Thousands of cases are pending against manufacturers of testosterone replacement therapy drugs, including GlaxoSmithKline and Auxilium. Lawsuits allege that manufacturers failed to warn the public and physicians of potentially life-threatening side effects, such as heart attacks and strokes, and that the drugs were marketed aggressively to target younger patients, for whom the drugs have little to no benefit. What are the Risks?
Dangerous side effects associated with testosterone replacement therapies, such as Androgel, Axiron, Testim, and Fortesta, include:
- heart attack;
- stroke;
- deep vein thrombosis;
- pulmonary embolism; and
- blood clots.
If you have suffered one of the above medical complications—or any other health problem—after taking a testosterone replacement therapy drug, a Boston drug injury lawyer can help you determine how to proceed.
Testosterone Replacement Drug Settlements
Multiple bellwether cases have been decided in the plaintiffs’ favor, prompting drug manufacturers to reach settlements on existing claims. Earlier this year, for example, Eli Lilly & Co. settled federal lawsuits that had been consolidated as part of an MDL in Chicago. The lawsuits alleged medical complications caused by Axiron, the company’s testosterone replacement drug. And earlier this year, Auxilium Pharmaceuticals reached a settlement with a man who claims to have suffered a stroke caused by its testosterone drug, Testim. There are currently 17 other cases pending against Auxilium in the same Philadelphia court.
AbbVie, another pharmaceutical company is facing approximately 4,500 lawsuits for its testosterone drug AndroGel. To date, AbbVie has already been involved in three trials, with two of the three resulting in verdicts of $290 million (combined), and the third having been decided in the pharmaceutical company’s favor.
Off-Label Use
Lawsuits allege that manufacturers misrepresented the risks associated with these drugs, and marketed them for off-label uses. The manufacturers of Testim, for example, are facing upwards of 1,300 lawsuits. Although the FDA approved Testim in 2002, it was only approved for use by patients with low or no testosterone. Even so, Testim has been marketed for everything from mild depression and low libido to fatigue and weight gain. A MA drug injury lawyer can help you recover damages if you’ve been injured due to another’s negligence.
Despite all of these injuries and lawsuits, use of testosterone replacement drugs has skyrocketed, increasing more than five times between 2000 and 2011. In 2012, these drugs generated nearly $2 billion in sales.
The Risks are Real
In 2013, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a study highlighting the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even death. In fact, researchers discovered that the rate of heart problems among men using testosterone drugs was more than 25 percent, compared to 19.9% among men who did not. Further, of 1,223 patients taking testosterone, researchers found that 67 had died within 18 months, 23 had suffered heart attacks, and 33 had suffered strokes.
Altman & Altman, LLP—Drug Injury Lawyers Serving Boston and the Surrounding Areas
If you have been injured due to another’s negligence, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of accident and injury victims for more than 50 years. When a pharmaceutical company puts profits before the health and safety of the public, it should be held accountable for its actions. If you have been harmed, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other associated costs. Our experienced, knowledgeable attorneys will thoroughly review the details of your case to determine the most appropriate legal strategy, and we will ensure that you fully understand your rights and options before moving forward. Don’t go through this difficult time alone, we can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.