What Causes Propecia Erectile Dysfunction?

Finasteride, the active ingredient in Propecia and other hair loss drugs like Proscar, is widely prescribed to treat male pattern baldness. Finasteride works by reducing the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the male sex hormone (or androgen). DHT plays a major role in hair loss, as well as prostate enlargement. Men with higher levels of DHT are prone to conditions such as male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — otherwise known as an enlarged prostate.

An enlarged prostate is one of the many side effects of Propecia reported by users.

While reducing the production of DHT is effective at treating male pattern baldness, it also alters the body’s hormone chemistry, creating a host of physical and mental side effects. These finasteride side effects can persist for months or even years after discontinuing the drug, and may never go away. Mental side effects of Propecia include cognitive impairment, poor memory, depression and anxiety.

Studies Link Propecia (Finasteride) to Permanent Sexual Side Effects

A 2011 study out of George Washington University found damning evidence that persistent sexual dysfunction can occur from using Propecia. The study looked at 71 men who used finasteride over an average period of more than two years. According to the study, performed by Dr. Michael S. Irwig:

* 94% developed reduced sex drive
* 92% developed erectile dysfunction
* 92% developed decreased sexual arousal

These Propecia sexual side effects lasted nearly 40 months after stopping the medication.

In response to mounting evidence that Propecia sexual side effects may be permanent, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated the Propecia warning label in 2011 to include that Propecia erectile dysfunction may be permanent. The FDA updated the warning again on April 11, 2012 to expand the list of sexual dysfunction side effects that have been reported to continue after the drug is no longer being used.

These new label changes included libido disorders, ejaculation disorders, orgasm disorders, decreased libido, male infertility and/or poor semen quality.

The FDA said it has received over 400 reports of Propecia sexual dysfunction over the past 13 years, with nearly 60 of these men reporting their side effects lasted more than three months after stopping finasteride.

Merck Facing Mounting Propecia Lawsuits

As reports of persistent Propecia sexual side effects continue to emerge, many are turning to Propecia injury attorneys to help them secure financial compensation from Merck. The majority of Propecia lawsuits and Propecia class action lawsuits allege Merck was aware that Propecia sexual dysfunction could be permanent, but hid this risk from consumers to increase its bottom line.

If you took Propecia or another finasteride product such as Proscar and were injured in any way, a Propecia compensation specialist can provide a free legal review of your case.