A case list that was recently released shows that 1,975 individual claims are now part of the ongoing testosterone replacement therapy multidistrict litigation, or MDL. These cases have been consolidated into an MDL in the Northern District of Illinois. Within the next few months, a handful of claims are expected to be selected as bellwether cases. Bellwether cases are the first few that go to trial to help determine what could happen with the full MDL. The first testosterone replacement therapy bellwether trials are expected to begin sometime in the fall of 2016.
About Testosterone Replacement Therapy Lawsuits
In recent years, an enormous number of testosterone replacement therapy lawsuits have been filed across the country. These lawsuits basically allege the same things in that using the drugs as part of this therapy led to serious health consequences for men. The most common problems allegedly associated with this therapy, also known as TRT, include:
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Pulmonary embolisms
- Deep vein thrombosis or DVT
Some men have allegedly died as a result of these occurrences.
One of the relatively unique aspects of this testosterone replacement therapy MDL is that several different individual drugs are included and several different companies have been named as defendants. Some of the leading brands of these drugs that have allegedly caused these problems include:
- AndroGel
- Androderm
- Testim
- Delatestryl
- Fortesta
- Depo
- Axiron
Companies named as defendants in this matter include:
- AbbVie, Inc.
- Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Eli Lilly and Co.
- Pfizer
The reason that all of these different companies and drugs have been consolidated into one action is because the medications are somewhat similar and the alleged side effects of TRT as claimed by the individual plaintiffs are also similar in nature.
Why Men Undergo Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy has exploded in popularity in the United States in recent years. That’s because these drugs were aggressively marketed to men such that they were told that taking these medications would:
- Improve concentration
- Reduce of fat
- Increase muscle mass
- Improve sleep quality
- Increase bone density
- Increase strength
- Increase athletic performance
- Increase sexual drive and performance
Testosterone drugs were supposed to be prescribed for men who suffered from a condition known as hypogonadism, which is a condition whereby a man’s body does not produce enough testosterone. However, allegations began to arise that stated that men who did not need these medications were undergoing TRT, and these drugs have generated billions of dollars in revenue for the manufacturers.
Testosterone Lawsuits and Your Legal Rights
If you have undergone TRT and you’ve suffered as a result, you should act quickly to make sure that your legal rights are properly protected and enforced. In order to do so, you’ll likely need the advice of testosterone side effects lawyers who understand how MDLs work and how to hold large corporations accountable for harm inflicted on consumers. Contact Parilman & Associates today to schedule a free initial consultation. You can either email the firm or call 800-800-DRUG.
