Propecia Users Report Sexual Dysfunction Side Effects
By Christina Drury
For many men, hair loss is a natural part of life. However, it can also be a sign of aging that men do not welcome. Attributed to genetics, hair loss affects millions of Americans each year – both men and women, although men experience it more often. To combat hair loss and male pattern balding, there are several products on the market that target hair loss, including Rogaine and several prescription drugs, one of which is known as Propecia. Despite its marketing, Propecia has turned out to be anything but a solution for some men who suffered persistent sexual side effects from the drug.
Propecia Side Effects
While Propecia does help with the male pattern baldness, it also proves to be a source of detriment for some men who suffer the side effects. Side effects may include anxiety, depression, insomnia and, the most detrimental of all, sexual dysfunction.
Despite Merck’s claims that Propecia sexual side effects will wear off after discontinuing the medication, this has proved to be far from true for some users. Several men have complained that they still suffer from sexual dysfunction years after taking discontinuing the drug and have filed Propecia lawsuits to recover damages for their discomfort.
Additionally, in 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) administered a warning that could possibly link the use of Propecia to high-grade prostate cancers. This is disconcerting news for Propecia users because high-grade cancers are rarer, but more aggressive types of cancers.
Study Links Propecia to Sexual Dysfunction
Boston University School of Medicine examined several clinical trials in which they discovered that 15% of men who took Propecia suffered from the most extreme Propecia side effect, sexual dysfunction and a decreased libido. This is compared to 7% of men who experienced the same symptoms while on a placebo. The data that was evaluated was taken from clinical trials that examined both men who were taking Propecia for hair loss and those who were taking it for treatment of an enlarged prostate.
While this may seem like a small number, the study evaluates all of the men who were taking the medication, and that number could be in the thousands.
Propecia Lawsuits
Two separate multidistrict litigations (MDLs) for Propecia lawsuits have been established in two separate courts — one in the Eastern District of NY and another in the New Jersey Superior Court of Middlesex County. There are a total of 415 plaintiffs that encompass 200 lawsuits, as of December 2012. The complainants are all of different ages ranging from their 20s through their 60s.
Are You Suffering from Propecia Side Effects?
If you have suffered from the side effects of Propecia or you know someone who has, you can still get help and seek legal counsel. To get more information, visit the Propecia Loss of Sex Drive, Sexual Dysfunction Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation. Here you can find out more information about ongoing investigations, Propecia side effects that have been reported and how to submit your information to qualified attorneys who are working hard to hold Merck responsible.
Updated April 8th, 2013
All medical device, dangerous drug and medical class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Drug and Medical Device section of Top Class Actions.
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