Axiron is an underarm liquid used in testosterone replacement therapy. Unfortunately, several recent studies have found significantly higher rates of heart attacks for men on testosterone — especially older men and those with heart disease.
What is the problem with Axiron?
Axiron is a liquid underarm product that delivers 30-mg of testosterone per 1.5-mL. It is approved to treat adult males who have hypogonadism (low or no testosterone) associated with a medical condition.
The problem with Axiron is that testosterone has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack. In January 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a Drug Safety Communication warning about two studies linking testosterone and heart attacks:
- PLOS One published a study linking the use of testosterone to a tripled rate of heart attacks for men with heart disease, and a doubled rate of heart attacks for men over 65 years old.
- JAMA published a study linking the use of testosterone to a 30% increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death compared to men who did not use testosterone.
FDA Requires Warnings About Axiron Heart Attack Risk
March 3, 2015 — In a Safety Communication, the FDA has required warning about the possible increased risk of heart attacks on the label for Axiron and all testosterone replacement products. The FDA cautions that Axiron is not approved or recommended for the treatment of “Low T” associated with aging. They are also requiring new clinical trials to assess the risk of heart attacks from Axiron. Click here to read more.
Patients using Axiron should seek medical attention immediately if symptoms of a heart attack or stroke are present, such as:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Weakness in one part or one side of the body
- Slurred speech
What is a Heart Attack?
The heart muscle requires a steady supply of oxygen to circulate blood to the body. During a heart attack, a blood clot or plaque blocks the vessel (coronary artery) that supplies the heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood. When the heart muscle is “starved” of oxygen, tissues begin to die.
The amount of damage depends on the size of the area and the amount of time until treatment. Although the heart can recover from a small heart attack, scar tissue does not pump effectively and weakens the heart. In some cases, this can lead to heart failure.
Symptoms
Axiron heart attack symptoms may include:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Discomfort in the chest may spread to the back, jaw, arms, neck
- Feeling of fullness, squeezing, crushing, indigestion, heartburn, etc.
- Sweating excessively
- Anxiety or feeling like something is wrong
- Nausea, vomiting
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness
- Shortness or breath or rapid breathing
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