Delatestryl (testosterone injection) is approved to treat men with hypogonadism. Blood clots are a well-known side effect. They are most likely to occur in the lower legs. Unfortunately, recent studies warn that blood clots from Delatestryl may also cause heart attacks, stroke, pulmonary embolism, and even death.
Delatestryl and Blood Clots
Delatestryl increases the risk of blood clots in several ways. First of all, testosterone increases production of a kidney hormone (erythropoietin) that tells bone marrow to make more red blood cells. This increases the total volume and thickness of blood, forcing the heart to work harder to circulate blood. This increases blood pressure. All of these risk-factors can lead to a blood clot. Blood clots can occur at any time during treatment with Delatestryl, but the risk is highest during the first few months.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Delatestryl is associated with blood clots in the legs — also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Blood clots occur when platelets and red blood cells spontaneously coagulate into a sticky mass. They usually occur in the calf or thigh, but can also form in other areas of the body. Without treatment, the blood clot can grow very large and damage veins. Tiny pieces can also break loose, travel to the lungs, and cause a pulmonary embolism.
What are the symptoms of a blood clot?
Blood clot in the legs:
- Leg swelling or discomfort
- Discoloration — redness or paleness
- Warmth
- Pain
Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or heart (heart attack):
- Chest pain or discomfort (may radiate to back, neck, arms, jaw)
- Stabbing pain when breathing deeply
- Coughing up blood
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- Excessive sweating
- Cold, clammy skin
- Blue-gray discoloration of skin (cyanosis)
Blood clots in the brain (stroke):
- Sudden changes in senses
- Severe headache
- Problems talking or understanding speech
- Problems walking or controlling movements
- Face droops on one side
- Arms drift downward when raised
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