A lawsuit was filed several months ago on behalf of a sixty-two-year-old after he suffered a stroke and heart attack from taking the dangerous testosterone drug, Testim. The Maryland resident used Testim from August 2012 to July 2013. He suffered a stroke in April 2013, and then a heart attack in July 2013. The lawsuit alleges both cardiac events are directly related to his use of Testim, and that had he known of the potential risks associated with Testim, he would not have taken the drug. The victim contends Auxilium, the manufacturer of Testim, engaged in an overly-aggressive advertising campaign to convince men that their normal symptoms of aging were due to low levels of testosterone, or “Low-T.” What the advertisements failed to disclose was that Testim could also lead to adverse cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke and blood clots, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and even death. In fact, the drug should be used in few, very specific circumstances.
The FDA’s Stance on Testim
Since the FDA announced an investigation into the safety and effectiveness of Testim and all other testosterone supplements currently on the market, the number of lawsuits has increased. The FDA launched the investigation after reviewing two studies on testosterone supplements. The first study was published in late 2013 in JAMA, and concluded that older men with risks for heart disease were at least 30 percent more likely to have a heart attack, stroke or even die, from taking testosterone supplements such as Testim. The second study found that the increased risk of an adverse cardiovascular event was just as likely to occur in younger men with a predisposition to heart disease. The study showed that the heart attack risk for men who were older than 65 doubled in the first 90 days of taking Testim or a similar testosterone drug.
The FDA issued a statement in March 2015, which noted prescription testosterone supplements, like Testim, are approved only for men with a diagnosed decrease in testosterone due to a specific medical condition. This is opposed to lower levels of testosterone due to the normal effects of aging. Advertisements implied that any man who experiences muscle mass reduction, a decrease in bone density, low libido, decreased energy, fatigue, an increase in belly fat, or erectile dysfunction was experiencing “Low-T,” and should supplement. In fact, men’s testosterone levels peak at age 18. From this point, testosterone levels stay relatively stable until the early thirties. At this point, testosterone levels decrease from 1-3 percent every year – a normal sign of aging.
Testosterone Prescriptions Increase Dramatically
Over five million prescriptions for testosterone supplements were issued in 2013. While Testim is not the number one selling testosterone supplement (that honor goes to AndroGel), the drug does make millions annually for Auxilium. Testim comes in a transdermal patch or a gel which is applied to the arms and shoulders. Secondary exposure to Testim can also cause serious side effects in women or children who are exposed to a man using the supplement.
Contact Our Experienced Product Liability Lawyers
If you have suffered serious injury after taking Testim, it could be beneficial to speak to a knowledgeable product liability attorney at Golomb Legalwho can review the facts of your case and determine whether you have a valid claim against Auxilium. Drug companies who routinely put profits before people should pay for their negligence—and their unscrupulous behavior. To learn more about your legal options or to schedule a free consultation call the Philadelphia product liability lawyers at Golomb Legaltoday at (800) 355-3300 or (215) 985-9177.