Low testosterone is a fairly common problem for many men after the age of thirty. As a man begins to lose testosterone, he can experience a number of serious health problems such as depression, a decreased libido, erections which are less pleasurable, low energy levels and decreased endurance. Testosterone gels or testosterone supplements are often a remedy to low testosterone, however physicians also prescribe prescription medications to alleviate symptoms. One such drug, Androgel, has recently been found to increase the risk of testosterone stroke and testosterone heart attack. Although Androgel warns of potential side effects in its literature and on its label, inclusive of high blood pressure, blood clots in the legs and other “serious problems” for persons with heart, kidney or liver disease, the actual risk of this drug includes testosterone death.
In November of 2013, the Journal of the American Medical Association published an article linking Androgel with testosterone death as well as other serious side effects. Prescriptions for low testosterone rose from 208 million in 2008 to over 432 million (including refills) in 2013. In 2011, testosterone therapy was a $1.6 billion business. Although the drug did enjoy some success in improving men’s sexual function, bone density, strength and lean muscle mass, as well as lowering cholesterol and insulin resistance, men who used the drug were found to be thirty percent more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke or die within a three-year period than men with low hormone levels who didn’t take supplements in the 2013 Journal of American Medical Association study. The men in this study averaged 60 years of age and most had other health problems. In contrast, most studies funded by pharmaceutical companies concluded no increased risk of cardiovascular problems associated with testosterone drugs.
Whether you believe the Journal of American Medical Association study or the pharmaceutical company studies, five Androgel lawsuits have been filed in the Illinois federal court against the manufacturers AbbVie Inc., and Abbott Laboratories, Inc., claiming the actual risk of serious side effects associated with the drug were not disclosed and concealed by the manufacturers. One plaintiff claims he suffered a heart attack, as well as other physical and emotional damages after taking the drug. The five lawsuits were filed only days after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) disclosed an investigation regarding the cardiovascular risks of the drug in an alert on January 31, 2014.
If you or a loved one has suffered a heart attack or stroke after taking the drug Androgel, please contact an attorney who handles mass tort claims to have your claim evaluated.
A partner with Inserra & Kelley, Attorneys At Law since 1993, Craig Kelley focuses on personal injury law with a large emphasis on motorcycle and bicycle related cases and claims with the goal of first helping clients heal and then getting speedy resolution of their disputes.
One Comment
Tunji
The risks of testosterone drugs go beyond what some men think. These drugs also pose risks to females.
For instance, contact with these topical gels can trigger early puberty in young girls-a phenomenon some experts think is a risk factor for cancer as adults
Not only that, coming in contact with the gel also poses risks to a woman's fetus.
Then there is the risk of cancer for the men using these drugs. Shrinkage of the testes, lower sperm count, infertility-these have also been associated with these drugs.
It is ironic to note that a product that's supposed to make you more of a man can have you shooting blanks.
It is important for men to know that the motivation behind these poisons is not to help men, but profits
The anxiety about the consequences of low testosterone is what drug companies hope to monetize.
These consequences are serious enough to scare men stiff-no pun intended!
And they have done a good job of convincing men into trading their health for things that are harmful
Notice the jump in the prescriptions of these drugs and the barrage of ads in all of media
But, there is a natural way to increase testosterone level-a way that is effective, without compromising health.
Any man who is thinking about how to jack up libido without drugs should explore this natural option
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