Although Finasteride, the main ingredient in the hair loss treatment Propecia, has been clinically tested in multiple studies, the suspected link between the treatment and sexual dysfunction remains inconclusive.

Researchers recently reviewed 34 clinical studies to determine how well the previous medical trials highlighted finasteride’s risk of sexual side effects. The results, published in the medical journal JAMA Dermatology, show that not one of the studies properly relayed safety information regarding finasteride’s possible link to sexual dysfunction. Upon review, the researchers questioned why the clinical trial reports did not provide adequate information about the severity and frequency of sexual toxicity. 

Was the omission malicious, or did the research reports omit the information simply because the clinical trials did not produce the data to link finasteride use with sexual dysfunction? Regardless of the reasons, the team concluded that the risks are not getting properly communicated to consumers who use drugs containing finasteride, such as Propecia.

What is Finasteride?

The active ingredient finasteride is found in two medications, Proscar and Propecia. Proscar is used to treat enlarged prostate, while Propecia is used to treat androgenic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness.

Finasteride blocks enzymes in the scalp and sexual organs to convert testosterone into the sex steroid steroid dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Propecia has been found to be an effective treatment for male hair loss in 50 percent of consumers. However, some studies have determined that if finasteride doesn’t convert testosterone properly, patients may experience sexual dysfunction as a Propecia side effect.

Propecia Sexual Dysfunction Studies

Numerous studies have found mixed evidence regarding Propecia’s link to sexual complications. Recent studies performed at Boston University School of Medicine concluded that 15 percent of Propecia users experienced sexual disorder side effects including erectile dysfunction. Other studies have found that Propecia sexual side effects affect as many as 39 percent of users.

While these studies clearly point to a link between Propecia’s active ingredient finasteride and sexual disorders, other studies are more elusive.

In a 2002 Propecia study, researchers found that sexual dysfunction occurred in less than two percent of consumers. Likewise, a 2007 study followed 18,000 Propecia consumers and found that sexual disorders increased “only slightly.”

While the mixed results add to the fear of the unknown, the FDA has determined that consumers should be aware of the risks even if data does not determine the link conclusively. The FDA now requires Propecia manufacturer Merck to warn about erectile dysfunction on the product label.

Propecia Lawsuits

Hundreds of Propecia lawsuits have been filed by plaintiffs who allege the hair loss medication caused serious side effects including: sexual dysfunction, prostate cancer, depression, and breast cancer. Propecia consumers claim that the hair loss product manufacturers did not adequately warn of the Propecia side effects associated with the treatment.

A mass Propecia litigation has been consolidated in the state of New York, while another 250 lawsuits are pending in the state of New Jersey. Contact a Propecia attorney to see if you can join one of the Propecia class action lawsuits.