If you are a man who is taking a testosterone supplement, you may be worried by the recent headlines regarding the potential risks of testosterone drugs. One study in August, 2013 detailed the potential risks of blood clots associated with testosterone therapy, and recommended that all men have a simple blood test to determine their risk of blood clots prior to taking testosterone drugs. Another study detailed in the November, 2013 issues of the Journal of American Medical Association concluded that men taking testosterone supplements had a 29% increased risk of heart attack, stroke and death. Another study on testosterone supplements was halted before the conclusion due to an excess of men in the study experiencing adverse cardiovascular events.
There are a variety of testosterone supplements on the market in the form of creams, gels, pills, implants and injections. These supplements have each been approved by the FDA for the medical condition of hypogonadism, which occurs when the body stops producing testosterone. A flurry of hard-hitting advertising campaigns is believed to be largely responsible for the huge surge in testosterone use. These ads imply that any man who experiences low libido, a decrease in energy, erectile dysfunction, a reduction in muscle mass, a decrease in strength and bone density, an increase in belly fat, or even the desire to take an occasional afternoon nap is suffering from “Low-T,” and would benefit from testosterone therapy.
In truth, men’s testosterone levels peak at age 18, staying stable until the age of 30 or so. From this point on, testosterone levels will decrease from 1-3% each year. This decrease in testosterone levels is a normal effect of aging, rather than a diagnosis of hypogonadism, however men in search of a youth elixir are flocking to their doctors, begging for a testosterone prescription. Over five million prescriptions (including refills) were issued in 2013, with testosterone manufacturers bringing in over $2 billion for sales of testosterone supplements.
Unfortunately, many men who jumped on the testosterone bandwagon were unaware of the potential risks associated with testosterone therapy. At this point five lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer of AndroGel, and it is expected many more will follow for all testosterone manufacturers. Three of the men in the Andro-Gel lawsuit allege they suffered a heart attack as a direct result of the testosterone therapy, one claims he suffered a stroke and the fifth man claims he suffered a mini-stroke.
Have You Suffered Adverse Health Risks From Taking Testim Testosterone Supplements?
Testim testosterone supplement is manufactured by Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, and received FDA approval on October 31, 2002. Testim testosterone drugs are administered via a transdermal patch. In the insert which accompanies Testim, the list of serious side effects include burn-like blistering of the skin where the transdermal patch is worn, swelling of the ankles, problems with urination, nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver problems, breast swelling or tenderness, headaches, depression, changes in sex drive. If you or a loved one feel you have suffered harm from taking Testim, contact an experienced testosterone injury attorney at the earliest possible time.