A Georgia man recently filed a lawsuit as part of a multidistrict litigation (MDL) addressing the adverse side effects of testosterone replacement therapy.

Plaintiff Willie M. began using AndroGel testosterone therapy as prescribed by his doctor in February of 2004. He used the product for nearly ten years, discontinuing its use in January 2014. He alleges in his testosterone product lawsuit that he suffered a personal injury as a result of using the product.

Willie’s testosterone replacement therapy lawsuit brings eleven counts against AndroGel’s manufacturers.

The claims include defective design, failure to warn, negligence, negligent misrepresentation, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, breach of express warranty, fraud, consumer protection, unjust enrichment, and violation of the Georgia Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

Testosterone Therapy and Testosterone Side Effects

In males, testosterone therapy is used to treat a condition called hypogonadism, or low male sex hormones. When a man’s pituitary gland or testicles are not functioning properly, a reduced amount of testosterone is produced, leading to conditions such as reduced sexual function, bone and muscle mass reduction, fatigue, diminished energy and mood issues.

To correct the amount of testosterone, a supplemental hormone is given to replace the testosterone. Testosterone therapy, also known as Low-T therapy, allows additional testosterone to be supplemented via various methods, including injection, topical cream or gel, patch, oral medication or implants under the skin.

Side effects of testosterone products are common, and some may be troublesome to individuals receiving the therapy. Sometimes initially minor side effects can become unbearable if they end up causing more discomfort than the original condition the medication was intended to treat.

Common testosterone therapy side effects include mood swings or increased aggression, reduced testicle size, fluid retention, increase in urination due to prostate tissue stimulation, worsening of sleep apnea, male breast enlargement, acne, oily skin and other skin changes.

Some men, unfortunately, have severe side effects when using testosterone replacement therapy. These rare but serious conditions are the ones that cause men to seek legal compensation. These include:

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)- a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in the legs, and can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.
• Pulmonary Embolism- a condition where an artery is suddenly blocked in the lung, usually caused by a blood clot. The low oxygen caused by the condition can damage the lungs and other organs permanently.
• Stroke, mini-stroke and blood clots other then DVT are also possible.

Earlier this year, the FDA mandated that drug manufacturers include more serious warnings on their products. While this helps men and their doctors moving forward, many have been harmed previously who were unaware of the risk.

Testosterone Product Lawsuit Information

If you or a loved one suffered from DVT, stroke, pulmonary embolism or blood clots following testosterone therapy, you may have a legal claim. Our attorneys are available to provide you with a free consultation to discuss your situation.

The AndroGel Testosterone Lawsuit is Case No. 1:15-cv-07156, filed under the larger Testosterone Product MDL known as In re: Testosterone Replacement Therapy Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2545, both in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.