AbbVie's AndroGel was the #1 selling testosterone gel in the U.S. with over $1 billion in annual sales at peak. AbbVie is accused of marketing AndroGel to men with normal age-related hormone decline without adequate cardiovascular warnings. MDL 2545 in Chicago has processed over 10,000 AndroGel cases. AbbVie reportedly settled its MDL inventory for an estimated $250M–$500M (confidential). New cases are still being filed.

Testosterone therapy directly stimulates red blood cell production (erythropoiesis), raising hematocrit and blood viscosity — a known mechanism for DVT and pulmonary embolism. The FDA's 2015 black box warning specifically called out venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk. DVT/PE cases that resolved without permanent injury typically settle in the $15,000–$75,000 range; PE cases requiring hospitalization or with lasting effects may settle higher.

The primary defendants in MDL 2545 are AbbVie (AndroGel), Eli Lilly (Axiron), Actavis/Allergan/Teva (Androderm), Pfizer (Depo-Testosterone), and Endo Pharmaceuticals (Testim, Fortesta — now in Chapter 11 bankruptcy). AbbVie's MDL docket is largely resolved via confidential settlement. Eli Lilly and Actavis/Teva remain in active litigation. Endo plaintiffs must file through bankruptcy trust.

The four essential evidence categories are: (1) TRT prescription or pharmacy records showing product, duration, and dose; (2) medical records documenting your cardiovascular injury (hospital records, discharge summaries, cardiac catheterization or imaging results); (3) a timeline showing TRT use preceded the cardiac event; and (4) any hematocrit or CBC lab results from during TRT use. An attorney can help obtain records via medical release authorization at no cost to you.

In March 2015, the FDA required the strongest safety label — a black box warning — on all testosterone products for venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk, including DVT and PE. The FDA simultaneously restricted approved TRT uses to men with medical-condition hypogonadism only, excluding normal aging. The 2014 FDA Drug Safety Communication may trigger the discovery rule clock in some states. The 2015 black box warning is the most legally significant regulatory event in TRT litigation.

Statutes of limitations for TRT lawsuits vary by state — typically 2–3 years from injury discovery. Florida reduced its SOL to 2 years effective March 2023. The 2014 FDA Drug Safety Communication may trigger the discovery rule clock in some states. Filing a Short Form Complaint in MDL 2545 provides tolling protection. Endo bankruptcy trust claims have court-set deadlines. If your cardiac event was more than 18 months ago, contact an attorney immediately.

The 2010 TOM Trial was stopped early due to excess cardiovascular events. A 2013 JAMA study found a 29% increased MI risk in TRT users. A 2014 PLOS ONE study found doubled MI risk in men under 65 with pre-existing heart disease within 90 days of starting TRT. The FDA acted in 2014 and 2015. Men who suffered heart attacks while on TRT may have a strong legal claim.

"Low T" — hypogonadism framed as a widespread treatable epidemic — was substantially created by pharmaceutical industry disease-awareness campaigns beginning around 2008. AbbVie spent hundreds of millions on direct-to-consumer AndroGel advertising. Eli Lilly and Actavis ran similar campaigns for Axiron and Androderm. The campaigns targeted men experiencing normal aging symptoms — fatigue, reduced libido, mild mood changes — that had never previously been treated as a medical condition requiring daily hormone therapy.

MDL 2545 — In re: Testosterone Replacement Therapy Products Liability Litigation — is pending in the Northern District of Illinois (Chicago). AbbVie's MDL inventory is largely resolved via confidential global settlement. Eli Lilly (Axiron) and Actavis/Teva (Androderm) cases remain in active negotiation. Endo (Testim/Fortesta) claims require Endo bankruptcy trust filing. New individual cases continue to be filed in both federal and state courts.

The four primary qualifying injuries are: heart attack (myocardial infarction), stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). Polycythemia that caused or contributed to a cardiovascular event may also qualify. Injury must have occurred during or within 6 months of TRT use, and you must have used a qualifying TRT product for at least 30 days.

AbbVie reportedly settled its MDL 2545 inventory for an estimated $250M–$500M (confidential terms). Individual per-plaintiff values: DVT/PE without permanent injury ($15K–$75K), heart attack with recovery ($75K–$250K+), stroke or disability ($200K–$600K), wrongful death ($250K–$1M+). Bellwether verdicts ranged from $150K to $140M (later reduced on appeal). Remaining defendants Eli Lilly and Actavis/Teva continue negotiations.