Propecia (generic: finasteride) has the inherent ability to prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By preventing this conversion, Propecia may help in the treatment of male pattern baldness. Unfortunately, dangerous Propecia side effects coincide with the continual use of the medication. Patients who use Propecia may increase their risk of developing life-threatening prostate cancer.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Propecia, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
What’s the problem?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) garnished Propecia with their approval on December 19, 1997. As a product of Merck & Co., Propecia soon became a leader in the fight against male pattern baldness.
Propecia contains finasteride, an ingredient which belongs to a group of drugs commonly known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. As a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, finasteride treats male pattern baldness by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone is a substance in the body that has the potential shrink hair follicles until they are no longer visible. By doing so, Propecia promotes and assists in the steady growth of hair in the scalp region.
However, patients who use 5-alpha reductase inhibitor medications may develop dangerous and life-threatening Propecia side effects. Reports indicate that Propecia may be responsible for the development of a serious form of prostate cancer (high-grade prostate cancer) in men. Due to the severity of high-grade prostate cancer, many men have sought compensation for their pain and suffering by hiring their own Propecia prostate cancer lawyer.
Propecia Side Effects
The following Propecia side effects have been linked to the continual use of the medication:
- High-grade prostate cancer
- Breast enlargement/tenderness
- Depression
- Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, hives and swelling)
- Problems with ejaculation
- Testicular pain
- Prolonged erectile dysfunction
- Male breast cancer
Propecia Prostate Cancer
The continual use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like Propecia may result in men developing high-grade prostate cancer, a cancer recognized as an aggressive form of the already dangerous prostate cancer. Its name is derived from the rate in which it metastasizes. Propecia prostate cancer has the ability to spread much faster than low-grade prostate cancer. Due to the inherent dangers of sever forms of cancer, many men have sought compensation for their pain and suffering by filing a Propecia prostate cancer lawsuit.
FDA Propecia Warning
The following FDA warning acknowledges that Propecia prostate cancer risks are significant enough to require a label change:
The FDA notified healthcare professionals that the Warnings and Precautions section of the labels for the 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5-ARI) class of drugs has been revised to include new safety information about the increased risk of being diagnosed with a more serious form of prostate cancer (high-grade prostate cancer).
The labels of all 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) are being revised based on the FDA’s review of two large studies. Both studies showed an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer. As a result of these resent findings, many men have implemented a Propecia prostate cancer lawsuit against Merck & Co.
Do I have an Propecia Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Propecia lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Propecia, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.