Would You Use This Product?
Every time I see a commercial for Low T (and there are a LOT of them) I end up talking back to my television. Here’s the reason why:
Direct contact with the application site can expose others to this medication. Women and children should avoid contact with the unwashed or unclothed area where the medication has been applied. If you expect to have skin-to-skin contact with another person, first wash the application area well with soap and water. If a woman or child makes contact with the application area, that area on the woman or child should be washed well with soap and water right away.
[…]
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. In children, it may affect bone growth. Monitor your child’s height periodically.
This medication should not be used in women. Women accidentally exposed to this medication may have side effects due to testosterone gel. Tell both of your doctors immediately if you notice symptoms in a woman such as changes in body hair or a large increase in acne. Avoid contact with this medication if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. This medication may cause harm to an unborn or breast-feeding baby. Consult your doctor for more details.
[…]
WARNING: Children accidentally exposed to this medication by direct contact with someone using it may absorb this drug through their skin. If this occurs, the child may have unwanted side effects due to testosterone gel. Children should avoid contact with the unwashed or unclothed area where the medication has been applied. Tell both of your doctors immediately if you notice unexpected signs of puberty in a child such as unusual increase in size of genitals (penis or clitoris), early development of pubic hair, increased erections (in boys) or sex drive, or aggressive behavior. To decrease this risk, carefully follow all directions for the proper use of this drug.
First, I can’t even imagine a drug being approved for women that could negatively affect a man’s body – one that would effect his sperm count or, ahem, size, or hurt children through a simple hug. Second, what man would be comfortable exposing his wife/girlfriend and children to these potential risks? Makes the whole “throw your arm around” a woman’s/child’s shoulder seem a little risky.
We’ll let the Mayo Clinic have the last word:
The possibilities of testosterone therapy are enticing — increase your muscle mass, sharpen your memory and concentration, boost your libido, and improve your energy level. As you get older, testosterone therapy may sound like the ultimate anti-aging formula. Yet the health benefits of testosterone therapy for age-related decline in testosterone aren’t as clear as they may seem. Find out what’s known — and not known — about testosterone therapy for normal aging.
Thoughts? Because I’m kinda tired of talking back to my television.
I am so with you on this, Pandora!
I get on my soapbox re: prescription drug ads in general. Why is it okay to advertise a controlled substance? Also, almost all the drugs being advertised, the warnings of “possible death”, etc. makes me want to run straight to the doctor for a prescription – not!
It has been documented that these ads have increased our overall healthcare costs. Think about it – you see an ad for something and think, “hum, I have those symptoms”, call your doctor, ask for a prescription for X drug based on X, X & X symptoms. Doctor asks a few questions, maybe tells you that you don’t need X drug, you insist. What’s a doctor to do? They’re afraid of malpractice suits, so, they reluctantly give you the script.
Also, these drugs advertised are the latest, greatest, no generics – which means they’re very expensive The drug companies only have 12 years from release of an approved drug until the patent expires and generics come on the market. Think Lipitor – off patent now, no more ads.
There are some groups out there who are trying to get these ads banned, but, the drug lobby is very strong and has deep pockets. It’s not just TV, have you looked at a magazine lately?
Stepping down from soapbox…
That reminds of the toenail fungus medication that had liver damage as a possible side effect. I prefer to damage my liver the old-fashioned way thankyouverymuch.
Agreed, blu gal! I also think these ads are backfiring. Every time one of my kids sees these ads and hears the side effects they say, “I would never take that!” I’m guessing that’s not the message pharmaceutical companies want to deliver.
(I do try and explain to my kids that medicines have side effects and that if your doctor decides you need a drug, you should listen to them.)
I must disagree with you about this. Just imagine the consequences if we prohibited all drugs that could have a harmful effect for those who weren’t prescribed them. There would be many sick and dead people. I understand that many women are encouraged to take high dosages of iron because of their menstrual cycles, but if men were to take them they could have serious cardiac consequences. I wouldn’t for that reason think women shouldn’t take iron. I doubt you wouldn’t think that as well.
But, Dana, AndroGel is applied like deodorant (under the arm) so if a man using it is shirtless, sleeveless (not sure if he’s sweaty if the product can be transferred) and hugs/puts his arm around a women/child then they could be exposed to the drug.
If a woman taking iron pills hugs you/touches you she won’t transfer the medicine to you. That’s really my concern – the transfer by touch.
Reminds me of the science fiction story where people retained youthful vigor by keeping the body’s chemical levels the same as they were during youth. “Enticing” to be sure but far from proven. Would I use one of these products? No, it’s yet another scheme like re growing hair on bald men, a scam. The danger to women and children is indeed cause for concern, but this is not the only male oriented product to carry this warning. Propecia comes to mind.
I’m with Pandora’s kids. I watch these ads for things like “overactive bladder,” and I always think I’d rather sprint for the latrine occasionally than risk the panoply of side effects.
Restless Leg Syndrome is my favorite. “hey, my body parts are begging me to exercise them…. gotta be SOME pill to shut them up. Pass the remote.”
Could this be the result of watching too much MSNBC? They have the worst commercials in the business, and if I have to hear that guy gushing about his new catheters one more time… And do you know what is even worse? Try listening to it on Sirius/xm radio. You’d think you were transported to a carnival in Dumberville. It is nothing but hucksters hawking gold-plated coins and weight-loss smoothies. I’m surprised there are no ads for X-Ray Specs.
thank you for finally telling me what those damn commercials are even for. they don’t ever say. the one where it’s like “are you taking 13%? now there’s 13.1%!” and i’m like percent of what?
my favorite was the anti-depressent who’s selling point is that it had no adverse sexual side effects but the side effect was anal leakage. I can’t think of anything that would kill the mood faster than anal leakage.
^ laughing at V.