ClassAction.org is reporting that lawsuits allege that nearly a quarter of men who were prescribed AndroGel or other testosterone replacement therapies did not have their testosterone levels checked prior to being prescribed the products. Additionally, these lawsuits allege that at least a third of men who were prescribed testosterone products did not show any evidence of a medical condition related to low testosterone, despite the FDA only approving these treatments for men with conditions that interfere with the ability to produce testosterone. The plaintiffs allege that, as a result, millions of men who should not have been prescribed testosterone therapies may be at risk for serious side effects including heart attacks, strokes and even death.
In 1999, Abbott Laboratories estimated that “one million American men” suffered from a medical condition known as hypogonadism, which interferes with testosterone production; however, the drug company increased that number to “up to 20 million men” by 2003, after AndroGel had been approved by the FDA for just three years. As a result, AndroGel and prescription testosterone sales have grown exponentially and the plaintiffs allege that Abbott created a “previously nonexistent market” for its testosterone therapy.
As alleged in the testosterone gel lawsuits, Abbott also promoted AndroGel for symptoms that are natural signs of aging on its website IsItLowT.com. On this website, men can take a short quiz to determine whether they may be suffering from low levels of testosterone by answering questions such as “are you falling asleep after dinner?” and “do you have a lack of energy?” The lawsuits allege that this quiz promotes AndroGel for symptoms including fatigue, listlessness, increased body fat and moodiness, all of which may cause men who are not suffering from low levels of testosterone to seek a doctor’s prescription for the treatment.
These plaintiffs allege Abbott’s massive advertising campaign for AndroGel was designed to convince men that they suffer from low levels of testosterone, and as a result, millions of men who should not have been prescribed these products were put at risk for serious cardiovascular events. According to recent studies, prescription testosterone may significantly increase a man’s risk for heart attack, stroke and even death. While a study from November 2013 suggested that men using prescription testosterone were at a 30 percent increased risk of having a heart attack or an ischemic stroke, a different study found that certain men may be two to three times more likely to suffer a heart attack following prescription testosterone use. Specifically, researchers concluded that middle-aged men with a history of heart disease and men ages 65 and older were at an increased risk for suffering a serious cardiovascular event.
If you or a loved one suffered from a heart attack or stroke after using AndroGel or another prescription testosterone therapy, you may be able to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries. For more information on your potential legal rights, visit http://www.classaction.org/testosterone-therapy today and fill out our free case review form.
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