Stroke Related to Hormone Therapy Treatment
While HRT can be effective in treating menopause symptoms, there may also be serious health risks associated with them such as stroke and breast cancer.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been prescribed for years in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. While these treatments can be effective, there may also be long-term health problems associated with them.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is medication that contains one or more female hormones. They are commonly prescribed to women to treat the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disorders. Studies have shown that HRT drugs are effective in reducing the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. However, while they may provide some benefits, there are also risks associated with the use of HRT. Some of these risks may include:
- Pulmonary Vascular Disease
- Breast and Ovarian Cancer
- Gallbladder Disease
- Blood Clots
Prempro is one of the popular hormone replacement therapy’s that thousands of women have taken over the years. This HRT drug is produced by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals; they have already paid over $165 million in HRT litigation settlements.
Stroke Related to HRT
In 1991, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) was established. It is an ongoing study of women and their health. Hormone replacement therapy was a large part of these clinical trials.
The study revealed that for women taking HRT or ERT, there was a increased risk of stroke. This risk seems to be higher or lower depending on the woman’s risk factor for other health problems. It also may depend on the dosage amount and how long the patient was on the HRT.
For some women who may have been at higher risk, they should have been warned of the risk of stroke. A doctor’s failure to check a patients history or determine the risks, may be constituted medical negligence or malpractice.
Other Health Risks Related to HRT
Pfizer is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. In 2009, a Philadelphia jury ordered Pfizer to pay over $34 million in a HRT lawsuit. The plaintiff had developed breast cancer after taking a trio of hormone replacement drugs.
In an earlier case, Wyeth, a division of Pfizer, was ordered to pay $75 million in punitive damages to a plaintiff after the jury decided that her breast cancer was connected to their hormone therapy drugs.
Get immediate help. If you or a loved one have suffered serious side effects as the result of taking HRT drugs, contact the Zevan and Davidson Law Firm today. Schedule a free and private consultation by calling (314) 588-7200 or filling out our online contact form.