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FDA Warns of Blood Clots From Testosterone Therapy

Anthony Johnson, July 10, 2014, 11:13 am, Posted in Heart Attack Risk, Tagged , ,

blood clots from testosterone therapy          The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently called for manufacturers of testosterone therapy products to include a more general warning label about the potential increased risk of blood clots from testosterone therapy. Testosterone therapy products already include warnings about venous blood clots from polycythemia, which is an increase in the production of red blood cells resulting in “thicker” blood. Now these warnings will be expanded to include a risk of blood clots from testosterone therapy unrelated to polycythemia.

Additional Risks of Testosterone Therapy
          This is in addition to warnings about a potential increased risk of heart attacks and strokes in testosterone therapy patients, stemming from an FDA investigation launched in January of 2014 in response to several recent studies on testosterone therapy risks. One study reported that men over 65 who used testosterone therapy had double the risk of a heart attack compared to men of the same age not using testosterone. Men younger than 65 with a family history of heart disease who used testosterone therapy had triple the heart attack risk, according to the same study.

          Though the release of these studies was very recent, dozens of lawsuits against testosterone therapy manufacturers have already been filed by current and former patients who claim they were unnecessarily prescribed this therapy and suffered adverse side effects as a result. Now that the increased risk of blood clots from testosterone therapy has been illuminated, more lawsuits may follow.

What is Testosterone Therapy?
          So what exactly is testosterone therapy and why is it prescribed? Testosterone therapy is the introduction of exogenous (or external) testosterone into the body to supplement what is produced naturally by the testes. There is a certain range of testosterone that medical professionals consider to be ideal or optimal, and men who fall below this range often are prescribed testosterone therapy to increase their testosterone to healthier levels.

          Causes of low testosterone in men include pituitary disorders, gonadal injury, and diet and lifestyle issues. For some men experiencing low testosterone, therapy is the only way to get their levels up to normal. For others, however, there are less drastic measures that should be explored first, especially for men who have low testosterone because of a poor diet or an unhealthy lifestyle.

The Problem with Testosterone Therapy
          The problem with testosterone therapy is that drug companies have marketed it as a cure-all for any male dilemma, from the gym to the boardroom to the bedroom. According to ads for testosterone therapy, anytime a man is not feeling as “manly” as he thinks he should, the problem is low testosterone and the answer is therapy. Doctors and pharmacists have jumped on board with this line of thinking and the number of prescriptions for testosterone therapy has risen in recent years.

          This marketing tactic has meant that many men with no legitimate underlying testosterone issue are undergoing testosterone replacement therapy, sometimes with less-than-ideal results. The risk of blood clots from testosterone therapy alone should be sufficient to convince men that this treatment should be used only when other non-medical options have failed. There are other ways for a man to improve his performance in the gym, on the playing field, and in the bedroom without putting his health at serious risk.

Contact the American Injury Attorney Group
          If you believe you have experienced blood clots from testosterone therapy, you may have grounds for legal action against the manufacturer. Contact the American Injury Attorney Group today; we can answer your questions, address your concerns, and review your case in a free, no-obligation consultation to determine whether you have a claim. If you do, we can connect you with one of our affiliated testosterone therapy attorneys. Call today.

Exercise, Obesity, and Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Anthony Johnson, July 7, 2014, 11:40 am, Posted in Heart Attack Risk, Tagged , ,

          testosterone replacement therapyRecent studies presented at a meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) demonstrate that exercise can greatly improve the effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), even causing gains after the therapy has ended. One of the three studies demonstrated a correlation between obesity and a higher failure rate for testosterone replacement therapy. Another study warned that men undergoing TRT in their 30’s and 40’s may be at risk of infertility as a result.

          The good news is that men can greatly improve the chances of success with their TRT by committing to a regular exercise regimen during their treatment. A South Korean college, Inje University, conducted a study of 50 patients with late-onset hypogonadism (low testosterone). Two groups were formed. One group received 12 weeks of treatment with 8 weeks of follow up including 90 minute exercise programs three days a week. Both groups showed improved levels of testosterone, but the group with the exercise program had significantly higher levels. 

          Dr. Ajay Nangia, a professor of urology at the University of Kansas, said that “There is still so much to learn about testosterone therapy. There are still some legitimate concerns about testosterone therapy, but until we get more studies done, we don’t really know everything we need to know about it.”

          This sentiment is important in an environment where low testosterone (Low T) has become such a widely known affliction. Testosterone replacement therapy and other Low T solutions are marketed heavily in commercials towards the general public. The problem is that testosterone replacement therapy prescriptions have increased dramatically in recent years even though it is not entirely understood. Consequently, it has become the subject of numerous lawsuits.

Hazards Of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
          Any treatment that is going to interact with the body has the potential to cause harmful side effects and TRT is no exception. One dramatic side effect is gynecomastia, the development of breasts in men. The relation to this side effect is in the body’s natural conversion of testosterone to estrogen. An unchecked, overabundance of estrogen because of increased testosterone levels fuels the growth. The same is true for shrinking testicles. The body sees that it has plenty of testosterone and slows down production. Both side effects can be treated with relative ease nowadays so long as levels are monitored and accounted for. However, that was not the case for many patients when testosterone replacement therapy was first being implemented.

          A great hazard of testosterone replacement therapy is in the harm it can do to women and children who come into contact with the point of treatment. TRT can cause increased levels of testosterone in either which can have unpleasant side effects like gynecomastia in boys, virilization in children, and bone aging. Women can experience a wide range of side effects ranging from mild to severe. 

Legal Ramifications for Harm Caused by TRT
          Requesting a free, no-obligation consultation with the American Injury Attorney Group is a wise first step in pursuing damages if you or your loved one were injured and believe testosterone replacement therapy was the cause. We can answer your questions, address your concerns, and analyze your claim. If you are eligible, we can connect you with an affiliated testosterone replacement therapy attorney for representation. Contact American Injury Attorney Group today.

Testosterone Treatment Debate: Is It a Fountain of Youth?

Anthony Johnson, June 20, 2014, 10:57 am, Posted in News, Tagged , ,

testosterone treatment debateA discussion about testosterone treatment at the annual American Urological Association meeting in Orlando, Florida this year turned into a testosterone treatment debate. There were two speakers that primarily locked horns. Dr. Adriane Fuhr-Berman, an associate professor of pharmacology at Georgetown University, is of the opinion that low testosterone treatments are being distributed with little regard for the potential consequences. Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, an associate clinical professor of urology at Harvard Medical School, expressed opposing view points and took the stance of attacking Dr. Fuhr-Berman’s credibility.

The Stance Against Low T Treatments

Fuhr-Berman’s con side of the testosterone treatment debate pointed to reprehensible advertising practices and the many parallels between Low T treatments and estrogen treatments. The doctor insisted that advertisers are employing deceiving marketing tactics to make testosterone treatment seem like a “Fountain of Youth.” By listing symptoms of Low T that are also simply part of the natural aging process for men, manufacturers are making a natural occurrence seem like an unnatural affliction, further polarizing the testosterone treatment debate.

Dr. Fuhr-Berman compared the testosterone treatment debate to a similar one that estrogen treatment faced in the past. Estrogen treatment was extremely popular for decades, right up until the 1970’s when studies linked it to endometrial cancer. The treatment regained popularity after that until it was revealed in 2000 by the Women’s Health Initiative that estrogen treatments were linked to breast cancer and heart problems. There were 15 million users at the time. Fuhr-Berman insists that there simply isn’t enough information about Low T treatments to mass market it the way it is being presented, asserting that there is little to no benefit.

The Stance For Low T Treatments

Dr. Abraham Morgentaler was on the opposite side of the testosterone treatment debate. The unfortunate part of Morgentaler’s presentation was his approach in attacking Fuhr-Berman’s credibility instead of facts. He was quick to point out that Fuhr-Berman had no personal experience in prescribing Low T treatments. It was a point he contrasted by asking the doctors in the room who had prescribed it to raise a hand, resulting in a near unanimous show of hands. He went on to suggest that their personal experience in using Low T treatments should trump Fuhr-Berman’s thoughts.

Dr. Morgentaler may be completely right in the testosterone treatment debate, but he did not touch on the marketing angle at all, even though victims of estrogen treatments had been through nearly identical circumstances due to concerted marketing efforts and collusion. It could be decades before enough evidence is gathered to draw a concrete conclusion on the ramifications of Low T treatments for patients.

Find Out More About the Testosterone Treatment Debate

There is already evidence in the testosterone treatment debate of the harm that Low T treatments can do to patients, such as an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Contact the American Injury Attorney Group today if you believe you or a loved one have been harmed by a Low T treatment. We can provide a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss whether or not you have a claim. If so, the American Injury Attorney Group can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.

FDA Approves First Ever Nasal Testosterone Treatment

Anthony Johnson, June 13, 2014, 10:41 am, Posted in News, Tagged , ,

          nasal testosterone treatmentTestosterone treatments are a means of supplementing low testosterone (Low T) levels. Men suffer from Low T for a number of reasons ranging from age to various medical afflictions. The common methods of dosing all have their cons. A doctor can give injections once or twice a week, but that is very inconvenient for the patient. Patches, gels, and solutions are all better choices for convenience’s sake, but contact with the product or treated area by women and children can have adverse affects on their hormone levels. That is why the approval of Natesto, the first nasal testosterone treatment, is significant for patients with Low T levels. Natesto has been approved to treat the absence of or reduced levels of endogenous testosterone.

The Benefits Of Natesto

          The obvious benefit of Natesto is the delivery system. The nasal testosterone treatment uses a metered-dose pump mechanism to deliver the dosage. The delivery minimizes the chance for women and children to suffer from elevated testosterone levels due to contact with the patient. It is also far more convenient for the patient than needing to visit their doctor for regular, painful injections. The intranasal gel still works through absorption but is taken in through the nasal lining.

The Potential Cons Of Nasal Testosterone Treatment

          At present, there is really only one notable downside to using a nasal testosterone treatment, not including its possible side effects. The actuator of the sprayer is designed to dose 5.5 mg of the gel. The recommend dose is 11mg, or a shot up each nostril. The recommended daily dose is 33mg. It is unclear how well men will be able to keep up with dosing themselves three times a day or what the exact effects will be if the patient has a runny nose from sickness or seasonal allergies.

          On the theoretical side of things, there are other concerns. One doctor wondered if nasal testosterone treatment dosing may result in increased testosterone levels in the brain. A 2009 study showed that mice that received nasal testosterone treatments had twice the level of brain testosterone as the control group. Whether or not this will apply to humans is unknown.

          The biggest concern with nasal testosterone treatment is its newness. Nasal testosterone treatment has been subject to trials to help determine safety, but we often see other problems develop once a treatment is available to the general population. There are an estimated 13 million Americans with Low T that could benefit from treatment. That is a lot of incentive for companies like Trimel Pharmaceuticals Corporation to develop new, more convenient methods of dosing.

          Long-term heavyweights like AndroGel resulted in many lawsuits due to under-reported chances of serious side effects like heart attacks or strokes. Some patients suffered from serious complications if they also had heart, kidney, or lung disease. AbbVie Inc, the maker of AndroGel, was accused of downplaying the severity of these risks. It is not unreasonable to think Natesto consumers might fear the same risks.

Seeking Legal Counsel For Low T Treatment Complications

          If you or a loved one has experienced complications believed to be related to Low T treatments, contact the American Injury Attorney Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can inform you of your legal rights and, if you have a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can fight for those rights and help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.

The Controversy Surrounding Low Testosterone

Anthony Johnson, June 4, 2014, 11:31 am, Posted in News, Tagged , ,

          low testosteroneIt is natural for a man’s level of testosterone to decline as he grows older, but, in some cases, low testosterone can cause symptoms such as reduced energy, depression, emotional problems, and endurance and strength levels. Some men may experience erectile dysfunction, a decreased sex drive, or may notice an increase in breast size and tenderness.

          Fortunately, there are effective remedies to increase testosterone levels. The treatments come in several different forms, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Injections, gels, patches, pills, and creams all may help to raise testosterone levels in men and help them to maintain this increased level. However, while many men worldwide have experienced success and reported increased testosterone after using one or more of these products, others have allegedly suffered from adverse side-effects and complications, including heart attacks, strokes, and death.

          If you or someone you love has experienced complications while using a testosterone treatment therapy product, contact the American Injury Attorney Group to learn more about your rights. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your injury or the death of your loved one, you may be entitled to pursue a claim against the manufacturer and to hold it accountable for your injuries and/or losses.

What are Common Low Testosterone Treatments?

          Also known as “Low-T,” testosterone therapies have been called “wonder drugs” for middle-aged men concerned about a decline in their energy levels and sexual health. According to statistics, more than 5 million people throughout the U.S. are currently taking some form of testosterone to battle the signs and symptoms of Low-T, and prescriptions for testosterone treatments in the U.S. have increased dramatically over the past several years, with sales of more than $1.6 billion.

          A urologist at the University of Colorado Hospital stated that he believes testosterone treatments are over-prescribed in part because people are bombarded by commercials and television ads for the products. For instance, symptoms such as depression, loss of sex drive, or feeling weak or fatigued may very well indicate low levels of testosterone, but they are also common signs that the man is simply aging. 

Is There Controversy Surrounding Low Testosterone?

          Low-T is controversial within the medical community because some physicians believe that it is an made-up condition. According to some, the symptoms of Low-T are actually just the symptoms of the natural aging process that occur as the body grows older and do not necessarily need to be treated. These same physicians believe testosterone therapies should only be prescribed to men with severely low testosterone levels and should only be administered under constant supervision of a physician.

Are There Currently Testosterone Treatment Lawsuits?

          A Fort Collins man is planning to pursue a claim against the manufacturers of a popular testosterone treatment therapy after he allegedly suffered a heart attack while taking AndroGel for low testosterone. Similar lawsuits have been filed in Louisiana and Illinois against the makers of testosterone products, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it is investigating the efficacy and safety of these treatments.

          According to the most recent testosterone lawsuit, the plaintiff began to take AndroGel after a blood test confirmed that he was suffering from low testosterone levels. Two years later, the man allegedly suffered a heart attack but continued to take the medication until he saw an ad for a law firm warning of the possible risks and side-effects of testosterone therapies.

          The plaintiff and others pursuing claims across the U.S. allege that the manufacturers failed to warn the public and medical communities of the potential dangers of their testosterone therapy treatments in order to protect their highly-lucrative products. While many are seeking compensation for their injuries, others claim that it is more important to have the products removed from circulation.

Contact the American Injury Attorney Group Today

          If you or someone you love suffered a heart attack, stroke, or passed away, and you believe that the injury or death was caused by a testosterone therapy treatment, please contact the American Injury Attorney Group today to learn more about your legal rights. We can answer your questions and connect you with an affiliated attorney who can work to help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.