What is Propecia (Finasteride)?
Propecia (Finasteride 1mg) is used to treat male pattern hair loss (a common condition in which men have gradual thinning of the hair on the scalp, leading to a receding hairline or balding on the top of the head). Finasteride, in a higher dose formulation marketed as Proscar, is used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH, enlargement of the prostate gland). Use of the drug can improve symptoms of BPH such as frequent and difficult urination and may reduce the chance of acute urinary retention (suddenly being unable to pass urine). It may also decrease the chance of needing prostate surgery.
What is wrong with Propecia/Proscar (Finasteride)?
A study, recently published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, reveals that Finasteride, an antiandrogen that treats hair loss and is found in popular male pattern baldness drug Propecia--can cause persistent sexual dysfunction, including low sexual desire, erectile dysfunction and problems with orgasms. The drug has also been claimed to cause infertility and reduced ejaculate in men and may be linked to certain birth defects.
Serious Side Effects of Propecia (Finasteride)?
In clinical studies for Propecia, patients experienced certain sexual side effects, such as less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, or a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men and went away in men who stopped taking Propecia because of them.
In addition, some men may have breast enlargement and/or tenderness. You should promptly report to your doctor any changes in your breasts such as lumps, pain, or nipple discharge.
If you have experienced serious side effects from Propecia, or similar Finasteride medication you should contact your doctor immediately. For a free consultation contact our law firm today, we'll be glad to help
A Drug's Unintended Consequences
A recent study by GW Professor Michael S. Irwig reveals persistent and possibly permanent side effects associated with a common hair loss drug.
Men taking medication for hair loss may suffer from prolonged and possibly irreversible sexual dysfunction, according to a recent study by Assistant Professor of Medicine Michael S. Irwig.
The study, recently published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, reveals that finasteride--an antiandrogen that treats hair loss and is found in popular male pattern baldness drug Propecia--can cause persistent sexual dysfunction, including low sexual desire, erectile dysfunction and problems with orgasms.
While labeling on the medication in the U.S. currently warns about possible reversible sexual side effects, there is no reference to the effects being persistent, says Dr. Irwig, who conducted the study...
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Failure-to-warn lawsuits over hair loss drug on the rise
Lawsuits over the hair loss drugs Propecia and Proscar have been filed in federal and state courts alleging side effects that include erectile dysfunction, infertility, depression and suicide.
The suits claim that the drugs are dangerous and that drug maker Merck knew or should have known about the side effects and failed to warn about them. The first of these suits, a complaint on behalf of a Texas man and a Nevada man who took the prescription drug for male pattern baldness, was filed in New Jersey federal court in February.
The complaint will seek mass tort status, according to Edward A. Jazlowiecki of Jazlowiecki & Jazlowiecki in Forestville, Conn., who filed the suit."Most of the plaintiffs are males in their 20s, 30s and 40s who have suffered irreparable harm to their reproductive systems.
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Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride: Could They Be Permanent?
An article published on July 12, 2012 uncovers that after a series of clinical trials, Finasteride or Propecia which is used to treat male pattern hair loss, has been associated with sexual side effects that may persist despite discontinuation of the medication. The Journal of Sexual Medicine article goes on to state that in a 20% of subjects with male pattern hair loss reported persistent sexual dysfunction for 6 or more years, suggesting the possibility that the dysfunction may be permanent. In addition, the clinical study concluded an array of symptoms including changes in cognition, ejaculation quality, and genital sensation.
More information can be found in "Propecia Problems: Baldness Drug Linked with Long-Lasting Sexual Side Effects", Times article.
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