Propecia Linked to Sexual Dysfunction & Prostate Cancer
By Robert Boumis
The drug Propecia (finasteride) is designed to interfere with testosterone in order to treat baldness and a disorder of the prostate gland called benign prostate hyperplasia. It has some of the same active ingredients as the drug Proscar, which carries specific warnings from the FDA. Propecia is manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co.
Propecia has several listed side effects. These include depression and anxiety. However, the drug is also linked with an increase in male sexual dysfunction. The manufacturer had stated that the sexual side effects of Propecia should resolve once treatment with finasteride is discontinued. However, it appears that this might not be the case for many of the men who were prescribed this drug.
According to a 2003 study, about half of the men who suffered sexual side effects from Propecia continued to suffer from these problems once the treatment stopped. These effects could last the rest of the patients’ lives.
Possible Propecia Cancer Link
On top of Propecia’s sexual side effects, the FDA released a statement in 2011 that drugs like Propecia may increase the risk of a serious form of prostate cancer. This is an aggressive form of prostate cancer that can rapidly metastasize through its victims’ body. Though the FDA only warned about prostate cancers, it is possible that this drug could be linked to other cancers, including male breast cancer. The symptoms of male breast cancer include tenderness of the breast, lumps on the chest, and discharge from the nipple.
Specific Propecia Side Effects
Propecia’s side effects include a wide variety of sexual issues in male patients. These include:
- ED or erectile dysfunction
- Problems with ejaculation
- Decreased libido
- Impotence
- Decreased sex drive
- Difficulty achieving orgasm
- Testicle pain
- Male breast growth
- Infertility
Additionally, the side effects of Propecia could include depression, anxiety, and possibly male breast cancer.
Propecia Injury Lawsuits
Lawsuits against the manufacturer of Propecia allege that the company failed to warn patients about these potentially serious side effects, including sexual side effects and life-threatening cancer. In Sweden, the labeling of Propecia was changed to inform patients about these serious side effects. However, the labeling in the United States did not. Without information regarding the sexual side effects and cancer, including information on the permanence of these side effects, patients would not be able to make an informed decision regarding the drug. Additionally, it is alleged that the manufactures downplayed the permanence of Propecia’s sexual side effects.
Updated April 10th, 2013
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