Problems with Propecia May Be Permanent

How Propecia Works

Propecia and Proscar are two drugs that contain a compound called finasteride. This type of drug is called a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, which works by interfering with an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme helps regulate the amount of testosterone and several other hormones associated with male secondary sexual characteristics. This decreases the amount of testosterone in the body. Since male-pattern baldness is related to high levels of testosterone, finasteride can prevent and even reverse hair loss.

Possible Problems with Propecia

By interfering with levels of testosterone in the body, Propecia can have other serious side effects. Sex drive in males is closely tied to levels of testosterone, so reducing the level of this hormone in the body can damage male libido and lead to effects like impotence. Patients who took Propecia have reported side effects like decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, trouble with orgasms, and even shrinking genitals.

Interfering with testosterone may also leave males vulnerable to a number of types of cancer. Patients who used Propecia and Proscar appear to have an increased risk of male breast cancer and aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

Patients who used Propecia have also reported neurological side effects after taking this drug. These effects include problems like depression, memory loss, mental fogginess, and depression.

Despite Merck’s assurance that sexual side effects would stop with the discontinuation of their product, evidence has surfaced that the sexual side effects of Propecia could be long-lasting, if not permanent. A study published by Dr. Irwig in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that these Propecia side effects could last the rest of the patients’ life.

The FDA Responds

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a number of studies have linked Propecia with prostate cancer. Curiously, the overall risk of prostate cancer actually drops. However, more of the patients on Propecia who did get prostate cancer developed a much more aggressive, high-grade form of prostate cancer.

In 2011, the FDA announced upgrade warnings that Propecia may be linked with prostate cancer and permanent sexual dysfunction.

Propecia Lawsuits Seek Damages for Injuries

Dozens of drug injury lawsuits have been filed against the Merck, the manufacturer of Propecia. These lawsuits allege that Merck knew, or should have known about these serious side effects of Propecia but chose to downplay the risks to increase sales, thus preventing patients and prescribing physicians from having all of the information they needed to make an informed decision regarding treatment with these medications.

If you or someone you care about took Propecia and suffered from sexual side effects, cancer, or neurological effects, you may feel embarrassed coming forward. However, you have rights. You can take steps to take control of your situation by visiting the Propecia Loss of Sex Drive, Sexual Dysfunction Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation. Here you can submit your information for a free review by a lawyer who specializes in this type of lawsuit. You will receive an evaluation of your case, free of charge. From here, you can receive guidance on what steps to take next.