Merck Didn’t Warn about Persistent Propecia Sexual Dysfunction
By Anne Bucher
Propecia (finasteride), manufactured by Merck Pharmaceuticals, is an oral drug that is used to treat male pattern hair loss. Currently, Propecia is the only oral medication that is used to treat hair loss. Men who experience male pattern baldness typically have high levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) present in their scalp, which causes their hair to thin. Propecia works by preventing testosterone from converting to DHT. While the drug has been effective for many men who suffer from male pattern baldness, many men have suffered significant Propecia sexual side effects. In some cases, their side effects last even after they stopped taking the medication.
Many Men Experienced Propecia Sexual Dysfunction
Numerous men who have suffered Propecia sexual dysfunction have come forward to take legal action against Merck. They claim that Merck was aware that the Propecia sexual side effects could be long-term but failed to warn doctors and patients about the dangers. As a result, these men have suffered from a range of sexual side effects, including:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased libido
- Genital shrinkage
- Impotence
- Testicular pain
- Ejaculation difficulties
- Anxiety
- Depression
After suffering these Propecia sexual side effects, many men claim that their jobs and relationships have suffered. They accuse Merck of manufacturing a defective product and failing to warn about the dangers of long-term Propecia sexual side effects. They claim that they experienced no symptoms of sexual dysfunction before they took the drug. They agree that, had they known about the risk of persistent sexual side effects that lasted even after they stopped taking Propecia, they would have taken the drug.
European Countries Were Aware of Persistent Propecia Sexual Side Effects as Early as 2008
While some European countries began taking notice of the lingering Propecia sexual side effects in 2008, the drug’s warning labels were not updated in the U.S. until 2012. While Merck had always acknowledged the risk of Propecia sexual side effects, the company insisted that the symptoms would subside once the patient ceased treatment. The new label warns that Propecia sexual dysfunction could persist even after the patient stops taking the drug.
File a Propecia Sexual Dysfunction Lawsuit
Due to the high number of Propecia lawsuits that have been filed throughout the U.S., the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has decided to consolidate the cases to streamline the litigation. In multidistrict litigation (MDL), the pretrial proceedings of a large number of similar cases will be handled by one judge. The Propecia MDL will be handled by a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. In an MDL, plaintiffs retain their right to have an individual jury trial.
If you or someone you love has experienced Propecia sexual dysfunction, you may be able to file a lawsuit against Merck. Visit the Propecia Loss of Sex Drive, Sexual Dysfunction Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation for more information. On this page, you will have the opportunity to submit information about your Propecia sexual side effects. An attorney will review your information for free and let you know whether you qualify to file a Propecia lawsuit. If your lawsuit is successful, you could recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Updated May 30th, 2013
All medical device, dangerous drug and medical class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Drug and Medical Device section of Top Class Actions.
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