Studies linking Androderm and pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs) suggest that the risk is highest in the first few months of treatment, but it can occur at any time. Therefore, it is a good idea to be aware of the symptoms — shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, and more — because 30% of untreated cases are fatal.
Overview: Androderm and Pulmonary Embolism
Androderm is a transdermal patch that delivers the hormone testosterone directly through the skin. This is known to increase the risk of blood clots in the legs, according to the Prescribing Information. If a blood clot breaks loose, it can potentially travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism.
Many lawsuits accuse manufacturers of testosterone replacement products of minimizing risk information about side effects like pulmonary embolism. Our lawyers are concerned that this life-threatening risk may outweigh the benefit of treating “Low T” in some cases — especially for older men, those with heart disease, and patients without hypogonadism.
Studies of Testosterone and Pulmonary Embolism
October 2011 — Dr. Charles Glueck published a study in Translational Research linking the use of testosterone to several cases of pulmonary embolism. He warned that 5% of the population has genetic risk-factors that significantly increase the risk of pulmonary embolism from testosterone.
What is a Pulmonary Embolism?
Pulmonary embolisms occur when blood clots obstruct the vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the lungs to receive oxygen. Nearly all cases occur when blood clots grow in the legs in (a condition called deep vein thrombosis or DVT), break loose, and travel through the heart into the lungs. Pulmonary embolism can cause life-threatening oxygen deprivation in the bloodstream and permanent tissue damage in the lungs.
Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Sharp, stabbing feeling in chest when breathing
- Coughing (may be bloody)
- Blue color on skin, lips, nailbeds
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
- Racing heart rhythm
- Leg swelling, pain, or redness (symptom of blood clot)
- And more
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