A recent lawsuit alleges the testosterone gel Axiron is unsafe. It joins other lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation against testosterone product manufacturers claiming low-t drugs put patients at significant risk for stroke and heart attack.

Plaintiff Bobby R. of South Carolina filed the lawsuit against Eli Lilly and Co. for allegedly failing to adequately inform about the increased risk of stroke associated with using Axiron and other testosterone gel products.

The Axiron lawsuit alleges that Eli Lilly intentionally deceived people into believing the testosterone gel was a safe and effective treatment for low testosterone while withholding details about life-threatening health risks.

Bobby claims in the Axiron lawsuit that he suffered a life-threatening stroke due to taking the drug. He said he took Axiron from September 2011 through March 2013 to treat his low testosterone.

His case joins dozens of other testosterone gel lawsuits accusing manufacturers of downplaying the risks of testosterone side effects.

What is Axiron?

Axiron is a gel applied to the underarms which can increase serum levels of testosterone. Axiron is only approved to treat low testosterone in conjunction with one of the following medical conditions:

• Hypogonadism
• Genetic problems with testosterone production
• Chemotherapy
• Problems with brain (hypothalmus or pituitary) that control testosterone
• Missing or damaged testicles

What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the flow of oxygenated (red) blood to part of the brain becomes blocked. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes. In rare cases, sudden bleeding in the brain can also cause a stroke if it causes damage to brain cells.

If brain cells die or become damaged due to a stroke, symptoms occur in regions of the body those brain cells control. Axiron stroke symptoms may include:

• sudden weakness
• paralysis or numbness of the face, arms, or legs
• trouble speaking or understanding speech
• trouble seeing

Stroke is a serious medical condition requiring immediate medical attention. A stroke can cause permanent brain damage, disability, and  death.

Risk of Stroke Associated with Axiron

A recent study determined that testosterone products like Axiron may increase users’ risk of stroke and other serious side effects. Men with pre-existing heart problems were more likely to suffer a stroke, heart attack or die compared to healthy men who didn’t take testosterone, according to the study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

Signs of an Axiron stroke may include sudden numbness in the face, arms or legs, as well as vision changes, trouble speaking, and problems with walking or balance.

Men that underwent testosterone replacement therapy with products like Axiron who had the following health problems had the greatest increased risk of stroke, according to the JAMA study.

Heart problems that could elevate the stroke risk associated with Axiron include:

• plaque buildup
• artery blockage
• high cholesterol
• diabetes
• obesity

The Axiron Stroke Lawsuit is Case No. 1:15-cv-07884, as part of In Re: Testosterone Replacement Therapy Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2545 in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois.

In general, testosterone product lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.