Testosterone therapy has gained a lot of attention from healthcare professionals, FDA investigators, and media over the past several months. Recent studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and Public Library of Science found men on testosterone replacement therapy demonstrated a 30% increased risk for cardiac events including heart attack and stroke.
For several years, drug makers have aggressively marketed prescription testosterone products to men suggesting that symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and low libido may indicate a condition called “Low T” or low testosterone. Other information gathered during the study indicates that up to 25% of men did not have their testosterone level tested prior to being prescribed the drug.
Men who have suffered heart attacks, strokes, and pulmonary embolisms have filed testosterone lawsuits against manufacturers of drugs like AndroGel, Axiron, and Androderm.
On February 27, 2014, plaintiffs in 5 testosterone lawsuits pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois moved to coordinate their actions for purposes of discovery before the Honorable John W. Darrah. The plaintiffs in each case have brought claims against Abbvie Inc. and Abbott Laboratories, Inc., the maker of the prescription testosterone drug AndroGel. One of the plaintiffs also brought claims against Eli Lilly, the maker of the prescription testosterone drug Axiron.
Recently Filed Testosterone Lawsuits
The plaintiffs have alleged that they suffered injuries after they were prescribed and took the testosterone drugs and that the defendants failed to adequately warn of the risks of harm. They bring causes of actions against the defendants for strict liability – failure to warn, negligence, breach of implied warranty, breach of express warranty, fraud, and negligent misrepresentation. Plaintiffs are also seeking punitive damages. Based off the complaints filed in each case, plaintiffs allege the following:
- In Marino v. Abbvie Inc., and Abbott Laboratories, Inc., Case No. 1:14-cv-777, the plaintiff was 50 years old when he was prescribed and used AndroGel. Plaintiff alleges that after he was prescribed AndroGel, he suffered physical and emotional injuries, including a transient ischemic attack- also called a mini-stroke.
- In Myers v. Abbvie Inc., and Abbott Laboratories, Inc., Case No. 1:14-cv-780, the plaintiff was 61 years old when he was prescribed and used AndroGel. Plaintiff alleges that after he was prescribed AndroGel, he suffered physical and emotional injuries, including a myocardial infarction- or heart attack.
- In Johnson v. Abbvie Inc., and Abbott Laboratories, Inc., Case No. 1:14-cv-877-ARW-SEC, the plaintiff was 61 years old when he was prescribed and used AndroGel. Plaintiff alleges that after he was prescribed AndroGel, he suffered a myocardial infarction- or heart attack. Plaintiff had no history of heart disease prior to taking the drug.
- In Kelly, Sr. v. Abbvie Inc., and Abbott Laboratories, Inc., Case No. 1:14-cv-879-TMD-SIS, the plaintiff was 60 years old when he was prescribed and used AndroGel. He used it for approximately 6 months. Plaintiff alleges that after he was prescribed AndroGel, he suffered a myocardial infarction- or heart attack. Plaintiff had no history of heart disease prior to taking the drug.
- In Lau v. Abbvie Inc. et al., Case No. 1:14-cv-1298, the plaintiff was 43 years old when he was prescribed and used Axiron and AndroGel. Plaintiff alleges that after he was prescribed testosterone, he was diagnosed with cerebrovascular accident, commonly known as a stroke. Plaintiff had no history of heart disease prior to taking the drugs.
The number of AndroGel lawsuits is on the rise as Abbvie Inc. and Abbott Laboratories Inc., the drug maker, holds the largest share of the market for prescription testosterone sales. The FDA responded to the recently published study findings by announcing that it would investigate further the increased risk for cardiovascular events. This investigation was announced after hundreds of men who have taken prescription testosterone have also suffered pulmonary embolisms, heart attacks, and strokes.
If you or someone you care about has taken a prescription testosterone product and suffered a serious injury, contact us. Our product liability attorneys can discuss your potential testosterone lawsuit and advise you of your legal rights and options. We have experience litigating claims against pharmaceutical manufacturers and can help you get the compensation that you deserve.