Sexual dysfunction is the most common side effect of Propecia, an anti-baldness medication. In some cases, impotence and other sexual disorders persist long after men stop taking the drug. Over 1,000 lawsuits have been filed against Merck & Co. for failing to warn about the risk.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Propecia induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with sexual dysfunction, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Propecia Risks Highlighted in Men’s Journal Report
September 14, 2015 — Men’s Journal is warning about the risk of sexual dysfunction and other side effects from Propecia. Click here to read more.
Propecia Lawsuits
In 2012, federal judges created a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in the Eastern District of New York to centralize Propecia lawsuits. About 750 caseswere filed by mid-2015, and over 1,000 have been filed as of mid-2016. Hundreds of additional lawsuits are pending at the state level in a New Jersey Multi-County Litigation (MCL).
Overview
Propecia (1-mg finasteride) was approved by the FDA in 1997 for the treatment of male pattern baldness. It is manufacutred by Merck & Co.
How Does Propecia Work?
Propecia is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARI) that blocks male sex hormones. Specifically, it reduces the amount of testosterone that is converted into dihydrotestosterone (DhT), a male sex hormone that is primarily responsible for male pattern hair loss.
What is the problem?
In clinical trials, sexual dysfunction was the most commonly-reported side effect of Propecia. About 3.8% of 945 men on Propecia reported at least one symptoms, compared to 20 (2.1%) on a placebo. In some cases, these problems do not improve when men stop using Propecia.
FDA Updates Warnings
In 2011, the FDA added “persistent erectile dysfunction” to the list of Propecia side effects based on hundreds of adverse event reports. In 2012, the FDA issued a Safety Communication and expanded the list of sexual side effects.
Sexual Side Effects of Propecia
- Erectile dysfunction
- Libido disorders
- Orgasm disorders
- Poor semen quality
- Ejaculation disorders
- Decreased libido
- Infertility
Does Propecia Cause Sexual Dysfunction?
No clear causal links between Propecia and sexual side effects has been established. However, these case reports suggest a broader range of adverse effects than previously reported by Merck & Co.
Propecia and High-grade Prostate Cancer
In June 2011, the FDA waarned that Propecia may increase the risk for the most serious form of prostate cancer. These high-grade tumors are the most deadly form of prostate cancer. They grows and spread into surrounding areas quickly, often reappear, and are hard to treat.
Studies of Propecia Sexual Dysfunction
Out of 34 clinical trials of Propecia, none adequately reported sexual side effects, according to a study published in JAMA Dermatology.
In 2015, another study found that men under 42 years old who use Propecia are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with erectile dysfunction, low libido, and need to take medications like Viagra (sildenafil).
Men who used Propecia and experienced persistent sexual dysfunction may also be more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, according to study published in Pharmacotherapy.
Propecia Side Effects
- Sexual side effects
- Loss of Libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Emotional trauma
- Body disfigurement
- Gynecomastia
- Endocrine system failure
- Penile fibrosis
- Genital shrinkage
- Post-Finasteride Syndrome
- Depression
How Long Does Sexual Dysfunction Last?
Michael S. Irwig analyzed symptoms among 71 healthy men aged 21-46 years old who had at least 3 months sexual dysfunction after stopping Propecia. The average duration of the sexual side effects was 40 months, with 20% of participants reporting problems lasting more than six years. The men reported decreased arousal, erectile dysfunction, and problems with orgasm.
Propecia Class Action
Over 1,000 lawsuits have already been filed by men with sexual dysfunction, but not as part of a Propecia class action. Instead, they are individual lawsuits that have been centralized in New York and New Jersey. All of the lawsuits accuse Merck & Co. of failing to warn about the risk of persistent sexual side effects.
Do I Have a Propecia Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Propecia induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with sexual dysfunction, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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