Several medications that were developed to increase testosterone levels in older men have been linked to severe and potentially fatal side-effects. These so-called “Low T” drugs were marketed towards men by promising increased libido, reduced fat, improved energy levels, and improved concentration.
However, scientific studies have repeatedly shown that these medications increase a patient’s risk of suffering heart attacks and other potentially deadly side effects.
Low T products were marketed under brand names including:
- Androgel
- Testopel
- Axiron
- Depo-testosterone
- Testim
- Striant
- Fortesta
- Bio-T-Gel
- Androdurm
- Delatestryl
If you or a loved one suffered severe injuries as a result of taking any of the above Low-T medications, Henson Fuerst may be able to help.
What is “Low-T”?
As men age, their bodies naturally begin to produce less testosterone. The manufacturers of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) drugs knew that only a very small number of men suffered from hypogonadism, the medically defined term for low testosterone.
Despite this knowledge, these companies created a superficial demand for testosterone replacement medications by promising older men that these drugs could essentially reverse the aging process. Drug manufacturers even created a name for this fabricated condition – “Low T.”
Reliable studies show that over 25% of men prescribed testosterone did not even have a testosterone level check to see if they were being treated for a legitimate medical condition. Many more were prescribed testosterone even though their tests did not show medically low testosterone levels.
Between 2001 and 2011, prescriptions for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) drugs increased more than threefold in the U.S. Last year alone, over 5 million prescriptions were written for testosterone replacement drugs, generating billions of dollars in sales for the drugs’ manufacturers.
Not only did these drug manufacturers promote their medications using a fabricated medical condition, they also failed to inform patients and doctors that these drugs were linked to severe and potentially fatal side effects.
Dangerous Side Effects
Studies have confirmed that men over age 65 that use Low-T drugs are at a significantly higher risk of suffering heart attacks, strokes, and pulmonary embolism compared to men in their age group that did not take these drugs. For younger men with a history of heart problems, the risks are similar.
Men that suffered a heart attack or stroke caused by Low-T medications may experience:
- Partial Paralysis
- Memory Loss
- Slurred Speech
- Lost Time at Work
- Complete Disability
- Death
These side effects could be caused by the increased production of red blood cells leading to thickening of the blood and blood clots. When blood clots break loose and travel to the heart they become lodged in the small vasculature in the lungs causing pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism can lead to heart attack, stroke, and death.
Henson Fuerst is Here to Help
Testosterone users and their doctors were not informed about the risks of heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism, and death associated with testosterone replacement therapy. If you or a loved one suffered a heart attack or any other serious injury after being prescribed Low-T medication, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain, suffering and medical bills.
Call Henson Fuerst right away at (919) 781-1107 or fill out a free consultation form online to learn how our experienced North Carolina Drug Injury attorneys may be able to help. When you call, you will speak with a compassionate, dedicated member of our legal team absolutely FREE. We will investigate every detail of your situation at no cost to you, and fight hard to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.
At Henson Fuerst, you will never pay an attorney’s fee up front, and we don’t get paid unless we recover for you.
