Low Testosterone Therapy Litigation

There is growing evidence that links male testosterone therapy treatment -- for the so called, “Low T” -- with an increased incidence of strokes, heart attacks and even death.

If you or loved one have been on a testosterone therapy regimen, using gels, patches, pellets or injections, and have suffered a heart attack, stroke or a related health issue, attorneys with The West Law Firm of Shawnee and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma would like to hear from you.

FDA Announcement

On January 31, 2014, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it is investigating the risk of stroke, heart attack and death in men taking previously FDA approved testosterone products.

The FDA noted that its review was prompted by two new studies: one an observational study published by the American Medical Association in November 2013.  This U.S. Veteran Affairs health system study suggested there was a 30 percent increased risk of stroke, heart attack and death among a group of men undergoing the prescribed testosterone therapy.

The second study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, was published in January 2014 in the journal, PloS ONE. While tracking 56,000 older and middle age men who were prescribed testosterone between 2008 and 2010, the study found that men 65 and older had double the rate of heart attacks in the months after they began taking testosterone medication.

These are serious findings and by all indications, more evidence of the link between the inappropriate use of testosterone medication and adverse medical conditions will be revealed.

Testosterone Therapy Treatment

Lower production of testosterone, the male sex hormone, is part of the natural process of aging.  In men, production of this hormone peaks in early adulthood and begins to diminish at a rate estimated at one percent annually for the remainder of life.

But in a limited category, this lower production can be the result of certain medical conditions, such as “hypogonadism,” where the body does not produce enough testosterone as a result of an injury or a condition one is born with.

Testosterone therapy treatment, or hormone therapy treatment as it is sometimes described, can be effective in treating the more severe conditions like hypogonadism.  This is, in fact, the type of condition for which the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of such products.  As stated by the agency, “Testosterone products are FDA-approved only for use in men who lack or have low testosterone levels in conjunction with an associated medical condition.”

A simple blood test is required to diagnose hypogonadism, yet according to a recent New York Times story, only one in four men now using testosterone products was given this routine blood test.  In too many instances, testosterone therapy has been prescribed to men who didn’t need it.  And even worse, there is now evidence that the use of this medication has had fateful consequences.

Rebranding a Condition as a Disease

To no one’s surprise pharmaceutical companies recognized an opportunity to reframe a natural condition of aging (lower testosterone production) as a disease.  Middle-age or older males who put on weight, lose muscle tone, experience fatigue or a diminished sex drive become candidates for this medical condition, cleverly branded with the non-threatening name, “Low T.”

With nothing to lose and a fountain of youth to gain, it’s no wonder millions of men have flocked to these products.  In 2011 alone (the most recent available data), 5.3 million men in the U.S. were prescribed testosterone therapy products.  And by some estimates, testosterone sales have reached $400 million annually.

Clearly, this “fountain of youth” story line has helped turn testosterone therapy in a “gold mine” for the pharmaceutical industry.

Testosterone Therapy Products

The most common testosterone therapy medications approved and available for use in the U.S. include:

• Androderm (patch)
• AndroGel (gel)
• Axiron (topical solution)
• Delatestryl (injection)
• Depo (injection)
• Foresta (gel)
• Methitest (tablets)
• Striant (tablet)
• Testim (gel)
• Testopel (pellets)
• Testred (capsule)

Taking Action

If you or a loved one is currently taking a testosterone therapy product, consult your physician before making any change in the use of that medication.

Next, if you or your loved one has suffered a stroke, heart attack or related medical condition, we encourage you to contact us at The West Law Firm. You may be entitled to compensation as a result of this injury.

Our firm is currently reviewing individual cases related to testosterone therapy litigation. However, with the increase in case filings, testosterone therapy litigation may yet evolve into a class-action against these pharmaceutical companies. It is, therefore, even important to have your case reviewed as soon as possible.

The West Law Firm

The West Law Firm has successfully represented thousands of clients over our 40 year history. Our attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers whose mission is to protect the rights of our clients against pharmaceutical companies and others whose products have caused damage and serious personal injury.

We offer personal, one-on-one client service, experienced legal professionals and commitment to the best outcome for our clients.

We’re here to help.