Fortesta is a testosterone replacement product for men with hypogonadism (low testosterone). Unfortunately, it is known to cause blood clots in the legs. If you were injured by Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) from Fortesta, you are not alone.
Fortesta and DVT
Fortesta is a prescription gel that delivers testosterone hormones through the skin and directly into a man’s bloodstream. According to the Prescribing Information, Fortesta can cause blood clots in the legs. This condition, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is associated with many other testosterone replacement products.
What is the problem?
The problem is that testosterone can increase the number of platelets in the bloodstream within just a few weeks or months of treatment. This can thicken the blood and increase blood pressure. Many doctors recommend getting a blood test before starting Fortesta to check for genetic mutations that increase your risk of blood clots.
What is DVT?
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a vein deep inside the body. The clot can cut off circulation through the vein, causing pain and swelling. Most cases of DVT occur in “deep veins” in the calf, thigh, or pelvis.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will diagnose DVT based on a physical exam, medical history, and test results. These tests may include:
- Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create an image of the arteries and veins in the leg.
- D-Dimer test: Measures substances in blood that are released when a blood clot dissolves.
- Venography: Used when ultrasounds are inconclusive. Doctors inject dye into a vein and take an X-ray that shows whether blood-flow is slow in the vein.
- And more: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans are sometimes used when DVT causes a pulmonary embolism.
Prognosis
The most serious complication of DVT is a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs). The most common complication is post-thrombotic syndrome, which is estimated to affect 20-50% of people with DVT. About 10% of people with post-thrombotic syndrome develop severe symptoms, including chronic pain, tingling or burning sensation, swelling, and ulcers.
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