The hair loss drug Propecia has been linked to a number of side effects, including permanent sexual dysfunction and prostate cancer.

Because the manufacturer of Propecia allegedly failed to adequately warn patients and provide accurate information about the risks associated with this prescription medication, men who suffered from Propecia sexual side effects or were diagnosed with prostate cancer after using the hair loss medication may have legal recourse.

Propecia Sexual Side Effects

Propecia (finasteride) promotes hair growth by altering dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in the body. However, this same hormone also regulates the body’s sexual functions. In April 2012, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) changed the label of Propecia to warn that the hair loss drug may cause severe, long-lasting sexual side effects.

Shortly after the label change, two important studies were published that confirmed a link between finasteride and male sexual dysfunction. The first, which appeared in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in July 2012, found that Propecia sexual side effects can persist long after patients stop taking the drug.

Another study, published in August 2012 in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, found that victims of Propecia sexual side effects were at increased risk for severe depression and suicidal thoughts that persisted even after discontinuation of the drug.

While warnings about Propecia erectile dysfunction are outlined on the drug’s label, Merck allegedly provided inaccurate and misleading information about Propecia’s other sexual side effects, which can include:

• Impotence
• Loss of libido (lower sex drive)
• Male breast growth
• Erectile dysfunction
• Ejaculation problems
• Testicular pain
• Infertility
• Problems with orgasm

Many men using this drug didn’t know that these Propecia sexual side effects can continue for months or years after use. As early as 2003, data suggested that only 50 to 59 percent of men suffering from Propecia sexual side effects had the dysfunction stop after discontinuing use of the drug.

While warning labels in other countries have been updated to warn patients that sexual problems may continue after use of Propecia has stopped, the warnings have yet to be added to packaging in the United States.

Other Propecia Side Effects

In addition to Propecia sexual side effects, the hair loss drug has also been linked with another serious side effect – prostate cancer. In June 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that Propecia could increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer.

Propecia contains the same active ingredient as Proscar, a prostate drug manufactured by Merck, but it only contains one-fifth the dose.

In spite of the lower dosage, the FDA said that the hair loss drug should carry the same warning regarding high-grade prostate cancer, an aggressive disease which grows and metastasizes faster than low-grade prostate cancer.

Propecia Lawsuits

Numerous lawsuits have already been filed against Merck for failing to warn U.S. clients about long-term, or possibly permanent, side effects of Propecia erectile dysfunction – even though similar warnings about the hair loss treatment were provided to users in other countries.

If you or a loved one took Propecia and have suffered sexual dysfunction side effects or have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may be eligible to file a Propecia lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and reimbursement of your expenses.