Studies Link ‘Low T’ Drugs to Increased Heart Attack Risk
On Jan. 31, 2014, the FDA announced it was investigating the possible risk of stroke, heart attack and death in men taking FDA-approved testosterone products. This was prompted by recent studies documenting an increased risk of cardiovascular problems among men prescribed testosterone therapy.
A January 2014 study in PLOS One of more than 50,000 men found that testosterone drugs:
- doubled the risk of heart attack in men 65 and over.
- tripled the risk of heart attack in younger men with pre-existing heart conditions.
This study came on the heels of another in November 2013, which linked testosterone therapy not only to a heart attack but also to stroke, pulmonary embolism, and other dangers. This also included a risk of death.
About Testosterone Therapy
Testosterone therapy is intended to treat male hypogonadism. This condition is when the body fails to make enough hormones because of a problem with the testicles, pituitary gland or brain. There are a variety of prescription testosterone products available. These come in different forms, including gels, injectable solutions, patches, pills and pellets implanted under the skin. However, once a patient starts testosterone therapy, he must always continue it. Usually, doctors will monitor the patient’s hormone levels every six months to a year.
A Booming Testosterone Thereapy Industry
Each year, American men spend $2 billion on testosterone. In fact, four times as many men used testosterone products in 2014 than in 2000. This means that roughly 2.3 million Americans use this drug. However, only half of the men taking testosterone therapy had been diagnosed with hypogonadism, the cause of very low hormone levels, According to a JAMA Internal Medicine study.
Common testosterone medications include:
The rapid rise of this treatment is partly due to an expensive marketing campaign that presents the drugs as lifestyle products. With age comes a natural drop in testosterone levels in men, and this hormonal change can have unpleasant symptoms. The drug makers capitalize on this by redefining ordinary experiences as medical problems for which there is a treatment, researchers wrote in a 2013 article in JAMA Internal Medicine.
According to the New York Times, this advertising campaign cost more than $100 million in 2012. The article’s headline says it all: “Selling that New Man Feeling.”
Testosterone Manufacturers are Accountable
Testosterone therapy industry has turned into a multibillion-dollar industry, with more than 5.3 million prescriptions sold in 2011. Pharmaceutical drug manufacturers are responsible for informing people of all negative effects and risks associated with their medications. If people are not provided this information, they cannot make the best choices about their health.
How many of the men who chose to take these drugs would have made a different decision if they knew this information?
Seek Legal Help
If you or a man you know has suffered adverse cardiac effects as a result of taking testosterone therapy, you should consult with an attorney to explore your legal rights. The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is committed to litigating these cases and placing accountability on the responsible drug manufacturers.
How We Can Help
When you experience side effects from a dangerous drug, it can have devastating effects on your entire life. Also, you may receive compensation for injuries and damages. The types of losses that can be recovered include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of an ability to work; and
- Pain and suffering
If a person dies from complications from a drug, family members may be able to recover damages for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Loss of economic support; and
- Loss of companionship
Therefore, if a jury finds the conduct of a drug company in manufacturing and selling a drug to be highly reckless, they could award punitive damages to punish the company and deter similar conduct in the future. Case evaluations are free of cost and without obligation. Call us today at (877) 513-9517 or contact us online to speak with an attorney about your options. We may be able to get you the help you need.
Learn More
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Consumer Alert! Testosterone Supplements Linked to Life-Threatening Cardiac Events
