Heavy marketing of testosterone gel results in 115 percent increase in use
Heavy marketing campaigns by makers of testosterone replacement products have dramatically increased the use of the products among men in Australia, according to Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), the country’s national drug benefit program.
According to PBS statistics, use of testosterone products among men has grown 115 percent from 2005 to 2010. The organization is blaming advertisements that warn low testosterone levels can result in low energy, low sex drive, and fatigue. The ads encourage men to see their doctors, have their hormone levels checked, and to request a particular testosterone gel by name.
The products are intended for men who have been diagnosed with low testosterone, and if taken by men who do not have low levels of the hormone serious injuries could occur. Testosterone therapy can lead to the progression of subclinical prostate cancer, and some reports claim use has been linked to cardiovascular problems.
Topical testosterone gels, such as AndroGel and Testim, not only carry risks for men, but have caused health issues for women and children who have unintentionally come in contact with the product. The gel’s packaging warns men to wash their hands thoroughly after applying the product, and to cover treated skin with clothing before coming in contact with others.
Men should take extra precautions to keep clothes and sheets that have come in contact with the gel away from others as well.
Children who have been exposed to testosterone gels have experienced unexpected sexual development including inappropriate enlargement of the penis, premature development of public hair, increased erections, aggressive behavior and advanced bone age.
Source: Sky News
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