Parker Waichman LLP

Eli Lilly Sued Over Marketing of Testosterone Drug

A suit filed in federal court in Newark, New Jersey claims that Eli Lilly failed to adequately warn of the risk of heart attacks and stroke with its testosterone replacement drug Axiron Lilly markets Axiron to men by describing “symptoms” of “Low T,” such as decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, fatigue and loss of energy, […]

A suit filed in federal court in Newark, New Jersey claims that Eli Lilly failed to adequately warn of the risk of heart attacks and stroke with its testosterone replacement drug Axiron

Lilly markets Axiron to men by describing “symptoms” of “Low T,” such as decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, fatigue and loss of energy, depressed mood, decreased strength and osteoporosis. But the lawsuit claims Low T is a “non-existent and unrecognized medical condition,” according to New Jersey Law Journal. The symptoms are often merely the result of increasing age or weight gain, according to court papers.

The plaintiff began taking Axiron at age 54 in September 2012, and he suffered a heart attack in October 2012. The man’s doctor would not have prescribed Axiron, the suit says, if he had been warned of the increased risks of heart problems caused by the drug. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Axiron for treatment of an endocrine disorder called hypogonadism, but a study showed that only 6 percent of men for whom the Axiron was prescribed have the condition, according to New Jersey Law Journal.

Lilly mounted an aggressive “disease awareness campaign” to alert men that they might be suffering from “Low T” but the FDA has not approved any drug for the treatment of such a condition, New Jersey Law Journal reports. Furthermore, “low testosterone is not a disease recognized by the medical community.” Lilly promoted Axiron for off-label uses, the lawsuit alleges, though a manufacturer may not promote a drug except for approved uses. The lawsuit alleges Lilly “marketed and sold testosterone as a lifestyle drug meant to make men feel younger and increase libido.”

In January, the FDA announced it is investigating the risk of stroke, heart attack and death for men who use testosterone products. In June, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered the consolidation of all federal litigation over testosterone replacement therapies in the Northern District of Illinois. Lilly is a defendant in the multidistrict litigation over testosterone, along with AbbVie, Abbott Laboratories, Actavis and Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Endo Pharmaceuticals and Pfizer, New Jersey Law Journal reports.

 

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I want to toffake this time with deep appreciation to Sophia chilelli, Harrison Biggs, Chriss oxx and Gerard Ryan....I I would recommend them to family, friends and neighbors.....They are courteous very compassionate.....If you have any issues or concerns trust them..... God bless you all...I also pray for the entire Parker Waichman law firm... Mike Soto
Michael Soto
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I feel truly blessed to be a client of your firm and can't thank you enough for the concern expressed during this difficult time. I am extremely pleased with all the attention given to my case. If you're in Port Washington, give them a try.
Dwayne Andrews
8 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I thank you so much Benita Rollis. for always contact me and given me updates, you always returned my calls and process my documents, informing me about the documents I needed to make things move faster. you was very professional and always courtesy and kind to me. Thank you Luis F
Luis Franceschi
a year ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038