Medical Malpractice Attorneys of Toledo, Williams DeClark Tuschman, are accepting cases that involve the testosterone replacement treatment, AndroGel. Low testosterone is a simple fact of life. As we age, testosterone levels in the human body lower. Due to modern technology, it is now possible to give our bodies a boost to help raise testosterone levels. As consumers, we put our faith and trust in the drug companies that help us with a better way of living. We expect them to be honest and upfront with side effects so that we can make and educated choice. But that always isn’t the case with low testosterone replacement therapy. Most recently, multiple lawsuits have been filed against Abbott Laboratories Inc. and AbbVie Inc. In each case it was alleged that the companies downplayed the risks of strokes and heart attacks that are associated with testosterone replace treatment AndorGel. It’s alleged in the lawsuits that Abbott Laboratories Inc. and AbbVie Inc. have engaged in extensive advertising campaigns about Low Testosterone (Low T). Their message to consumers was that the natural effects of aging in men, such as listlessness and weight gain, were actually symptoms of the condition that could be treated with their products. The complaints do not see that way as they allege: “What consumers received, however, were not safe drugs, but a product which causes life-threatening problems, including strokes and heart attacks.” It has also come to light that just days before the lawsuits were filed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began to investigate the treatment. The FDA was investigating possible increased risk of heart attack, stroke and death in men who were using testosterone replacement therapies like AndroGel. The FDA pointed to two recent research articles that found elevated cardiovascular risks in men using testosterone replacement products. The Plantiffs referenced the same articles in their cases. Based on one of the published articles, it was alleged that Abbott and AbbVie “purposefully downplayed, understated and outright ignored” AndroGel’s risks in their marketing campaign. Three of the plaintiffs suffered heart attacks after taking AndroGel, one suffered a stroke, and another suffered a so-called mini stroke, according to the complaints. The Plaintiffs are bringing claims for:
- Failure to warn;
- Negligence;
- Breach of implied warranty;
- Breach of express warranty;
- Fraud; and
- Negligent misrepresentation
Before you begin low testosterone replacement therapy, research the drug company thoroughly. If you or someone you know has been affected by low testosterone replacement treatment, AndroGel, contact Toledo’s Medical Malpractice Attorneys, William DeClark Tuschman via our web contact form or on our office phone at 419-719-5195. WDT law will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and prepare you for the necessary course of action to take.