By Dan Whitcomb

(Reuters] – Texas’ attorney general ordered Abbvie Inc. (NASDAQ:) and Endo International, drugmakers in Texas (NASDAQ:), to give over material related to sales of puberty blocks to children believing they are transgender as part of an investigation into possible off-label uses.

This comes amid growing debate over medication that is used to stop puberty or secondary sex traits in children aged 8 and under who have been diagnosed as having gender dysphoria. The national conversation about transgender issues has become increasingly heated in America.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton stated that he was investigating whether companies were promoting hormone therapies like Supprelin LA or Lupron to kids and parents, without disclosing any long-term consequences.

“I will not allow Big Pharma to misleadingly promote these drugs that may pose a high risk of serious physical and psychological damage to Texas children who cannot yet fathom  or consent to the potential long-term effects of such use,” Paxton said in a statement.

“ Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc markets Supprelin LA to treat central precocious puberty. It does not endorse its medication for use outside of the label. Endo spokesperson said they would cooperate with the investigation.

Representatives from Abbvie couldn’t be reached by Reuters for comment Thursday.

Paxton stated that Supprelin LA (manufactured by Endo) and Lupron Depot (made by Abbvie) were both approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat other conditions, but they were used for stopping puberty in girls with gender dysphoria.

A related matter was that Arizona and Oklahoma passed Thursday legislation banning transgender boys born in the state of Oklahoma from playing girls’ soccer.

These bills were passed after Lia Thomas (a transgender swimmer from the University of Pennsylvania) won the Division 1 NCAA women’s freestyle championship at 500 yards.