Despite the overwhelming concern of the sexual dysfunction allegedly associated with America’s most popular male pattern baldness treatment, the problem is seldom mentioned in the product’s clinical trials data.

Out of 34 Finasteride clinical trials, none of them had reported on the potentially permanent damages on the male libido functions. Researchers from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine have recently composed a new meta-analysis addressing this issue, which was published in JAMA Dermatology.

About Propecia & Proscar

Finasteride is the main ingredient for the enlarged prostate treatment, Proscar, as well as the popular male pattern baldness treatment, Propecia. These products were approved by the FDA in 1992 and 1997 respectively, and are both manufactured and produced by Merck & Co.

For Propecia in particular, it has become one of the most popular hair loss products for the drug company, but has been alleged to cause permanent sexual dysfunction in men. Despite the numerous consumers who have reported libido complications after using Propecia or Proscar, researchers have yet to come to a definite conclusion.

Propecia Sexual Dysfunction Concern

The meta-analysis had analyzed 34 clinical studies that observed the side effects of Finasteride, and found that none of them pointed out the dangers of sexual dysfunction. Researchers then asked why these side effects were omitted in these published articles, with the scientists suspicious that the researchers behind these clinical studies had purposely excluded these warnings.

The researchers of the meta-analysis state that it was odd that these side effects were not mentioned, because Finasteride has been shown to decrease the levels of testosterone in the body, by blocking the hormones primarily responsible for hair loss.

Additionally, the researchers point out that patients and medical experts alike now have reservations regarding Finasteride products.

FDA Requires Propecia Label Update

In 2010, the FDA had required Merck to include sexual dysfunction complications like erectile dysfunction, semen quality, sterilization, ejaculation disorder, being unable to maintain erection, and other such complications. The agency also required the company to mention that these side effects could persist for long periods of time, and may be permanent.

The FDA implemented this requirement after hundreds of Propecia and Proscar injury reports were submitted. Furthermore, the agency stated that despite no causal link being officially determined, patients should still be wary of potential sexual dysfunction complications and should report any symptoms or concerns to their physicians as soon as possible.

Propecia Lawsuits

Overall, the meta-analysis found that further research needed to be conducted into the potential complications, and that the injury reports show legitimate reason for concern.

Currently, Merck & Co. is facing over 1,240 Finasteride lawsuits, alleging that the plaintiffs had developed sexual dysfunction soon after taking either Proscar or Propecia. These lawsuits allege that Merck & Co. had allegedly known about these side effects for years, but had concealed them from the public in order to protect the products’ market value.

Previously, the drug company did include warnings of sexual dysfunction on Propecia’s warning label, but stated the side effects would resolve themselves once the product was discontinue.

Men who have fallen victim to Propecia were devastated to realize that may have given up their libido functions for a full head of hair. Many men are so ashamed of their condition that many of them do not come forward, but claim that they never would have taken Propecia if they had known about the possible sexual dysfunction.