Merck’s Patent Loss May Negatively Affect Propecia Users
By John Curran
In the wake of quarterly earnings reports, it is clear that the New Jersey-based Merck & Co. is not doing very well after losing its patent on its blockbuster drug Propecia. The loss of patent protection may also prove to be a poor development for men as it may expose them to additional erectile dysfunction side effects from generic versions of the hair loss drug.
For most medications, generic options allow for treatment of dangerous conditions at a much lower price than when a company had patent protection. However, as Propecia lawsuits mount against Merck, it has become unclear whether or not the benefits or reversing hair loss outweigh problems like Propecia erectile dysfunction and cognitive decline side effects.
Propecia is based on the chemical finasteride, which limits the creation of the hormone testosterone. In spite of many men thinking that hair loss is a sign of being less manly, doctors note that it is actually often a sign of increased testosterone levels.
By decreasing the hormone, it creates a chemical imbalance in a man’s body that can lead to sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction and low libido. Unfortunately, as product labels overseas indicate, these side effects can persist long after patients stop taking the medication. Some claims from Propecia lawsuit attorneys indicate that they can last for more than 10 years.
That is a troubling number of men who took Propecia at a younger age, particularly those looking to reduce hair loss. Some of the Propecia lawsuits involve plaintiffs as young as 21. Others say that Propecia side effects have lasted as long as 20 years. Now that the drug has generic alternatives, not only is Merck losing money, but the drugs are more accessible by being less expensive.
Unfortunately, that means that many more men are likely going to face Propecia side effects. The persistence of these conditions is still not available to patients via product safety packets because of the FDA’s need to approve any new verbiage in these warnings.
If these conditions affected you or someone you know, obtaining a legal remedy is one option. Learn more about your options by contacting a Propecia lawsuit attorney to see if you are eligible to file a claim. A free consultation is available at the Propecia Loss of Sex Drive, Sexual Dysfunction Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation.
It costs nothing and could be the first step toward getting a jury award or settlement. Since cases are being centralized, it is important to get started now in order to not have any delays in the remedy your potential case merits.
Updated May 7th, 2013
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