further noted that those who have kidney or liver problems, sleep apnea, heart problems, enlarged prostate, prostate or breast cancer or “any other medical conditions,” should relay this information to their healthcare provider. Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) are also stated as a potential side effect of axiron.
If you have experienced any adverse health effects after taking a testosterone supplement, or have suffered serious injury, first look after your health, then speak to a skilled testosterone injury lawyer in order to determine whether you should seek damages from a manufacturer who may have ignored safety concerns.