Testosterone supplements have become a billion-dollar business for the pharmaceutical companies who manufacture the drugs. Testosterone is marketed under such names as Andro-Gel, Axirom, Fortesta, Striant, Testopel, Testim, Depo-Testosterone and Bio-T-Gel and by companies such as Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and others. Men who have been diagnosed with low testosterone (for their age) are actually relatively uncommon, yet thousands and thousands of men are currently taking the supplement.
Men with endocrine tumors, hypogonadism and those who are undergoing chemotherapy could have a legitimate need for testosterone supplements, however the levels of testosterone naturally decline as men age. What most of us think of as “normal” signs of male aging—an increasing waistline, a loss of strength, muscle and libido and declining energy levels—are now being called “Low-T.” Men’s testosterone levels will begin to decline 1-3% per year after the early thirties, once those levels peak between the ages of 18 and 30.
Are Testosterone Supplements the Fountain of Youth or a Serious Risk to Male Health?
As more and more men flock to their doctors, searching for the fountain of youth, a study published in the Journal of American Medical Association details the potential risks of testosterone supplements. These risks center around adverse cardiovascular health issues such as heart attack, stroke and even death—the study concluded men taking testosterone supplements may have a 30% higher risk of suffering a cardiovascular event.
A current testosterone lawsuit against Abbot, the manufacturer of Andro-Gel, by five men who claim they were injured by the testosterone drug, alleges deceit on the part of the manufacturer. The testosterone lawsuit claims that aggressive television marketing was implemented through the relaying of positive information which suggested a widespread need for men to take testosterone supplements, while downplaying known adverse and serious health risks. The complaints were filed in federal court in Chicago, a mere four days after the FDA stated it would re-examine the safety of testosterone drugs.
Are You Entitled to File a Testosterone Lawsuit?
A second testosterone study was halted before its conclusion, once it was noted that a significant number of the study participants experienced a cardiovascular event. While it not well understood why cardiovascular events increase among men taking testosterone supplements, it is theorized that the supplements may increase the levels of circulating estrogen among males, causing testosterone related heart attacks and testosterone related strokes. In the JAMA study, testosterone was given to men with low levels of testosterone, however one doctor noted the supplements could have been prescribed inappropriately.
Many believe that these first five testosterone injury lawsuits are only the “tip of the iceberg,” and that many more will follow. In the meantime, doctors are becoming much more cautious about prescribing testosterone to their male patients. In any case, the public is entitled to be informed of the potential risks associated with testosterone; if you are a male who feels your health was harmed or your suffered injury from taking testosterone supplements, speaking to a knowledgeable testosterone injury lawyer could help you to pursue a fair settlement which will cover your medical expenses, any lost wages and other applicable damages.