Proscar (generic: finasteride) is intended to be administered in the treatment of symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a condition more commonly known as an enlarged prostate gland. However, recent evidence lends weight to the long-suspected link between this medication and severe Proscar side effects. Patients who undergo this treatment may increase their chances of developing Proscar prostate cancer. For this reason, many people have hired a Proscar lawyer to help fight for their rights.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Proscar, 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 is Proscar?
Merck & Co., the developer of Proscar, received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 19, 1992. Ever since it hit the market, Proscar has been intended for the use in alleviating symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Also called prostate gland enlargement, BPH is characterized by aging men who experience severe urinary symptoms. If treatment is neglected, BPH can block the flow of urine out of the bladder and cause catastrophic bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.
Proscar 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 improves symptoms of BPH such as frequent and difficult urination and may reduce the chance of acute urinary retention. It may also decrease the chance of needing prostate surgery. Finasteride works by preventing the excessive production of a particular male hormone that has an adverse affect on the prostate in concentrated amounts.
Unfortunately, patients who use 5-alpha reductase inhibitor drugs may develop catastrophic and potentially fatal Proscar side effects. Recent evidence suggests that the drug may be to blame for the development of a serious form of Proscar prostate cancer, otherwise known as high-grade prostate cancer. Due to the severity of this side effect, many men have sought compensation for their pain and suffering by hiring their own Proscar prostate cancer lawyer.
Proscar Side Effects
The following Proscar 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
Proscar Prostate Cancer
The continual use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like Proscar 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. Proscar prostate cancer has the ability to spread much faster than low-grade prostate cancer. Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland grow out of control. There are often no early prostate cancer symptoms, but some men have urinary symptoms and discomfort. Prostate cancer treatment options are surgery, chemotherapy, cryotherapy, hormonal therapy, and/or radiation. Due to the inherent dangers of sever forms of cancer, many men have sought compensation for their pain and suffering by filing a Proscar prostate cancer lawsuit.
FDA Proscar Warning
The following FDA warning acknowledges that Proscar 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. The results of one of the studies indicated that men on a finasteride regimen had a 26% overall lower risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer when compared to the placebo regimen (p<0.0001). The reduction in risk of prostate cancer was limited to Gleason score (GS) 6 or lower prostate cancers. However, there was an increased incidence of GS 8-10 prostate cancers with finasteride versus placebo (1.8% versus 1.1%, respectively). As a result of these resent findings, many men have implemented a Proscar prostate cancer lawsuit against Merck & Co.
Persistent Sexual Side Effects
Recent reports suggest that the use of finasteride-containing products may result in the development of persistent sexual side effects. 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 Proscar labels. The new label changes include:
- 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.
Do I Have A Proscar 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 Proscar lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Proscar, 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.