Testosterone enhancing drugs are facing intense scrutiny after claims of heart attacks and strokes have increased. The FDA has already begun an investigation into the heart and stroke dangers of testosterone enhancing drugs after two recent studies raised concerns.
In November 2013, the Journal of the American Medical Association found that when men without a history of heart disease used testosterone drugs, their risk of death from heart attack or stroke increased by 29%. A separate study also found that men with a history of heart disease were also at an increased risk.
AndroGel Users File Suit
Now 5 men who allege that they suffered heart attacks or strokes after using AndroGel have filed separate lawsuits against Abbott Laboratories and their spinoff AbbVie. In particular, three of the five men suffered heart attacks, one suffered a stroke, and one suffered a mini-stroke after using the ‘Low T’ drug AndroGel.
In addition to causing heart attacks and strokes, testosterone-enhancing drugs have also been known to cause enlarged prostates, enlarged breasts, sleep apnea, and blood clots.
These Drugs Are Unnecessary For Most
Even more concerning is the fact that the majority of men do not even need these drugs. A gradual decline in testosterone is a part of the aging process—it is a fact of life. Yet these testosterone-enhancing drugs have only been approved for treating medical conditions, such as the failure of the testicles to produce testosterone due to genetic issues or as a side effect of chemotherapy. Being used to simply treat low testosterone levels has not been approved.
Yet even with multiple warnings and increased scrutiny, low-T drugs are on the rise. IMS Health said that sales of their testosterone drugs grew by 90% over the past 5 years and reached $1.9 billion in sales in 2011 alone. AndroGel itself reported $1.15 billion in 2012 sales and is now AbbVie’s second best-selling drug. Experts estimate that by 2017, the testosterone market will hit $5 billion.
Contact National Dangerous Drug Attorneys
Men who have experienced adverse side effects, heart attacks, or strokes after using a testosterone-enhancing drug may be able to file a lawsuit. Our experienced defective drug lawyers have represented families across the country in their quest for justice. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our AndroGel lawsuit attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.