Testopel Pulmonary Embolism Information

Testopel is a testosterone replacement pellet that may increase your risk of blood clots in the legs. If these blood clots travel to the lungs, they can cause a severe, life-threatening pulmonary embolism or venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Testopel and Pulmonary Embolism

Testopel (testosterone pellet) is approved for long-term treatment of male hypogonadism (low testosterone). One of the most common complications is an increase in the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells. This helps improve energy and muscle mass, but it may also increase the risk of developing blood clots.

Testosterone-induced blood clots usually grow in the lower legs or thigh. This condition is also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The most serious complication of DVT is a pulmonary embolisms (blood clots in the lungs). About one-third of undiagnosed, untreated pulmonary embolisms are deadly.

Study Links Testosterone and Pulmonary Embolism

In a study of 596 men hospitalized in three years for DVT and pulmonary embolism, about 1.2% were taking testosterone. Researchers found that men on testosterone were more likely to have DVT-PE within 90 days of starting treatment. The risk appeared to be greatest for men who also had a genetic disorder for blood-clotting (factor V Leiden thrombophilia). The study was limited by its small sample size.

Pulmonary Embolism Complications

Possible complications of a pulmonary embolism according to the National Institute of Health (NIH):

• Coughing up blood
• Heart failure
• Shock
• Pulmonary hypertension (chronic high blood pressure in lungs)
• Severe breathing problems
• Severe bleeding (usually a complication of treatment
• Damage to other organs in the body from low oxygen
• Permanent lung damage
• Sudden death