FDA: New labeling requirements: More stigma for TRT Bad reporting from WebMD

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http://www.webmd.com/men/news/20161026/fda-warns-of-dangers-from-testosterone-supplements

"FDA WARNS OF DANGERS FROM TESTOSTERONE SUPPLEMENTS" WebMD blares out

No its not Tribulus, Horny Goat or Maca. In fact the latest fear mongering from the FDA isn't about any supplement at all don't you know Mr. Robert Preidt? You piece is as uninformative and misleading as one would expect to find in any sensationalist street rag.

So the FDA wants new labeling on medicine because:

"testosterone and other AAS are abused by adults and adolescents, including athletes and body builders," according to an FDA news release"

"Abuse of testosterone, usually at doses higher than those typically prescribed and usually in conjunction with other AAS, is associated with serious safety risks..."

The only thing remotely newsworthy in your article Robert is that U.S. regulators continue to stigmatize patients using medicine by comparing them to athletes caught doping.

Robert, when you speak of "millions of Americans using pills, creams, injections with hopes of boosting their health and libido" how many of these are patients legitimately prescribed safe doses to treat depression, bone loss and disabling fatigue? If you don't know then stick with the facts. One line reporting that the FDA is changing labeling requirements for no study-proven reason whatsoever would better serve your readers.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

This only makes young men want it more. But uninformed doctors may resist writing prescriptions. This, too, shall pass!

 

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http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety...ivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

["The new Warning will alert prescribers to the abuse potential of testosterone and the serious adverse outcomes, especially those related to heart and mental health." ]

[ "Reported serious adverse outcomes include heart attack, heart failure, stroke, depression, hostility, aggression." ]

[ "prescribers: Measure serum testosterone concentration if abuse is suspected.'' ]


Listen up people we at the FDA know Testosterone and AAS are highly addictive and cause Roid Rage. It's a fact now. We're putting all you doctors prescribing this stuff on notice: "It's your job to ferret out all these abusers by being on alert and performing serum tests"

"For the time being, when using the Report Form in the link we're providing you may omit the names, SS number, ID and last known address of these abusers. Working with our buddies at DOT we'll soon have a maximum allowable testosterone serum level and start nailing them at DUI checkpoints."

Existing law in CA:
1150HS: You don't have to be driving. Being caught in public under the current influence of a "controlled substance" "in any detectable manner" is sufficient. Proof of impairment or misconduct is not required. Current means within the last five days.
Penalties: Up to one year in jail, Five years probation, costs and drug counseling. Get caught again within 7 yrs and the minimum jail term is 180 days. Don't even think of committing this crime if you own a firearm licensed or not and it's within your reach or in your vehicle.

Having a prescription is not a defense if it can be demonstrated that you used more than the prescribed amount within five days.

Court records in my own county show a large number o persons charged and convicted. They typically serve only a few days in jail on the first offense but its not long before they become career criminals with long records and multiple arrests for contempt of court for violating parole.

 

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Emphasizing "Abuse" and "Dependence" , which appears in the first sentence, is onerous. Under existing criminal laws the prosecutor need only demonstrate that you are physically dependent and will suffer withdrawal when deprived. You need not be "under the influence" to be charged with shopping or going to the beach as an "addict" .
Once you are in the system as an "addict" your sentence is for life. Your 5 year probation on the first "offense" means you will be searched at will for any/no reason.
Typically "addicts" have a long rap sheet for being caught with "paraphernalia" , especially alcohol swabs and syringes.
Being caught in possession of PCT drugs is all the proof required for a conviction for a "first offense" .

These are unlikely prosecutions for testosterone at the moment however the framework of law already exists.

 

[Henry]

In NY, testosterone is already a Schedule 2 drug. It's only a matter of time.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Henry, you make a good point.

• The following findings are required for drugs to be placed in schedule 3 (Testosterone is a schedule 3 drug in most states):


-The drug or other substance has a potential for abuse less than the drugs or other substances in schedules I and II.
-The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
-Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.


Note: NY state scheduled testosterone as a Schedule 2. Only paper prescriptions allowed. No called in re-fills.

HCG is a scheduled 3 drug in NY, NC,CA, NV, CO, MN, PA, RI, and CT