It seems like Americans can’t watch a program, let alone a sporting event on television, without seeing advertisements about low testosterone, or products designed to treat those who “suffer from Low-T.” Like any other ad, these commercials were created to entice consumers to buy products. And along with beer, soft drinks, cars and athletic apparel, Americans are buying their “Low T” medicine like they were picking up a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk.
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in males. It is a major component in the development of male reproductive features, including the testes and prostate. Testosterone is produced in males mainly by the testicles, and functions to promote characteristically male attributes within humans. These attributes include increased body hair, thicker bone density, increased muscle mass and male sexual function. Testosterone levels are also linked to overall health and wellness.
Testosterone levels decrease naturally with age. But there are medical conditions, such as hypogonadism, that can lower a man’s testosterone level. Symptoms of low testosterone include erectile dysfunction, fatigue, decreased libido, decreased strength, loss of body hair, decreased bone density, and depression.
Pharmaceutical companies refer to lower than average testosterone levels as “Low T.” They bombard the airways with commercials designed to “educate” men about “Low T,” and what prescriptions are available for use for those who “suffer from Low T.” In 2012, the makers of testosterone treatment products spent an estimated $107 million to market their drugs. Over the last thirteen years, the number of men over 40 being treated for low testosterone has tripled. It has been estimated that approximately 5.3 million prescriptions for testosterone medications were written in 2011 alone.
Treatments come in the form of testosterone injections, patches and topical creams, gels, and even one that rolls on your underarm, just like deodorant. The pharmaceutical companies try to make it as simple and painless as possible to use. Because of the number of commercials about these medications, patients with one or more symptoms will approach their doctor, often asking for the medicines by brand name. Many doctors prescribed testosterone medications to patients, even if they weren’t diagnosed with a medical condition that causes hypogonadism.
But there is a negative effect to taking low testosterone medications that the drug companies, and many physicians, are not relaying to patients. On January 31, 2014, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Drug Safety Communication on FDA-approved testosterone products.
It appears that incidents of heart attack, stroke and death have been linked to the use of testosterone medications. In a 2013 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, use of testosterone medications among a group of 1223 Veterans was associated with increased risk of death, myocardial infarction (heart attack), or ischemic stroke. Among the Veterans receiving testosterone therapy, 23 had heart attacks, 33 had strokes, and 67 died. In total, there was a 29% increased risk of these adverse events among the testosterone therapy group.
The law firm of Girard Gibbs LLP is currently investigating claims on behalf of prescription testosterone users, many of them Veterans, who claim that the hormone replacement therapy may be linked to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, or other serious cardiovascular events.
Users of testosterone drugs who have experienced serious cardiovascular events are encouraged to contact Girard Gibbs’ testosterone lawyers to learn more about the investigation and explore their potential claims for monetary compensation.
Click Here or call (866) 981-4800 for a free confidential consultation concerning your possible testosterone treatment lawsuit.
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