Propecia Linked to Chronic Sexual Dysfunction in Men

Created by Merck & Co., it was approved for the market in 1997. Since then, Propecia continues to be one of the most popular treatments for male-pattern baldness. However, recent reports have described extreme side effects on select patients. These side effects include long-term sexual dysfunction, diminished fertility ability, depression, and even birth defects in some rare cases.

General side effects of Propecia may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Decreased libido
• Inability to orgasm
• Erectile dysfunction
• Abnormal ejaculation
• Testicle pain
• Swelling in hands or feet
• Swelling or tenderness in breasts
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Skin rash

 
Emergency medical help should be sought if any of these allergic reactions occur: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. More serious side effects include male breast cancer, prostate cancer, permanent sexual dysfunction, anxiety and depression, and even birth defects.

Frequently, men experience extreme and persistent sexual side effects from Propecia use. It has been reported that even after patients stopped taking the drug, their diminished libidos or erectile dysfunction stayed with them. In April 2012, the FDA and Merck chose to revise the warning label on Propecia to include the chronic and persistent risks of libido disorders, ejaculation disorders, orgasm difficulty, and decreased sex drive.

Another common side effect Propecia has been found to create is anxiety and depression. In a study done in August 2012, research showed that 75 percent of 61 former users of Propecia with established, persisting sexual side effects had significantly higher rates of depression symptoms.

Of these men:

• 36% had severe symptoms
• 28% had moderate symptoms
• 11% had mild symptoms
• 44% of these men reported suicidal thoughts

Lastly, and possibly most significantly, Propecia and other finasteride products were found to cause birth defects in pregnant women. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets of any kind, because this substance can be absorbed through skin contact. If a woman or child accidentally comes into contact with a broken or crushed finasteride tablet, wash the area with soap and water right away, and call for emergency medical assistance.

Propecia is shown to cause birth defects primarily to developing male babies, but females are also at risk. It is unknown whether Propecia passes into breast milk, and thus should not be handled by breastfeeding women.  

Merck had not revised Propecia’s warning labels until April 2012 for its sexual side effects, nor did they properly warn against depression until 2010.

If you believe that you or a loved one have been wrongfully harmed by Propecia or any finasteride products, please visit the Propecia Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. There, you may submit your claim, and if it is found qualified for legal action, a specialized Propecia lawyer will get in touch with you right away. You will be guided through the litigation process at no out-of-pocket fees. These Propecia injury lawyers do not get paid until you do.