Propecia (generic: finasteride) is used in the treatment of male pattern baldness on the vertex and the anterior mid-scalp area. Unfortunately, patients who undergo a strict regimen of the medication may experience hazardous Propecia side effects. Recent studies suggest that Propecia may be responsible for persistent sexual dysfunction, impotence, erectile dysfunction, depression and even the development of male breast cancer.
Propecia Lawsuit Update: On June 9, 2011, 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 Propecia prostate cancer (high-grade 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?
Propecia was introduced to the U.S. market in 1997 by the global pharmaceutical powerhouse Merck & Co. Upon conception, Propecia gained approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat male pattern baldness on the vertex and the anterior mid-scalp area. Unfortunately, adverse reports of finasteride side effects have left many people searching for a Propecia lawyer to represent them in court.
Finasteride, the active ingredient contained within Propecia, belongs to a class of medications known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. As a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, finasteride treats male pattern hair loss by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp, which prevents hair growth. DHT is a substance in the body that can shrink hair follicles until they no longer produces visible hair. Accordingly, Propecia promotes steady hair growth on the scalp.
However, patients who undergo a strict regimen of Propecia to regain hair may develop hazardous side effects. Reports indicate that a number of men experienced a decrease in desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection and in severe cases, the development of male breast cancer. Due to the severity of these side effects, many people have filed a Propecia lawsuit against Merck & Co.
Propecia Side Effects
The following side effects are currently being evaluated for a potential Propecia lawsuit:
- Prostate cancer
- Genital shrinkage
- Bodily disfigurement
- Gyneocomastia
- Penile fibrosis
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of libido
- Problems with ejaculation
- Impotence
- Testicular pain
- Endocrine system failure
- 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.
Propecia & Persistent Sexual Dysfunction
Researchers conducted standardized interviews with 71 otherwise healthy men aged 21–46 years who reported the new onset of sexual side effects associated with the temporal use of finasteride, in which the symptoms persisted for at least 3 months despite the discontinuation of finasteride.
Subjects reported new-onset persistent sexual dysfunction associated with the use of finasteride. 94% developed low libido, 92% developed erectile dysfunction, 92% developed decreased arousal, and 69% developed problems with orgasm. The mean number of sexual episodes per month dropped and the total sexual dysfunction score increased for before and after finasteride use according to the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (P < 0.0001 for both). The mean duration of finasteride use was 28 months and the mean duration of persistent sexual side effects was 40 months from the time of finasteride cessation to the interview date. Statistical data, such as this, has led many plaintiffs to acquire their own Propecia lawyer.
In response to several clinical trials and an influx of adverse sexual health reports, the FDA has announced significant changes that will be made to both Propecia and Proscar labels. The new label changes include:
- A revision to the Propecia label to include libido disorders, ejaculation disorders, and orgasm disorders that continued after discontinuation of the drug.
- A revision to the Proscar label to include decreased libido that continued after discontinuation of the drug.
- A revision to both the Propecia and Proscar labels to include a description of reports of male infertility and/or poor semen quality that normalized or improved after drug discontinuation.
Male Breast Cancer
In December 2009, not even two years ago, the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in the UK issued a warning to the healthcare community on finasteride and the potential risk it may carry for developing male breast cancer. Research uncovered that a higher risk of male breast cancer that coincides with the use of finasteride cannot be overlooked. Therefore, any potential Propecia lawsuit may be valid.
Do I Have A 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.