Striant is a testosterone replacement product that has been linked to an increased risk of stroke (blood clots in the brain). If you were not aware of the potential risk of stroke from Striant, you are not alone — many lawsuits accuse drug-makers of downplaying these risks.
What is the problem with Striant?
Striant (testosterone buccal system) is a popular way to treat low testosterone without applying hormones to the skin. Unfortunately, Striant and other testosterone replacement products have become controversial. The FDA is investigating two studies linking testosterone to a 30% increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and death.
Testosterone Linked to Stroke, Heart Attack, Death
The study that prompted the investigation was published in November 2013 by Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers evaluated data on over 8,700 men who visited a VA hospital between 2005-2011 for a coronary angiography (test to look for plaque in blood vessels). Of these men, over 1,200 were on testosterone. After three years, 26% of men on testosterone had a stroke, heart attack, or death — vs. just 20% of men who did not use testosterone.
FDA Warns About Striant Stroke Risk
March 3, 2015 — The FDA has published a Safety Communication to announce that the makers of Striant and other testosterone replacement products must add warnings about the possible increased risk of stroke. They also must conduct clinical trials to study the risk of stroke. The FDA has emphasized that Striant is not approved for treating “Low T” due to aging. Click here to read more.
If you use Striant, seek emergency medical attention if symptoms of a stroke are present, such as:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Weakness in one part or one side of the body
- Slurred speech
What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is blocked by a blood clot (ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds (hemorrhagic stroke), causing brain tissue to die. Every year, about 800,000 Americans have a stroke, and 130,000 are fatal.
What Should I Do?
Strokes cause brain damage. During a stroke, many people do not understand what is happening. People having strokes may appear confused or have problems talking, walking, remembering things, or understanding speech. If you think you or someone is having a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately — do not wait. Just a few minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
Symptoms
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
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