Testosterone Therapy and Adverse Side Effects

Aging men have been the target of testosterone replacement therapy in recent years. This treatment, where testosterone is injected or absorbed into the body, is designed to aid those who suffer from abnormally low levels of naturally occurring testosterone and is sometimes known by the name Low T. The symptoms of Low T are broad and widespread among males, particularly those middle aged and older, but simply having one or more symptoms does not necessarily mean that an individual needs treatment. The most common symptoms include decreased energy, increased body fat, decreased sexual drive, sexual dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, decreased body hair, reduced energy level, and depression. Men of any age may need testosterone replacement therapy, and for those in need, many brand name options and generics have become available in recent years. These products have been advertised and marketed as a safe means to treat Low T and as a way to restore testosterone to normal or ideal levels. But recent studies have uncovered troubling side effects associated with many of these drugs, some of which can prove fatal or can leave a patient with serious and permanent injuries. Failure to disclose adverse side effects associated with testosterone replacement therapy has led to conditions including heart attacks and strokes among patients with experts saying that the drug therapy played a significant role in these episodes. In fact, according to a recent study on the topic, men over age 65 who used testosterone based replacement therapy experienced twice the risk of a heart attack as men of a similar age who were not on the therapy. Similarly, men under age 65 who had preexisting heart conditions and were using Low T treatments were twice as likely as those without the Low T treatments to suffer a heart attack. Based in part by the increased risk of heart attack as well as reports by testosterone replacement users of other conditions, including strokes and blood clots, the United States Food and Drug Administration is now reviewing testosterone replacement therapy to determine its potential threat to the health of patients. Common Forms of Testosterone Replacement TherapyTestosterone replacement therapy is not a new concept on the market but some forms of administration are new, including gel-based treatments. These are the medicines that have been linked with increased risks of heart attack and stroke and these are what the FDA is currently reviewing. Gel-based testosterone treatments are designed to be absorbed through the skin. Most are applied to the underarms much like deodorant and provide quick dosing of the drug. Some side effects of these products have been made known to consumers and users have been warned to avoid accidental contact with the substance. Other side effects include nausea, dizziness, hair loss, difficultly sleeping, acne, change in sexual desire, and vomiting. Women and children who come into contact with the gel may experience excess hair growth and changes in body development. Until recently, the most serious side effects of gel-based testosterone therapy were not revealed to consumers, leaving many to use the drug without the knowledge that they may suffer an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or death as a result. Gel-based products have been sold under many names including AndroGel, Axiron, Dep-Testosterone, Bio-T-Gel, Fortesta, Androderm, and Testopel. Using one of these products and then suffering a serious or fatal side effect may entitle you or your family members to relief for the damages you sustained and the pain you were forced to endure. Phoenix Testosterone Therapy Injury LawyersConsumers have the right to know of possible side effects before they begin using any medication. Failure to disclose side effects can make a prescription drug company liable to any consumer who is injured as a result. If you have used any gel-based testosterone replacement therapy and you were injured as a result, know that you have rights that may entitle you to compensation. Call the injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us provide you with a free, no obligation telephone consultation regarding your case and your options. We are standing by 24 hours a day to take your call at (855) 749-5299 or locally at (602) 819-5191 and everything discussed will remain confidential. If you have been injured by a testosterone replacement drug side effect, do not continue to suffer in silence. Call us today and let us help you get the relief you deserve. If you have suffered a serious side effect while using testosterone replacement therapy, call us now at (855) 749-5299 or Contact Us online for a free case consultation.