Information About AndroGel
New research has linked the testosterone medication AndroGel with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in patients. According to one recent study, men over the age of 65 and middle-aged men with a history of heart disease were much more likely to experience a heart attack after taking AndroGel or similar medications. Injuries from taking AndroGel include blood clots, hypertension, stroke, heart attack, and death.
In the wake of these findings, personal-injury attorneys are helping those affected file lawsuits against AbbVie, Inc., a subsidiary of Abbott Labs and the maker of AndroGel. These lawsuits argue that the manufacturer knew and did not warn patients about the potential health risks associated with AndroGel. Complaints from an early lawsuit against the makers of AndroGel allege that the manufacturer “deceived potential users by relaying positive information through the press … while downplaying known adverse and serious health risks.”
Solvay Pharmaceuticals, based in Brussels, Belgium, developed the product, which won Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2011. Since then, AndroGel has become one of the most frequently prescribed medications for treating low testosterone levels, or “low T.” Doctors prescribe it largely to men whose bodies do not naturally produce enough of the male hormone. The medication is synthetic testosterone mixed into an alcohol-based gel. Patients apply the gel to their upper arms, shoulders, or abdomen, depending on the concentration of the mixture.
In addition to the serious cardiovascular problems linked to AndroGel, researchers have identified other side effects as well, including:
- Prostate enlargement and prostate cancer
- Blood clots due to enlarged red blood cells
- Decreased sperm count
- Swelling from water and fluid retention (edema)
- Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men)
- Onset or worsening of sleep apnea
- High cholesterol
Many doctors have had their patients discontinue using AndroGel after they experienced these symptoms or because of the more serious concerns of heart attack and stroke.
If you or someone you love has suffered a heart attack or stroke after using prescription AndroGel, you may have legal options. To find out more about how you can benefit from joining a mass tort class action, contact Colorado Roberts Law today.