To settle hundreds of lawsuits over its testosterone replacement gel, Axiron, Eli Lilly agreed to a non-disclosed settlement amount. Men brought these claims from around the United States following heart attacks, blood clots, and other health problems after using the gel.
About Axiron
In 2010, the FDA approved Axiron, manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly. Within one year, sales topped almost $50 million. Eli Lilly is hundreds of millions on marketing campaigns pushing testosterone therapy. However, recent studies discovered that using Axiron users may increase dangerous side effects.
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. This means big bucks to everyone involved.
Axiron Testosterone Settlement
Eli Lilly faces more than 6,000 federal lawsuits. Men who filed the lawsuits claim they suffered cardiac problems and strokes from using the testosterone gel. This announcement comes just two weeks before the first of two bellwether trials would have begun. Industry leaders speculate Eli Lilly made the settlement to avoid the risk of a jury awarding massive damages over the company’s failure to warn consumers and the medical community about known risks associated with their popular drug.
There are also more than 400 lawsuits pending in a multidistrict litigation in U.S. District Court in Chicago.
Testosterone Manufacturers are Accountable
Testosterone therapy industry has turned into a multibillion-dollar industry, with more than 5.3 million prescriptions sold in 2011. Therefore, 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.
In light of this, 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.
Contact us today by calling (877) 513-9517 or fill out the form for a free consultation. There is no obligation.
