Product Liability Lawyer Blog
As aging men continue to seek the benefits of testosterone therapy, a growing number of studies are revealing inherent risks. In a recent study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, testosterone therapy was shown to increase the risk of brain damage in Caucasian men. The study analyzed the influence of oxidative stress on what are normally the protective benefits of testosterone.
Despite the potential benefits of testosterone therapy, men should be aware of the risks. In the event of a medical emergency or injury related to testosterone therapy, men should consult with an experienced advocate regarding dangerous pharmaceuticals. Our Boston medical malpractice attorneys are experience in representing victims and their loved ones who have been harmed by testosterone therapy and other pharmaceuticals. We will take a comprehensive approach to uncover the facts, identify responsible individuals and entities, and pursue compensation and justice on your behalf.
Under normal circumstances, testosterone therapy can help protect the brain against dementia and Alzheimer’s, including free radicals. These free radicals have the potential to damage brain cells, which can impact memory and brain function. According to research, men who already suffer from oxidative stress (testosterone excess) are at significant risk when taking testosterone therapy which can make the condition worse.
Research history shows that low testosterone can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. Additionally, older men with low levels of “unbound” testosterone, or free testosterone floating in the bloodstream, also had a higher risk of Alzheimer’s. Studies show that for every 50% increase in testosterone, there was a 26% increase in developing dementia or Alzheimer’s. Based on this evidence, medical researchers know that free floating testosterone in the bloodstream can increase risk of Alzheimer’s. A study at the University of North Texas looked at how testosterone products can increase the risk of brain damage and dementia. According to the report, Caucasian men who had testosterone therapy were 20 to 30% more likely to suffer from damage to brain cells.
Previous studies show that the testosterone therapy has been linked to cardiovascular risk. In January, the FDA released a public statement announcing that the agency is investigating testosterone replacement therapy and the increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and fatalities. This warning was issued after weighing the results of two studies that demonstrated the negative health events associated with testosterone therapies. Since the publication of one study in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2013 and another in PLOS One in January this year, regulators as well as medical health professionals are looking to raise awareness about the potential dangers of testosterone therapy.
According to these studies, men who were older than 65 were twice as likely to have a heart attack in the first 90 days after starting treatment. Those who were under 65, but with prior history, were nearly three times as likely to suffer a heart attack. These are staggering numbers that should put both patients and doctors on guard. Victims of health problems, including heart attack have continued to wage lawsuits against manufacturers that failed to provide warnings about the potential risks. In other cases, manufacturers promoted the dangerous therapies to men who were not in need of testosterone replacement.
If you are the victim of Massachusetts product liability, call Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for a free and confidential appointment — (617) 777-7777.
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