Propecia Linked to Sexual Dysfunction & Psychiatric Disorders

One of the first possible issues with Propecia that began to come to light was an array of sexual side effects. Propecia works by altering the way the body processes various male hormones. These hormones contribute to baldness and enlargement of the prostate, so it makes sense that a drug suppressing these hormones could help these conditions.

However, these same hormones are also intimately tied to sexual function in males. Patients who took Propecia have gone on to suffer from an array of sexual side effects including impotence, decreased libido, shrinking genitals, and difficulties achieving orgasm.

In December of 2008, the Swedish Medical Products Agency found that Propecia may cause irreversible sexual dysfunction. Additionally, the UK Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency made similar findings. Despite the manufacturer’s initial insistence that these Propecia sexual side effects would stop after discontinuation of treatment, evidence continues to mount that these side effects are permanent it many patients. In response to these concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration mandated changes to the drug’s labeling in April of 2012 warning users of persistent sexual side effects from Propecia.

Additionally, a 2006 study published in BMC Clinical Pharmacology found a marked link between Propecia and psychiatric disorders. This study found that patients on Propecia often suffered from clinical depression, and many suffered from anxiety at the same time. A later study, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in 2012, found that as many as 75 percent of Propecia patients had some symptoms of depression, and more than 40 percent of patients experienced suicidal ideation – an unhealthy preoccupation with the idea of suicide. In 2010, Pfizer, the manufacturer of this drug, altered its safety warning to feature concerns related to Propecia psychiatric disorders.

Since then, numerous Propecia lawsuits and class action lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer. These Propecia lawsuits allege that manufacturers knew – or should have known — about the serious side effects associated with their drug. Plaintiffs say Pfizer failed to act on this knowledge, and even downplayed the risks associated with treatment with this drug, preventing patients from having the information they needed to make informed medical decisions. These Propecia injury lawsuits seek damages related to serious side effects suffered after taking Propecia and related drugs.

If you, or someone you know took Propecia, then went on to suffer from serious medical side effects, you may not to know what to do next. Many people feel there is a stigma attached to mental illness and sexual dysfunction. However, you need to remember that you have rights, and there are steps that you can take to regain control over your situation. You can start to take back control by visiting the Propecia Loss of Sex Drive, Sexual Dysfunction Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation. Here, you can enter your information for free review by a Propecia attorney with a background in this type of legal situation.