AndroGel Heart Problems Pose Serious Concerns for Doctors over Testosterone Therapy

Austin Kirk

By Austin Kirk
Posted February 10, 2014

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As prescriptions for AndroGel and other testosterone treatments have risen sharply in recent years, a growing number of doctors are expression serious concerns about the risk of heart problems, including recent findings that men may face a higher risk of death, strokes and heart attacks from testosterone side effects.

The Endocrine Society, which is an organization devoted to research on hormones and the clinical practice of endocrinology, issued a statement (PDF) last week, warning doctors about the risk of heart problems from Androgel and other testosterone treatments.

The Society stresses that doctors should warn patients about the potential heart risks of testosterone therapy and carefully monitor patients to optimize the dose and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Drug makers are also being called on to conduct large-scale, prospective, randomized studies to evaluate the risks and benefits of testosterone therapy, espcially among older men with age-related low tesosterone.

“Until evidence from large randomized trials becomes available, the Endocrine Society believes that patients should be made aware of the potential risk of cardiovascular events in middle-aged and older men who are taking or considering testosterone therapy for age-related decline in testosterone levels and symptoms,” wrote the Society in a statement issued February 7. “Physicians and patients should have a conversation about the risks and benefits of using testosterone, especially in patients who have pre-existing heart disease.”

AndroGel Heart Injury Lawyers

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Similar concerns were expressed in an editorial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in late 2013, in which doctors indicated that there have been insufficient long-term studies about the side effects of AndroGel and other testosterone treatments.

While the manufacturers have conducted studies that show the short-term benefits, those trial shave largely been small and did not look at the long-term consequences of testosterone use.

Despite the lack of information about the risk of AndroGel heart problems, sales of the popular testosterone gel treatment have risen dramatically in recent years. In recent years, sales of AndroGel have reached $1.37 billion per year, and were predicted to continue to rise.

According to the JAMA editorial, 2.9% of men in the United States over the age of 40 are now being given testosterone treatments, based upon representations by the manufacturers that the drugs are safe, despite no solid proof.

“The clinical question about which men should receive testosterone therapy is controversial, with data from short-term clinical trials suggesting benefits for improving sexual function, strength, and well-being,” the editorial states. “What is missing from the literature are data from randomized trials that include a sufficient number of men for an adequate amount of time to assess the long-term benefits and risks of testosterone therapy.”

The lack of data obtained by the makers of AndroGel have not led to any hesitation in aggressively promoting the drugs, inventing phrases like “Low T” and suggesting that testosterone replacement is necessary to “restore” levels of sex drive and activity that were never intended to be maintained throughout the entirety of life.

“In light of the high volume of prescriptions and aggressive marketing by testosterone manufacturers, prescribers and patients should be wary,” the editorial warns. “There is mounting evidence of a signal of cardiovascular risk…This signal warrants both cautious testosterone prescribing and additional investigation.”

AndroGel Lawyers for Heart Attacks, Strokes, Death

The AndroGel injury lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential product liability lawsuits for users of testosterone gels, creams, patches, injection, pills and other forms of replacement therapy, who have suffered a:

  • Heart Attack
  • Stroke
  • Death

Financial compensation may be available for Testosterone heart problems as a result of the manufacturers’ failure to adequately research the potential side effects and properly warn consumers and the medical community.

To review a potential case for yourself, a friend or family member, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

1 Comment • Add Your Comments

  • david says:

    possible heart attact from over prescribed androgel. heart rate and blood pressure plummeted after a 33% increase in dosage.this is all taking place right now. am seeking medical help

    Posted on February 26, 2014 at 7:35 am

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