From a standard of care standpoint, testosterone replacement therapy is clearly indicated in men who suffer from hypogonnadosim, which is a condition that prevents the production of testosterone and leads to medical complications related to an absolute low testosterone state. Clearly the risk versus benefits in treatment of these men with supplemental testosterone favors treatment.
Low-T State
A vast majority of men receiving testosterone are receiving treatment for what is called a Low-T state. Symptoms of Low-T state advertised by the pharmaceutical companies include many of the natural changes that occur with aging, such as decreased energy, fatigue, decreased libido, decreased muscle mass, decreased sleep, and problems with concentration. By aggressively advertising the normal symptoms of aging and associating that to a Low-T state which can be tested in the blood, the pharmaceutical industry has created a new disease state for which they provide a cure.
In reality, Low-T levels in the blood are difficult to test and vary during the course of the day. Testosterone levels normally decrease about 1 percent a year after age 30. Men with obesity have low testosterone levels because they are converting testosterone to an estrogen derivative through an enzyme found in body fat. This enzyme also decreases natural testosterone production. This may lead to the symptoms that are advertised by the pharmaceutical companies. Essentially the treatment is exercise and weight loss, and not testosterone replacement therapy.
What is the Basis of a Testosterone Lawsuit?
A study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association demonstrated a link between testosterone replacement therapy and the increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and stroke from the drug side effects. Now the FDA is requiring a drug warning about the risk of blood clots in the legs which may lead to potentially fatal pulmonary embolisms. This risk is due to an increase in red blood cells (called polycythemia) and is the direct result of testosterone replacement therapy.
The failure to adequately warn, test, and an inappropriate marketing of testosterone therapy by the manufacturers of the drugs is the basis of the lawsuits.
Benefit of a Medical Doctor, a Certified Life Care Planner, and a Pharmaceutical Attorney in litigating your case:
Greg Vigna, MD, JD is a Board Certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist and Certified Life Care Planner who understands the care the stroke and heart attack patients need acutely and into the future. He understands the real cost necessary to improve a patient’s psychosocial welfare and prevent medical complications in the future. As a bad drugs lawyer he understands what it takes to sue a pharmaceutical manufacturer and get necessary and deserved compensation to those who have suffered injuries at the hands of companies who put profits over safety.
If you have suffered a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot and have used AndroGel, Androderm, Android, Axiron, Fortesta, Striant, Testim, Testopel, or Testred and you would like to learn more about your legal rights for compensation, call the Greg Vigna, MD JD law office for a free case evaluation
Image courtesy of CDC/ Amanda Mills
