Bloomberg data reports that the sale of testosterone medications have
more than doubled since 2006 to 5.6 million last year. The increase in
the sale of testosterone replacement therapies may provide treatment to
the estimated nearly 14 million men older than age 45 in the U.S. who
have low levels of testosterone. Sales of testosterone drugs, such as
Eli Lilly’s Axiron and Abbott Laboratories’ AndroGel, are expected to
reach $5 billion to 2017.How do such testosterone replacement medications compare to erectile dysfunction treatments such as Viagra? IMS Health states that 2011 sales of erectile dysfunction sales totaled $5.3 billion, while Bloomberg data reports that 2011 sales of testosterone treatment drugs totaled $1.6 billion in comparison.
Low testosterone levels can lead to loss of sex drive, depression, and reduced tissue and bone mass. Testosterone medications can increase libido, but can also lead to blood clots, prostate tumors, liver damage, and infertility, which is important information for those men seeking testosterone aids to bolster sex drive in hopes of family planning.
Eli Lilly’s Axiron is applied under the arm, just like deodorant. The company started a widespread marking campaign last year to educate men about the causes of low testosterone levels and how to seek treatment. Abbott Laboratories’ treatment is coined AndroGel; Abbott only promotes FDA-approved use of its product for men who doctors have diagnosed with low testosterone levels. Such testosterone medications sales’ may be booming, but they have not yet reached the level of erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra, and before starting testosterone replacement therapy men need to speak with their doctor or health care provider.
