What You Don’t Know About Testosterone Therapy May Kill You
When you receive a prescription to improve your lifestyle, such as testosterone gel, you hope for results and expect to maintain good overall health. But far too often, men determined to have “Low T” suffer from dangerous side effects after using testosterone gel or cream. These side effects, including heart attack and stroke, can be life threatening. If you or a loved one has suffered a heart attack by testosterone therapy without proper warning, you are not alone. Read on to discover more about this growing issue.
Background on testosterone therapy
Testosterone is the male hormone that controls sex drive and maintains characteristics like muscle mass and energy levels. As a man ages, his testosterone levels will begin to decrease. In many cases, it is understood that this is a natural process and no treatment is necessary. Other times, a doctor will determine a patient’s body is not naturally making a sufficient amount of testosterone. These patients are often diagnosed with hypogonadism and prescribed a cream or gel to stimulate testosterone production. Such products are applied directly to the patient’s skin.
What products are involved?
When a patient seeks treatment for Low T, he may be prescribed a topical testosterone cream or gel such as:
- Androgel
- Fortesta
- Testim
- Axiron
What you need to know:
In recent years, drug makers have encouraged men who do not have a serious testosterone deficiency to seek treatment for Low T. Many men mistake the natural changes from aging as a deficiency and ask their doctors to prescribe a testosterone gel or cream, such as the ones listed above.
If no real deficiency exists, the risks of testosterone therapy can greatly outweigh the rewards.
A recent study found a two-fold increase in the risk of heart attack in men 65 or older within 90 days of beginning testosterone therapy. Younger men with a history of heart disease had a two- to three-fold increased risk of having a heart attack in the same time period. Concern continues to mount and many patients are realizing that they were not properly warned of these risks. Less serious side effects include:
- High blood pressure
- Enlarged prostate
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Urinary problems
- Increased serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels
Patients’ loved ones are also at risk. A second growing problem is the skin-to-skin transfer of testosterone creams and gels. In some cases, women and children have suffered harm.
Get The Support You Need
Have you (or a loved one) suffered a heart attack or serious injury after using a testosterone product? The experienced lawyers at Ward Black Law in Greensboro, N.C., are reviewing injury lawsuits for those who have suffered consequences after using testosterone products. Families of men who have died are also seeking compensation.
Let us answer questions and conduct a free case review. Our attorneys can focus on your case while you focus on recovery. Call Ward Black Law today at 336-333-2244, or toll-free at 336-502-6208. You may also reach Ward Black Law by email or online inquiry.
