Each year a growing number of American men are visiting their doctor concerned about signs and symptoms like loss of muscle mass, depleted sex drive and erections problems. For 4 out of 10 men over the age of 45, the reason behind these symptoms is a condition called hypogonadism, a decrease in testosterone levels. While there are many treatment options available in the market, not all treatment options are created equal. In fact, over the past few years, concern have escalated about the safety of one treatment option: Androgel. Studies have linked heart disease and other serious conditions to the use of this this topical testosterone gel. If you or a loved one has used or is currently using Androgel, contact an experienced Arkansas pharmaceutical litigation attorney after reading this article.
Can Androgel or Topical Testosterone Gel Cause Harmful Side Effects?
In both its 1% and 1.62% concentrations, Androgel is a federally classified as a Schedule III controlled substance. As a controlled substance it is available by prescription only. Furthermore, due to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Androgel, AbbVie , is required to list potential dangers and complications that can arise through the use of this drug including:
- Worsening in prostate enlargement symptoms, including effects on urination.
- Possible increased risk of prostate cancer.
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs and associated symptoms, like leg pain, swelling, or redness, and difficulty breathing or chest pain.
- Possible increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
- In large doses, a lowering in sperm count.
- Sleep apnea
- Swelling of ankles, feet, or body, with associated problems for people already suffering from heart, kidney, or liver disease.
The above are serious side-effect. Those experiencing effects of this type should immediately seek medical attention from a trained medical professional. Other less severe, more frequent side effects also include increased prostate specific antigen, mood swings, hypertension, increased red blood cell count, and skin irritation.
What is the Link Between Androgel and Increased Risk of Heart Disease?
According to the Food and Drug Administration, some studies have found an association between the risk of heart disease and the use of Androgel. This assessment was included in a safety announcement published in January 2014. This safety announcement cited two separate studies suggesting this connection, and urged health care professionals and patients to report any side effects to their MedWatch programs.
One of these studies was first published in a 2013 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Through an observational study of men with an average age of 60 in the U.S. Veteran Affairs health system, they concluded that the use of Androgel led to a 30% increase in the risk of stroke, heart attack, and even death. Furthermore, as early as 2010, another study published in the New England Journal Of Medicine had found that men who took a testosterone supplement were 10 times more likely to suffer heart attacks in comparison to a control group. Respiratory and dermatological events were also more frequent among the group that was provided Androgel. In fact the side-effects of the drug were so striking and troubling that the study was shut down when these effects came to light.
Personal Injuries Caused by Androgel Can Entitle You to Damages
As cases of personal injury and life-altering diseases caused by Androgel continue to pop up all across the US, the likelihood of a class-action lawsuit against its manufacturers grows. Individual actions filed across the nation allege that Androgel caused the victim to experience serious side-effects. In some cases the side effects and medical complications were so severe that the victim suffered life-altering injuries or suffered a wrongful death.
Of course, all cases are very different, but a number of variables can help determine whether you or a loved one can be eligible for a cash settlement. Factors that can determine the level of compensation the injury victim is entitled to includes the severity of the injuries from testosterone use, pain and mental anguish experienced, medical expenses generated by the disease or injury, and lost wages.
Medical Complications Due to Androgel? An Arkansas Lawyer Can Provide Aggressive Legal Representation
No matter what condition or injury you suffered because of exposure to Androgel, you should seek legal advice in order to determine the likelihood of holding the drug manufacturer accountable for your serious injuries. Before you make any decisions, call Fayetteville AR personal injury lawyer Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law today at (479) 316-0438 or contact our firm online. A Fayetteville defective medical devices attorney can fight aggressively and strategically on your behalf.