Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers

Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries

Testosterone therapy has grown in popularity over the last two decades, often marketed as a solution for fatigue, low libido, and muscle loss. While some men may benefit from testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), growing evidence links it to serious health complications—some of which can be life-threatening.

If you or someone you love used testosterone therapy and suffered heart problems, stroke, or other complications, understanding the risks and your legal options is critical.

Understanding Testosterone Therapy and Its Uses

Testosterone replacement therapy is commonly prescribed to men with low testosterone levels caused by aging or medical conditions like hypogonadism. The treatment comes in many forms—gels, patches, injections, and even implants. While it’s intended to restore hormonal balance, TRT has increasingly been used for non-medical reasons, such as boosting energy or muscle mass.

The rise in testosterone prescriptions has also led to more reported side effects, especially among older men and those with preexisting heart issues.

Health Risks and Documented Side Effects

Testosterone therapy may lead to a range of side effects. Some are mild and reversible, while Others can cause permanent damage or death.

The most dangerous reported side effects include:

  • Heart Attack: Elevated red blood cell counts can thicken the blood, making clots more likely. That blocked the artery.
  • Stroke: Blood clots traveling to the brain can trigger ischemic strokes, which can cause lasting brain damage.
  • Pulmonary Embolism: When a blood clot reaches the lungs, it can impair oxygen flow and lead to cardiac arrest.

In addition to these life-threatening issues, many users report:

  • Slurred speech
  • Memory loss
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Mood swings
  • Sleep apnea
  • Infertility
  • Increased aggression

Pulmonary embolism, heart attack, and stroke are among the most reported adverse effects of testosterone therapy in men over 65. – FDA Safety Communication, March 2015

These effects may appear within weeks or months of starting therapy, even at regular doses.

What the FDA and Scientific Research Say

In 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a safety alert about the cardiovascular risks of testosterone products. The agency required manufacturers to update their labels to reflect a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. In 2018, the FDA added more warnings about the potential abuse of testosterone, especially among younger men.

Multiple studies have supported these concerns. For example:

Men over 65 who took testosterone therapy were nearly three times more likely to suffer a heart attack.

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) also published findings showing increased risk in men with prior heart conditions. These warnings now appear on packaging, but critics argue they came far too late for thousands of affected users.

Product Liability and Failure to Warn

Under Oklahoma law, drug manufacturers have a legal duty to warn both patients and doctors about known risks. When they fail to do so, they may be held responsible under product liability laws.

A failure to warn claim doesn’t require proof that the company was negligent. It only needs to show that the drug was unreasonably dangerous and that the lack of warnings contributed to a user’s injuries.

In the case of testosterone, many lawsuits argue that drug companies:

  • Knew about serious cardiovascular risks
  • Failed to conduct adequate long-term studies
  • Marketed the drug aggressively for unapproved uses
  • Delayed adding proper warnings

When companies choose profits over safety, patients suffer the consequences.

National Lawsuits and Legal Precedents

Thousands of men who used testosterone therapy have joined product liability lawsuits nationwide. Many of these cases were consolidated into MDL 2545—a federal multidistrict litigation against several manufacturers.

These lawsuits focus on claims that companies failed to adequately warn the public about life-threatening risks. Some cases have resulted in settlements; others are still being litigated.

Oklahoma allows individuals to file product liability claims up to two years from the date of injury or the time the damage should have been discovered.

In Oklahoma, most product liability claims—including drug injuries—must be filed within two years of discovering the harm. – Oklahoma Statutes Title 12, Section 95

Common Side Effects of Testosterone Therapy

Side Effect

Potential Outcome

Increased red blood cellsBlood thickening and clots
Pulmonary embolismLung blockage and cardiac arrest
StrokeBrain injury, paralysis, or death
Heart attackOxygen loss, cardiac damage, death
Memory lossCognitive decline
Slurred speechNeurological damage
Sleep apneaInterrupted breathing during sleep

What You Can Do if You’ve Been Harmed

If you’ve suffered a heart attack, stroke, or other health problem after using testosterone products, you may have a valid legal claim. The first step is to speak with a product liability attorney who understands defective drug litigation.

Graves McLain Injury Lawyers in Tulsa helps injured clients hold drug manufacturers accountable. Our team investigates whether the drug was prescribed appropriately, whether warnings were present, and how your injuries relate to testosterone use.

We offer free consultations and take eligible cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if we are able to recover compensation for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the long-term side effects of testosterone therapy?

Long-term side effects may include stroke, heart attack, reduced fertility, memory problems, and permanent disability. Some users experience these outcomes after just a few months of use.

How do I know if I qualify for a testosterone lawsuit?

You may qualify if you suffered a serious health event like a heart attack or stroke after using a prescription testosterone product. Speaking with a defective drug attorney is the best way to determine your eligibility.

Is there a time limit for filing a testosterone lawsuit in Oklahoma?

Yes, Oklahoma law generally gives you two years from the damage or discovery date to submit a claim. Waiting too long may affect your right to recover compensation.

Are there still lawsuits pending against testosterone manufacturers?

Yes. While some cases have been settled, others are still in progress in both federal and state courts. These lawsuits continue to hold companies accountable for failing to warn users.

Can I sue even if I used testosterone as prescribed?

Yes. Even if you used the drug exactly as directed, the manufacturer may still be liable if they failed to provide adequate warnings or promoted the drug for non-approved uses.

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Conclusion

Testosterone therapy may seem like a quick fix for low energy or aging-related changes, but the risks can be devastating. Heart attacks, strokes, and other complications have impacted thousands of men—often without warning. If you or a loved one suffered harm after using testosterone, legal help is available.

Graves McLain Injury Lawyers helps clients pursue justice after defective drug injuries. Our team is committed to building strong, evidence-based claims while treating every case with care and respect. You deserve answers—and you don’t have to face this alone.

When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.

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