Product Liability Lawyer Blog
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is commonly prescribed to men whose bodies are not producing enough testosterone on their own. The testicles produce the testosterone hormone, which is responsible for maintaining muscle bulk, for bone growth, for maintaining red blood cells, and for proper sexual function. In cases where a man suffers from low testosterone (Low-T), symptoms can include erectile dysfunction, among other health issues. These undesirable symptoms have caused many men to eagerly embrace TRT as a solution. 
Unfortunately, testosterone replacement therapy may do more harm than good. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is now reconsidering whether testosterone replacement therapy is actually safe for use amidst a growing number of concerning studies showing problems and dangerous side effects, including a risk of heart problems and strokes. Five men have already sued Abbott Laboratories, alleging that the company should be held liable for the side effects of its low-T treatment. Many more men could also take action if it turns out that the studies are right and that they’ve been using a high-risk medical therapy without adequate warning.
If you or a loved one underwent low-T treatment and are concerned about the dangers or about side effects and symptoms you are facing, a dangerous drug attorney may be able to help you to take action.
Are You at Risk for Complications from Low-T Treatment?
There are many different manufacturers of testosterone replacement therapy and if you used any of the products that they produce, you could be at risk. These products include:
- AndroGel: A spray gel first introduced by AbbVie in 2000 and heavily marketed in consumer advertising. The gel is applied by spraying it on the upper arms or shoulder.
- AndroDerm: A testosterone patch that Actavis brought onto the market in 1995. The patch is worn on your skin.
- Axiron: A gel applied under the arms like deodorant and first brought to the market by Eli Lilly in 2010.
- Bio-T Gel: A rarely-used gel first brought to the market in February of 2012.
- Delayestryl: An injectable low-T treatment first brought to the market in 2008 by Endo Pharmaceuticals
- Depo-Testosterone: Another injectable treatment method first brought to the market in 2006 by Pfizer.
- Forestra: A spray gel brought to the market in December of 2010 by Endo Pharmaceuticals. The gel is applied to the thigh on a daily basis.
- Testim: A gel first brought to the market by Auxillium in 2002. This product, which is applied daily to the shoulders, is very widely used
- Testopel: A pellet first introduced in 1972 and that Auxillium sells. The pellet is placed underneath the skin, where it releases testosterone for three to six months.
- Striant: A low-T treatment sold by Auxilium that is placed in the mouth twice daily and that adheres to the gums.
Studies identifying a potential link between low-T treatments and heart problems could mean that all of these products were dangerous to users and that men who were prescribed any of these low-T treatments may have a damage claim.
Call Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for a free and confidential appointment — (617) 777-7777.
More Blog Entries:
Testosterone Therapy’s Heart Risks Under Scrutiny, Boston Product Liability Lawyer Blog, March 20, 2014.