Will Testosterone Drug Lawsuits Be The Next Prempro?

While we believe in gender equality in the 21st century, we still attribute certain characteristics and behaviors to each gender.  It’s in their chemical make up.  The hormone known as estrogen lends a hand in giving women their feminine features, while men get their “manly” characteristics from testosterone.

Both men and women experience a decrease in the level of these hormones as they get older. This is a common part of aging.  But because we want to hold onto the characteristics that define us as a man, or a woman, there are a plethora of medications on the market designed to increase hormone levels. However, while these drugs may help both men and women feel younger and retain their sexual identity, these hormone therapy drugs are not without risk.

Back in 2003 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Prempro, an estrogen plus progestin hormone replacement therapy designed to help women alleviate the symptoms of menopause. However, that same year, the FDA issued a black box warning advising that Prempro may increase a patient’s risk of heart attack, stroke, or even breast cancer.  Women who took Prempro and developed breast cancer filed lawsuits against Pfizer seeking compensation for damages.

A decade later, we’re seeing a repeat in the history of hormone therapy.

Over the last 14 years, we’ve seen an influx of testosterone therapy drugs flooding the market.  More and more aging men are seeking medical attention to treat symptoms of low testosterone. (Low-T)

Men who experience Low-T may experience fatigue, moodiness, decreased bone strength, reduced muscle mass, increased body fat, hair loss, hot flashes, and reduced sexual drive and sexual function.

Prescriptions for testosterone drugs have increased five-fold over the last decade.  Millions of men are now treating for Low-T.  For years men believed these drugs were safe and effective.  They knew and understood the risks, and were willing to deal with the side effects if it meant increasing their manliness.  But now, the FDA is investigating serious testosterone side effects that were not included in the warning label.

Recent studies have demonstrated that men taking testosterone drugs may have an increased risk of suffering cardiovascular health issues, such as a heart attack or a stroke. Millions of men have been taking testosterone drugs for years unaware that they may be putting themselves at risk for suffering a testosterone heart attack.

Just like the women who developed breast cancer as a result of taking Prempro, men who took testosterone drugs and suffered a heart attack may be eligible to file a testosterone lawsuit.  If you or a loved one suffered a heart attack while treating with testosterone drugs, contact a testosterone lawyer to learn about your rights.