In recent months, Finasteride has become a highly controversial ingredient associated with several catastrophic complications. Most recognized for serving as the mechanism of action in both Propecia and Proscar, finasteride has been linked to the development of mental, physical, and sexual side effects. Each of which are said to resolve themselves upon discontinuation of the medications. However, contrary to the manufacturer’s claims, men continue to suffer from what has become known as Post-Finasteride Syndrome.
Finasteride in the form of Proscar (5mg tablets) is used alone or in combination with another medication to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and its corresponding symptoms. As its name suggests BPH is characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland. Subsequenly, finasteride tablets consisting of 1mg doses are synonymous with Propecia. Accordingly, Propecia is also used to treat male pattern hair loss on the scalp.
Finasteride is in a class of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. As a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor finasteride assists in the treatment of BPH by blocking the body’s production of a male hormone that causes the prostate to enlarge. In smaller doses, finasteride treats male pattern baldness by blocking the body’s production of a male hormone in the scalp that stops hair growth.
However, the mechanisms of action responsible for the inhibition of such hormones may coincide with lasting complications. The introduction of a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor such as finasteride may result in the irreversible development of post-drug endocrine system crashes, the loss of androgenic action in the male body, and a common set of hypogonadal symptoms. Post-drug reactions such as these have become synonymous with lowered testosterone, LH, and FSH hormone levels. Otherwise known as Post-Finasteride Syndrome, this post drug reaction has been known to continue even after the discontinuation of products.
5-alpha reductase inhibitors demonstrate a propensity for the inhibition of 5-alpha reductase and DHT, hormones responsible for male pattern baldness and BPH. However, these hormones may serve as critical components in the proper development of mental, physical, sexual and fertility functions in men. The resulting suppression of the endocrine system may lead to Post-Finasteride Syndrome.
Post-Finasteride Syndrome is characterized as a clinical condition that witnesses the development of permanent sexual, mental and physical side effects. Subsequently, these complications neglect to resolve themselves after discontinuing finasteride. An acquired form of secondary hypogonadism and post-drug loss of androgenic action often accompanies those with Post-Finasteride Syndrome.
The development of Post-Finasteride Syndrome is directly correlated to the crash of the endocrine system when finasteride inhibits the production of select hormones. This crash often occurs several weeks after drug discontinuation. Many sufferers report a brief period of complete resolution of their side effects within 10-20 days of quitting the medication (as the manufacturer states should occur), when DHT levels supposedly return to baseline due to the (supposed) re-synthesized 5AR2 enzyme activity in the body (since 5AR2 is supposedly no longer being inhibited by finasteride).
However, this period of brief recovery in some men is just that, temporary. Those who develop Post-Finasteride Syndrome experience about a week of recovery until the body shuts down endogeneous testosterone production and becomes unresponsive to further androgenic action. When this occurs, the symptoms of Post-Finasteride Syndrome become relevant.
Do I Have a Post-Finasteride Syndrome 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 Post-Finasteride Syndrome lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one has developed Post-Finasteride Syndrome after using finasteride products, you may be entitled to financial compensation. For a free case review, please click the link below or call toll free 24 hrs/day 1-(949) 557-5800.