A study in the American Society of Clinical Oncology published by a group of German researchers found “no increased risk [of prostate cancer] in hypogonadal men on long-term testosterone treatment.”
The study, “Long-term treatment with testosterone undecanoate injections and its effect of prostate cancer incidence in hypogonadal men,” looked at 942 men with low testosterone levels who received “testosterone undecanoate” for up to 16 years. The study showed some instances of prostate cancer diagnosis, but overall the researchers did not find an increased risk.
Another study published in the Indian Journal of Urology in 2012 found “no definitive evidence” at that time of any connection between prostate cancer risk and testosterone therapy treatment.
FDA Investigates Testosterone Therapy & Heart Attack Risk
The FDA announced it was investigating the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in men taking FDA-approved testosterone therapy treatments on January 31, 2014.
Recent studies, including one published in PLOS One, prompted the FDA to take action. In the study, Increased Risk of Non-Fatal Myocardial Infarction Following Testosterone Therapy Prescription in Men, researchers found men aged 65 and older using a form of testosterone treatment had double the risk of suffering from a heart attack. Men who were younger faced three times the risk of a heart attack if they had a family history of heart disease.
Low Testosterone Diagnosis
Only a doctor can diagnose you with low testosterone and determine whether or not you need testosterone therapy treatment. A doctor will likely schedule you in the morning for a blood test when testosterone levels are at their peak.
Some health experts recommend that doctors do more than just a blood test before prescribing testosterone treatment for a patient. This may include going over family history and doing a thorough physical examination.
Testosterone treatment is available in several different forms, including patches, injections, pills, and gels.
Testosterone Therapy Lawsuits
Lawsuits across the country filed against manufacturers of testosterone therapy treatments are increasing. Plaintiffs claim they thought they needed testosterone therapy treatment after watching commercials for the products.
If you or a loved one are suffering or have suffered a heart attack, stroke, or death after using a form of testosterone therapy treatment you should contact an attorney today.
Exclusively focused on representing plaintiffs, especially in mass tort litigation, Eric Chaffin prides himself on providing unsurpassed professional legal services in pursuit of the specific goals of his clients and their families. Both his work and his cases have been featured in the national press, including on ABC’s Good Morning America.
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