AndroGel’s Testosterone Therapy Lawsuits Consolidated

AndroGel Testosterone Therapy Lawsuits Consolidated

testosterone therapyThe Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) issued an order on June 6th to consolidate testosterone therapy injury lawsuits involving Abbott Laboratories and Abbvie, Inc testosterone gels.  Testosterone therapy drugs including AndroGel are believed to increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.  Critics contend that Low T therapies have been prescribed even when the patient does not suffer from low testosterone.

The JPML noted that cases filed involving AndroGel’s testosterone therapy “involve common questions of fact, and that centralization in the Northern District of Illinois will serve the convenience of the parties and witnesses and promote the just and efficient conduct of this litigation.” The cases were consolidated under the Honorable Judge Matthew F. Kennelly.

“Abbott separated its research-based pharmaceutical business into a new public biopharmaceutical company called AbbVie in January 2013,” Scott Stoffel, an Abbott spokesman, said in an e-mailed statement. “With the separation, the U.S. commercial rights and associated responsibilities for AndroGel passed to AbbVie.”

The AndroGel lawsuits were filed on behalf of Michael Gallagher, of Midlothian Virginia; Steven Myers, of Fort Worth, Texas; Steve Marino, of Saint Louis, Missouri; and Kenneth Aurecchia, of Johnston, Rhode Island. The men range from 50 to 63, and deny any previous history of cardiac problems. Gallagher, Myers, and Aurecchia said they suffered heart attacks, and Marino suffered a stroke. A fifth unnamed plaintiff suffered a mini-stroke.

Currently, there are about 45 testosterone therapy lawsuits in the multidistrict litigation (MDL); Kennelly will likely see thousands more as more men come forward regarding their problems.

“Testosterone supplements are a lifestyle drug that treat a contrived condition by subjecting men to deadly risks of heart attacks and strokes,” said Alex MacDonald, a Boston-based plaintiffs’ lawyer representing patients who took the medicines.

The JPML observed that, as the FDA announced it is “investigating the risk of stroke, heart attack, and death in men taking FDA-approved testosterone products,” the testosterone therapy injury claims will involve common scientific facts and legal theories.

The FDA approved AndroGel specifically for low testosterone levels related to hypogonadism, but not related to age. Recent studies have shown that doctors often fail to test their patients for low testosterone levels and instead prescribing testosterone therapies like AndroGel without determining whether the patient actually suffers from Low T. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement on Friday, January 31st, advising it will investigate reported risks for heart attack and stroke associated with testosterone therapy. The FDA contends that it approved testosterone therapies like AndroGel for specific low-T issues like hypogonadism, not for age-related “low-T” issues like sexual performance problems.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Dangerous Drug Cases, Including Testosterone Therapy and Supplements like AndroGel

The Strom Law Firm, L.L.C. is a leader in the consumer protection battle against dangerous prescription drugs and medical devices, from AndroGel to Zoloft. We represent individuals who have been killed or injured by dangerous or defective pharmaceuticalsIf you or a family member have been injured or killed after using a dangerous drugs or medical products such as testosterone therapy or supplements, contact our dangerous drug lawyers as soon as possible so that we can begin taking steps to preserve evidence and your claim immediately. We offer free consultations to discuss the facts of your case. 803.252.4800

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