Propecia Problems Extend Beyond Sexual Side Effects

In the United States, only two drugs are approved to prevent or reverse male pattern baldness. One is Rogaine, which generally only slows hair loss. The other, Propecia (finasteride), helps many patients regrow hair. Propecia works by altering hormone receptors associated with baldness. Unfortunately, altering hormones may sometimes promote problems with sex drive and cancer.

Between 1998 and 2011, the United States Food and Drug Administration received more than 400 reports of Propecia sexual dysfunction via the agency’s postmarketing adverse reaction reporting tools. This includes problems including difficulty achieving orgasm, erectile dysfunction, and decreased libido. It was initially believed that patients’ sexual side effects would resolve after discontinuing Propecia. Unfortunately, this appears to not be the case for many men who used Propecia.

Several studies have also linked Propecia with psychiatric changes in patients. Many patients have suffered from anxiety and depression while taking this drug. In some cases, patients suffered from suicidal thoughts after taking Propecia. Like the sexual side effects, these problems can persist after discontinuation of the drugs. In 2010 Merck added references to the risk of depression to the drug’s warning label.

In 2011, the FDA issued a safety alert to healthcare professionals that Propecia had been associated with an increased risk of serious forms of prostate cancer. Specifically, Propecia was associated with high-grade prostate cancer. Prostate cancer varies considerably in terms of how dangerous it is. However, high-grade prostate cancer is characterized as aggressive, rapidly spreading and threatening the patient’s life.

Additionally, Propecia may cause changes in the male breast. The drug can cause Gynecomastia, or the growth of breasts in males. Additionally this drug is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in males. Merck is adding this information to the warning labeling information associated with their drug.

Lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of Propecia and related drugs. These Propecia lawsuits allege that the manufacturers were, or should have been, aware of these serious side effectives. The Propecia lawsuits further allege that the manufacturers downplayed the risks associated with their products, preventing patients and prescribing physicians from having the information they needed to make informed medical decisions regarding their treatment.

If you, or someone you know, took Propecia and went on to suffer from life-threatening complications, you may be afraid to come forward. Many men find sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction embarrassing, and may delay seeking legal help or even treatment. But you have rights, and you can take steps to getting back control of your situation. You can start by visiting the Propecia Loss of Sex Drive, Sexual Dysfunction Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation. Here, you can enter your information for review by a legal specialist with a background in cases like these. Your information will be reviewed free of charge. From here, you can receive additional guidance on the best next steps to take in your specific situation.