Although Propecia has shown some success in stimulating hair regrowth in men with male pattern baldness, a number of Propecia studies have indicated that men who use the medication may be at risk of suffering from major sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction. Propecia (finasteride) falls into a category of drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and is commonly prescribed to men suffering from hair loss caused by male pattern baldness. Finasteride initially entered the market in 1992 as an enlarged prostate drug called Proscar, and the FDA approved the medication as a hair loss drug under brand name Propecia in 1997. Propecia is currently manufactured by Merck & Co. If you took Propecia to treat your hair loss and have since experienced a serious sexual side effect, consult an experienced Propecia attorney for legal help.
Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is a common sexual problem among men, characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. Although having erection difficulties from time to time isn’t necessarily cause for concern, if erectile dysfunction is an ongoing problem, it can cause other debilitating side effects, including stress, embarrassment and relationship problems. Treating the underlying problem is the first step in treating or dealing with erectile dysfunction. Unfortunately, in men who have suffered from ED allegedly caused by the hair loss drug Propecia, the majority of sexual side effects have been shown to be irreversible.
In 2011, the Journal of Sexual Medicine published a study in which researchers sought to examine the adverse sexual side effects of the hair loss drug Propecia. The participants involved in the study included 71 otherwise healthy males between the ages of 21 and 46 who reported the new onset of serious sexual side effects associated with Propecia, in which the symptoms lasted for at least three months even after Propecia use was discontinued. The alarming results of the study indicated that 94% of the men taking Propecia suffered from low libido, 92% experienced decreased arousal, 92% developed erectile dysfunction, and 69% suffered from problems with orgasm.
Although an emerging body of research has identified Propecia use as a risk factor for the development of life-altering sexual side effects, the FDA has failed to sufficiently warn consumers about this side effect risk. In fact, the Propecia warning label established by the FDA indicates that only 2% of men are likely to experience sexual side effects while taking Propecia, but that these side effects would subside once use of the medication was discontinued. However, research conducted in the United States and other countries has indicated that up to 15% of Propecia users may experience sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction, and that these adverse effects may actually be irreversible.
Not only are the sexual side effects allegedly linked to Propecia serious, but they may persist even after use of the drug is discontinued. If you or a loved one has suffered from erectile dysfunction or another sexual side effect, which you believe to be associated with Propecia, contact a qualified Propecia attorney today. You may have grounds to file a Propecia lawsuit against Merck & Co. in order to pursue financial compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and pain and suffering. You are not at fault for any injuries caused by a dangerous pharmaceutical drug, and you should not be held accountable for the resulting consequences. With the help of a skilled Propecia lawyer, you can protect your legal rights and bring much-needed attention to the potentially harmful nature of the hair loss drug, Propecia.
