Fortesta is a popular treatment for low testosterone, or “Low T.” Unfortunately, new studies indicate that for men over 65, the risk of heart attack doubles in the first 90 days of treatment, and triples for men with heart disease. Other studies have found a 30% increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in the first three months after initiating testosterone.
“That’s equivalent to smoking one to two packs of cigarettes a day, or having sky-high cholesterol.”
— Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a Cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic
What is the problem with Fortesta?
Fortesta (testosterone gel 2%) is advertised as a safe and effective treatment for low testosterone, or “Low T.” However, recent studies have raised alarm that the cardiovascular side effects may outweigh any benefit, especially for men over 65 and people with heart disease.
Researchers have found that less than 50% of men on testosterone actually have hypogonadism, the serious hormonal deficiency that Fortesta is FDA-approved to treat. This is concerning, because Fortesta is a serious commitment — the body shuts off its natural production of testosterone in response to supplements. In addition, the long-term risks of Fortesta are unknown.
According to Dr. Steve Nissen, Chief Cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic:
“What’s going on is a giant experiment with American men’s health at stake, because we don’t have the long-term data on the safety of these products.”
Several studies have recently been published linking Fortesta and heart attack, stroke, and death. These studies prompted the FDA to publish a Drug Safety Communication and launch an investigation in 2014.
FDA Adds Heart Attack, Stroke Warnings to Testosterone Products
March 3, 2015 — In a Safety Communication, the FDA is asking manufacturers of testosterone replacement products to stop marketing them for the treatment of age-related “Low T,” add warnings about heart attacks and strokes, and start studying the long-term risks. Click here to read more.
Fortesta Side Effects
Victims of defective drugs have a legal right to seek financial compensation for their economic and non-economic damages. When drug-makers fail to warn about side effects, they can potentially be held financially liable for injuries caused by their products. Our lawyers are evaluating Fortesta lawsuits involving severe side effects, such as:
- Blood clots
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Pulmonary embolism
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Organ damage
- Death
- And other serious side effects
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
