Studies: Propecia Users Regrow Hair but Can Lose Sexual Functioning
By Scott Ringwelski
The promise of growing hair is always alluring. It is generally believed that more hair improves your handsomeness, restores a youthful image, builds that ever important self-image, and makes you appear more “sexy.” That’s why many men turn to products like Propecia to treat their male-pattern baldness. Propecia has been proven to help patients regrow hair, but it is a promise that can hide hidden dangers.
As measured by hair counts, a 5-year study of men with hair loss found that 66% who took 1 mg of Propecia (finasteride) daily regrew some hair. In the same study, based on photographs that were reviewed by an independent panel of dermatologists, 48% of those treated with Propecia experienced visible regrowth of hair and a further 42% had no further loss.
However, there is also a very serious and well-documented downside to using finasteride. The harm resulting from Propecia use can include serious sexual side effects, including the following:
- Impotence
- Abnormal ejaculation
- Decreased ejaculatory volume
- Abnormal sexual function
- Gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Ejaculation disorder
- Testicular pain
It is important to note these conditions may persist even after discontinuing the drug, and may even become permanent.
A recent study in August 2012 found that 61 former users of Propecia suffered from persistent sexual side effects. Additionally, a full 75% of the men in the study displayed ominously higher rates of depression indicators. In truth, 44% of these men even reported suicidal ideation. The study concluded that Propecia may cause symptoms of depression and possible intentions of suicide in some individuals which can continue even after cessation of usage.
Beyond all those acknowledged problems comes an even greater potential side effect. The FDA has added a warning to Propecia concerning an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer.
If you or a loved one took Propecia, Proscar or another finasteride product and suffered sexual side effects such as impotence, erectile dysfunction or erratic sexual responses, you may have a legal claim. Visit the Propecia Loss of Sex Drive, Sexual Dysfunction Class Action Lawsuit Investigation for more details. The Propecia injury attorneys working this investigation will review your claims for free and advise you if you have a case to seek compensation through an individual Propecia settlement or class action settlement.
Updated March 27th, 2013
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