Testosterone Blood Clot Side Effects
As a growing number of testosterone lawsuits continue to move forward through the court system, federal health officials announced late last week that new warnings will be added to AndroGel, Testim, Axiron and other “Low T” drugs about the risk of blood clots from testosterone replacement therapy.
While it has been known for some time that there is a link between side effects of testosterone and blood clots, the FDA has determined that the current warnings do not adequately disclose the potential risk, especially involving the development of a serious and potentially life threatening clot such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
On Friday, the FDA announced that new testosterone blood clot warnings are being added to all medications about the risk of users developing a venous thromboembolism, which is a blood clots that may form in the deep veins of the legs, pelvis or arms.
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from testosterone drugs may result in blood cells blocking the vein entirely, or the clot may break off and move to a vital artery. This poses a serious danger, since the blockage of a vital artery can restrict blood flow to the heart, lungs or brain.
When a blood clot becomes lodged near the lung, this can cause a sudden blockage that brings blood into the lungs, known as a pulmonary embolism.
Either of these conditions can cause severe pain, and sometimes life-threatening complications.
Warnings About Testosterone and Blood Clots
According to a drug safety statement issued on June 19, the FDA is requiring the makers of all testosterone drugs to update the warning information provided to consumers and the medical community about the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism resulting from blood clots.
Warnings previously indicated that blood clots may be caused by testosterone drugs, but the FDA has determined that the information provided is insufficient and inadequate.
Prior warnings indicate that users may develop clots linked to the overproduction of red blood cells. However, the FDA now indicates that testosterone products increase the risks over and above those related to red blood cell production.
New information will be added to the drug label about the risk of venous thromboembolism from testosterone drugs, including warnings about deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism.
While it is possible to have a DVT from testosterone drugs with minimal symptoms, they usually cause extreme pain and swelling in the affected limb. Warnings about the risk are important, so that users are aware that they should seek immediate medical treatment to reduce the risk of that DVT dislodging and traveling to the heart or lungs.
A pulmonary embolism is a serious medical emergency, which can result in stroke, heart attack or death. Symptoms a pulmonary embolism from testosterone drugs may include:
- Difficulty Breathing
- Chest Pain While Inhaling
- Palpitations
- Abnormally Low Blood Pressure
- Rapid Breathing
- Rapid Heart Beat
Testosterone DVT and Pulmonary Embolism Lawsuits
The FDA warnings come as the lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. continue to review potential AndroGel lawsuits, Axiron lawsuits, Testim lawsuits and other cases involving low testosterone gels, creams and patches for men throughout the United States.
In addition to potential lawsuits for men who suffered a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism, cases are also being pursued for individuals who suffered a heart attack, stroke or wrongful death.
In the statement issued Friday, the FDA indicates that these new warnings about the testosterone blood clot side effects are unrelated to the on-going investigation by the regulatory agency about the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
To review a potential testosterone blood clot lawsuit with one of our attorneys, request a free consultation and claim evaluation. All cases are pursued on a contingency fee basis, which means that there are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained.
1 Comment • Add Your Comments
Kenneth says:
Used a testosterone sublimate and was diagnosed with optical neuropathy because of blood clot hit a nerve in my eye now I have permanent damage to my right eye and had permanent vision lost.
Posted on January 5, 2015 at 2:24 pm