A recent report published by the New York Times suggests that the risks of testosterone gels have been know for nearly 10 years by the manufacturers of the gels. If this is true, the manufacturers pushed the testosterone gel onto men despite the known risks associated with the gel. Manufacturers conducted a test with the gel and those who took the drug were 5 times more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke.
The sales of those drugs have increased over the past 10 years. From 2001 to 2011, the number of men over 40 that are taking the drugs has quadrupled. The manufacturers of testosterone gels are using advertising to target older men and convincing them to think they are ill and that they need medication to treat their illness. Dr. Joel Finkelstein, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, explains that there is no such disease. Testosterone decreases in men as they age, as does estrogen in women.
The F.D.A. approved the testosterone gels for men who no longer produce testosterone or produce it in very low amounts. Testosterone gels have been used since 1937 clinically and were approved by the F.D.A. in 1953. Millions of men in the United States are using testosterone gels when they do not really need them. In 2012, testosterone boosting products sales were estimated at about $2 billion and are estimated to hit $5 billion by 2017. Many doctors are writing prescriptions for testosterone boosters without measuring the patient’s hormone level or even retesting the patient’s hormone level to adjust the dosage. Up to 25% are prescribed without having a blood test.
If you have been going through testosterone replacement therapy and have any unexplained problems, seek medical attention. If testosterone manufacturers have been marketing dangerous products, knowing their increased risks, they could face serious legal liability. Contact one of our product liability attorneys if you or a loved one has suffered a heart attack or stroke during testosterone replacement therapy to discuss the options you may have.
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
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