The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it will be reviewing the safety of testosterone therapy after reading results from two recent studies showing it could increase the risk for heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
“FDA is investigating the risk of stroke, heart attack and death in men taking FDA-approved testosterone products,” the agency said in a statement last week.
The agency said it is basing its decision to review the safety of testosterone therapy on results from two separate studies. One of the studies, which was published in the journal PloS One, showed that men over the age 65 and those younger than 65 who have a history of heart diseases have double the risk of cardiovascular problems when they use testosterone treatments.
According to researcher William Finkle, CEO of Consolidated Research, men in both categories experienced twice the risk for heart attack after just 90 days of using testosterone therapy.
The FDA said men who are currently using treatment should not discontinue use without talking to their doctors, but that doctors should evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the potential risks. As of now, the FDA said it has not concluded whether there is an actual increase in the risk for heart attack, stroke and death.
Testosterone therapy is given to men who experience low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, change in mood and concentration/memory problems. It comes as a gel, skin patch, mouth patch or injection.
A number of drug manufacturing companies make testosterone therapy. Brand names include AndoGel 1%, Testim 1%, Androderm, Android 10, Android 25, Axiron, Delatestryl, Depo-Testosterone, Fortesta, Striant, Testopel, Testosterone Cypionate, Testosterone Enanthate and Testred.
If you or someone you love suffered a heart attack, stroke or other heart problem and you have a history of using testosterone therapy, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the makers of the treatment. Failing to provide proper testing and to inform consumers about the risks associated with products are grounds for filing lawsuits against drug makers.
To learn more or to speak with an experienced defective drug lawyer about a possible lawsuit, please contact Flood Law Group today. We are investigating claims involving testosterone therapy and would like to help you.
