Testosterone therapy is used by a number of men believed to have low testosterone levels. Although low testosterone can cause fatigue, decreased libido, and muscle and bone loss, testosterone is sometimes prescribed unnecessarily – which can lead to serious side effects and medical conditions.
Testosterone therapy has been linked to a number of serious side effects, including heart attack, stroke, and even death. Moreover, evidence continues to mount highlighting the dangers of testosterone therapy. For instance, a study published in the Journal of American Medicine last fall found that that among men with heart disease and low testosterone levels, the use of testosterone therapy increased the risk of serious problems including heart attack, stroke, and death of nearly 30 percent.
Data also shows that among men under the age of 65 with a history of heart disease, the risk of heart attack nearly triples for men taking testosterone supplements and doubles for men over the age of 65 even if they have no history of heart disease.
In addition to risk of stroke and heart attack, testosterone therapy has a number of other side effects, including:
- Acne and oily skin
- Lower sperm count (which can cause infertility)
- Higher red blood cell count (which can increase risk of heart attack and stroke)
- Shrinkage of the testicles
- Larger breasts
- Worsening of urinary symptoms
- Increased male pattern baldness
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Dr. Steven Nissen, chairman of cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, has expressed concern about the dangers of testosterone replacement therapy, particularly in light of its increased use and evidence of dangerous testosterone side effects. “The widespread use of testosterone replacement in men is concerning, with no studies that show long-term safety,” he has said, stating that the study findings should serve as a “warning to slow down the rush to place large numbers of men on hormone replacement therapy.”
Get Compensation for your Testosterone Side Effects
If you suffer from testosterone side effects, you may be able to recover financial compensation. Manufacturers of unsafe pharmaceuticals, including testosterone gels and other forms of testosterone therapy, can be held accountable for their products and you may be able to recover money damages for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress caused by dangerous testosterone side effects. Moreover, doctors who negligently prescribe testosterone therapy can be found liable in a medical malpractice lawsuit.
The Chicago testosterone injury lawyers at Ankin Law are dedicated to helping the victims of dangerous testosterone side effects obtain the financial recovery that they deserve. We have considerable experience representing clients in a wide variety of medical malpractice lawsuits, product liability lawsuits, and class actions lawsuits based on unsafe pharmaceutical drugs.
Contact our office at (312) 481-6405 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation with one of our experienced unsafe drug lawyers to learn more about a possible testosterone injury lawsuit.
Chicago personal injury and workers’ compensation attorney Howard Ankin has a passion for justice and a relentless commitment to defending injured victims throughout the Chicagoland area. With decades of experience achieving justice on behalf of the people of Chicago, Howard has earned a reputation as a proven leader in and out of the courtroom. Respected by peers and clients alike, Howard’s multifaceted approach to the law and empathetic nature have secured him a spot as an influential figure in the Illinois legal system.
