Free Propecia Case Evaluation: If you or a loved one has developed prostate cancer or any other serious side effect after undergoing treatment with Propecia, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help.

Propecia Prostate Cancer

On June 9, 2011, the FDA informed healthcare professionals that the warning labels for Propecia and other drugs in the 5-ARI class had been updated to include new safety information about the risk of being diagnosed with high-grade prostate cancer, the most serious form of the disease. The administration has advised healthcare professionals and patients to be aware of the prostate cancer link, and to carefully weigh the benefits vs. risks prior to beginning or continuing a regimen of 5-ARI treatment.

Propecia contains finasteride, the active ingredient in all 5-ARIs. Finasteride treats male pattern baldness by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a substance in the body that has the potential to shrink hair follicles until they are no longer visible. By doing so, Propecia is supposed to promote and assist in the steady growth of hair in the scalp region.

The move to enhance the warnings on Propecia was based on the agency’s review of two trials – the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) and the Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events (REDUCE) trial – which analyzed daily use of finasteride 5 mg vs. placebo for seven years and daily use of dutasteride 0.5 mg vs. placebo for four years.

The PCPT was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 18,882 men over the age of 55 who had normal digital rectal examination and PSA levels. The trial compared the use of finasteride 5 mg to placebo for the reduction in the risk of prostate cancer. Treatment was continued for seven years following randomization or until diagnosis of prostate cancer, initiation of treatment with a 5-ARI, or unacceptable side effects. The results of the PCPT showed that men taking finasteride had a 26% overall lower risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer than the placebo group. However, there was an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancers with finasteride vs. placebo.

The REDUCE trial was a randomized, double-blind four year study designed to evaluate the safety of dutasteride in reducing the risk of prostate cancer in 8,231 men 50-75 years of age considered to be at increased risk for prostate cancer. The results of the trial showed that men tasking dutasteride had a 23% overall lower risk of being diagnosed with low-grade prostate cancer when compared to test subjects taking a placebo. However, like the PCPT, the REDUCE trial found an increased incidence of high-grade prostate cancer with dutasteride vs. placebo. According to the FDA press release:

The trials demonstrated an overall reduction in prostate cancer diagnoses with finasteride 5 mg and dutasteride treatment. This overall reduction was due to a decreased incidence of lower risk forms of prostate cancer. However, both trials showed an increased incidence of high-grade prostate cancer with finasteride and dutasteride treatment.

Signs and symptoms of Propecia-induced high-grade prostate cancer include:

• trouble urinating
• decreased force in the stream of urine
• blood in the urine
• blood in the semen
• swelling in the legs
• discomfort in the pelvic area
• bone pain

Side Effects of Propecia

In addition to the increased risk for high-grade prostate cancer, Propecia has also been linked to a host of serious sexual side effects including:

• less desire for sex
• difficulty in achieving an erection (erectile dysfunction)
• decrease in the amount of semen
• problems with ejaculation
• gynecomastia
• impotence
• testicular pain
• male breast cancer

Some men have also reported various mental side effects associated with Propecia use that include:

• depression
• anxiety
• insomnia
• memory loss
• slurring of speech
• dissociative states

State laws establish independent statutes of limitations for which a Propecia prostate cancer claim can be filed. Lawsuits of this type are typically product liability claims because the manufacturer failed to provide an adequate warning about the risk of prostate cancer. Most Propecia prostate cancer lawsuits include causes of action for strict liability, negligence, and breach of warranty. Because state laws create a deadline for filing a claim, a man who believes he contracted high-grade prostate cancer because of Propecia should contact a defective drug lawyer as soon as possible.

Do You have a Propecia Lawsuit?

The Product Liability & Defective Drug Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Propecia prostate cancer lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new Propecia prostate cancer cases in all 50 states.

Free Propecia Impotence Case Evaluation: If you or a loved one has become impotent or suffered any other sexual side effects after undergoing treatment with Propecia, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help.

What’s the problem?

According to new research, men worried about losing their hair may be at risk of losing far more than that if they take Propecia. A study published in the March 2011 issue of The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that between five and 23 percent of men who take the drug may become impotent and have lowered sex drives because of the active ingredient finasteride. In some cases, severe sexual dysfunction persisted even after Propecia was stopped.

For those men, “it’s a life sentence,” said lead researcher Abdulmaged M. Traish, a professor of biochemistry and urology at Boston University School of Medicine.
“No sex. No desire. Potential depression,” Traish added. While nearly everyone who takes Propecia will experience some sexual side effects, certain individuals experience them more severely than others.

The study examined the available medical literature for reports of sexual side effects associated with finasteride and dutasteride, the active ingredient contained in Avodart. The results found that approximately 8% of men taking the drugs reported erectile dysfunction, and 4.2% reported reduced libido, compared with 4% and 1.8% receiving a placebo, respectively. The research also noted reduced ejaculation and semen volume, as well as severe depression in some men.

First approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 1992, Propecia is a prescription drug manufactured and marketed by Merck & Co. to treat male-pattern baldness. Its main active ingredient is finasteride, which is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5-ARI). In 2008 alone, Propecia earned nearly $430 million for Merck.

What is impotence?

Achieving an erection is a complex biological process, requiring sexual sensations from the genital area to be transmitted to the nervous system, which are then returned to the penis in the form of nervous impulses and dilated blood vessels. Anything that interferes with this interaction can make achieving and maintaining an erection difficult. Also known as erectile dysfunction (ED), impotence is a common condition that occurs when a man cannot sustain an erection long enough to have sex, or cannot have an erection at all. Impotence affects an estimated 15 million men each year around the country.

According to the National Kidney & Urological Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), impotence is not a normal consequence of aging. Approximately 70% of erectile dysfunction is due to diseases such as diabetes and atherosclerosis, and another 10% to 20% is due to psychological factors. The remaining percentage can be attributed to lifestyle factors, injury, and prescription medications like Propecia.

When a man is suffering from impotence, it may cause emotional pain and issues between him and his sexual partner. If left untreated, ED can not only cause long-standing physical complications but self-esteem problems as well.

Luckily, impotence is usually treatable. Once the cause of the issue is determined, treatment can be tailored to target the root of the problem and any other contributing factors. Treatment for impotence may include drugs, vacuum devices, surgical intervention and/or psychotherapy.

Injured by Propecia? Act now.

Because impotence can severely affect an individual’s health and quality of life, it is important to consult your healthcare professional immediately if you have trouble achieving or maintaining an erection. With increasing discussion of the topic, coupled with advances in treatment, men are now much more comfortable talking with their doctors about erectile dysfunction than at any time in the past. Impotence is not a medical emergency, but it may be associated with diseases that can have serious complications.

The Propecia impotence lawyers at Schmidt & Clark, LLP are leaders in the area of defective drug litigation. We have the extensive knowledge and resources needed to represent our clients efficiently and aggressively. If you or a loved one has suffered from impotence or other sexual side effects after being treated with Propecia, fill out the form below to get in touch with our attorneys today. There is a limited amount of time in which to file a claim, so that’s why it is important that you act now.

Do I have a Propecia Impotence Lawsuit?

The Product Liability & Defective Drug Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Propecia impotence lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new Propecia impotence cases in all 50 states.

Free Propecia Libido Case Evaluation: If you or a loved one has suffered from the loss of libido or any other serious side effects after undergoing treatment with Propecia, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help.

Low Libido in American Men

It contradicts some of the basic cultural beliefs that we have, but the truth of the matter is that many American men may be waning in their desire for sex. In fact, many in the medical community estimate that a low sex drive affects at least 20 to 25 percent of adult males. It is much more common and culturally accepted for women to avoid sex, but it strikes terror into the heart of a man to think he may not be as interested as he once was, because a male’s sense of self is largely associated with his virility.

A number of variants can trigger the loss of libido including stress, illness, poor diet, lack of exercise and depression. Low libido can severely affect personal relationships and create tension between partners. Signs and symptoms of a lowered libido include:

• disinterest in sexual intercourse
• inability to climax
• avoidance of intimacy
• lack of sexual thoughts
• erectile dysfunction

Propecia works by blocking dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone thought to be primarily responsible for an enlarged prostate and baldness. In Propecia users, excess testosterone is converted to estrogen through a process called aromatization. This higher level of estrogen leads to a lowered libido and other sexual side effects in some men. These side effects were originally thought to cease once the dose of Propecia was discontinued. However, new information has found that not only can low libido and other sexual side effects continue after stropping treatment, they may in fact be permanent.

Propecia Libido Lawsuits

While a number of Propecia libido lawsuits have been filed around the country, there is speculation that many more men are suffering from similar problems, considering the fact that men tend to struggle with issues like decreased libido in silence. When sexual side effects occur, men may try to search online for a solution to the problem. Beyond that, however, consulting a doctor or lawyer about the loss of libido is often the last thing on their minds.

Various complaints claim that Propecia users were unaware that the finasteride they were taking would result in decreased libido and other sexual side effects. The Propecia website does note that a small number of men have reported Propecia sexual dysfunction, including “less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, and a decrease in the amount of semen,” states Merck. “These side effects went away in men who stopped taking PROPECIA [sic] because of them.”

However, this does not seem to be the case for some. There have been a growing number of reports that suggest some Propecia users have found their sex drive has continued to suffer long after discontinuing treatment with Propecia. There is no mention on Merck’s website that suggests Propecia side effects may persist after the drug is stopped. The implication, then, is that men experiencing loss of libido and other sexual side effects can stop taking Propecia and expect to fully recover.

Journal of Sexual Medicine Study on Propecia

A study published in the March 2011 edition of the Journal of Sexual Medicine suggests that the side effects of Propecia could actually be persistent or even permanent, and that the percentage of men experiencing these issues may be significantly higher than that reported by Merck. The research, which was conducted by an assistant professor of medicine at George Washington University, found that 94 percent of its study participants developed low libido and 92 percent developed erectile dysfunction. The average length of treatment with Propecia was 28 months, but the sexual side effects persisted for an average of 40 months after ceasing treatment with the drug. In 20 percent of the participants, sexual dysfunction persisted for five years or more.

Taking statistics like these into consideration, it may be likely that many Propecia side effects could be permanent. If you’ve suffered from low libido or other sexual side effects after being treated with finasteride for an extended period of time, contact our Propecia lawyers today. We can help you seek justice and financial compensation from Merck by filing a legal claim.

Do You have a Propecia Libido Lawsuit?

The Product Liability & Defective Drug Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Propecia libido lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new Propecia libido cases in all 50 states.

Free Propecia Erectile Dysfunction Case Evaluation: If you or a loved one has developed erectile dysfunction (ED) or any other adverse sexual side effects after being treated with Propecia, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help.

What’s the problem?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the repeated inability to achieve or maintain an erection during sexual intercourse. ED is different from other conditions that interfere with male sexual intercourse, such as lack of sexual desire (decreased libido), and problems with ejaculation and orgasm. Signs and symptoms of erectile dysfunction may include:

• trouble getting an erection
• trouble keeping an erection
• reduced sexual desire

ED varies in severity – some men are totally unable to achieve an erection, while others can only sustain brief erections. The wide range of issues related to erectile dysfunction makes estimating its frequency difficult. As well, many men are reluctant to discuss ED with their doctors due to embarrassment, and thus the condition goes widely undiagnosed. Nevertheless, it is estimated that ED affects some 30 million men in the United States alone.

Consult your physician immediately if:

• ED or other sexual side effects are an issue for you or your partner;
• you have diabetes, heart disease or other health problems that may be linked to erectile dysfunction;
• you have other symptoms that may not seem related.

Propecia Erectile Dysfunction Study

A recent study conducted at the Center for Andrology and Division of Endocrinology at The George Washington University investigated 71 otherwise healthy male test subjects between the ages of 21 and 46 years old. After using Propecia, these men reported developing sexual side effects that lasted for at least three months, even after discontinuing treatment. Specifically:

• 94% developed low libido;
• 92% developed erectile dysfunction;
• 92% experienced decreased sexual arousal;
• 69% developed problems having an orgasm;
• the average number of sexual episodes per month dropped from 25.8 to 8.8;
• the total sexual dysfunction score on a standardized test scale increased before and after using Propecia.

At the time the study was conducted, the average duration of Propecia sexual side effects was 20 months, with 20 percent of the test subjects experiencing issues lasting six years or more.

While Propecia labels in the U.S. currently warn about possible reversible sexual side effects, there is no reference to the effects being persistent. According to Merck, most men who experience erectile dysfunction or other sexual side effects from Propecia are able to bounce back quickly. “Resolution occurred in men who discontinued therapy with Propecia due to these side effects and in most of those who continued therapy. The incidence of each of the above adverse experiences decreased to ≤0.3 percent by the fifth year of treatment.”

“This is the first trial to show this medication can cause persistent sexual side effects,” says Michael Irwig, co-author of the study. “And the risk needs to be known when men are contemplating taking the medication and doctors are prescribing the medication. … The looming question for all the subjects is whether their sexual function will ever recover. Many of the study participants have developed anxiety and depression as a consequence of their sexual dysfunction and all reported a significantly decreased quality of life, especially with dating and intimacy.”

Propecia Erectile Dysfunction Lawsuits

To date, a number of Propecia erectile dysfunction lawsuits have been filed around the country. One such claim filed against Merck on behalf of men who had taken Propecia alleges the medication has serious side effects including erectile dysfunction and emotional difficulties. The lawsuit claims Merck failed to warn about these risks, even after regulators in Europe demanded a stronger warning label highlighting the problems with Propecia. An attorney for the plaintiffs argued that Propecia’s side effects have a devastating impact on the men who used the drug, and that despite Merck’s claims to the contrary, these issues can remain years after they stop using Propecia.

If you or a loved one has suffered from erectile dysfunction or any other serious side effect after using Propecia, you may qualify to be compensated for your injures. Do not delay – there is a limited amount of time to act. Please fill out the form below and we will have our lawyers investigate your potential Propecia lawsuit.

Do I have a Propecia Erectile Dysfunction Lawsuit?

The Product Liability & Defective Drug Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Propecia erectile dysfunction lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new Propecia erectile dysfunction cases in all 50 states.

Free Propecia Breast Cancer Case Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with male breast cancer after using Propecia for a prolonged period of time, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help.

Propecia Male Breast Cancer

Male breast cancer is a rare but serious disease, accounting for less than one percent of all breast cancer cases. Conditions that result in relative estrogen excess or lack of androgen are associated with an increased risk of male breast cancer. Although breast cancer in men occurs far less frequently than in women, the diseases share many of the same characteristics. Cancer begins when normal cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a mass called a tumor. A tumor can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant, meaning the mass is cancerous and can spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body. Breast cancer is less common in men because their breast duct cells are less developed than those of women and because their breast cells are not constantly exposed to the growth promoting effects of female hormones.

According to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI), the risk of male breast cancer may be affected by the prolonged use of Propecia:

Finasteride shrinks androgen-dependent prostate tissue by inhibiting steroid 5α-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). However, inhibition of DHT production alters the estrogen-to-androgen ratio and may also increase the risk of gynecomastia and male breast cancer. Reports to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from June 1992 through February 1995 showed that gynecomastia had been observed in 214 men receiving finasteride therapy. Two of these men were subsequently found to have invasive ductal breast carcinoma. There was also a higher incidence of gynecomastia in men participating in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial. The rate of gynecomastia was 426 (4.5%) of 9423 subjects randomly assigned to the finasteride arm compared with 261 (2.8%) of 9457 subjects randomly assigned to the placebo arm. There was one case of breast cancer in each arm of the trial.

If you notice any persistent changes to your breasts, contact your healthcare provider immediately. The signs to watch out for include:

• a lump felt in the breast
• nipple pain
• an inverted nipple
• nipple discharge (clear or bloody)
• sores on the nipple and areola (the small ring of color around the center of the nipple)
• enlarged lymph nodes under the arm

Propecia Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a swelling of male breast tissue caused by an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone. The condition can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly. Signs and symptoms of Propecia-induced gynecomastia may include:

• swollen breast gland tissue
• breast tenderness
• pain
• nipple discharge in one or both breasts

Gynecomastia is a chronic condition that typically requires surgery (which is often botched) to correct. It can leave deep ‘X’-shaped incision scars where the nipple one resided. Once gynecomastia manifests itself, it can be treated with aromatase inhibitors but is almost never completely eradicated, except with potentially dangerous cosmetic surgical procedures.

Sadly, gynecomastia wasn’t even listed in the physician’s desk reference (PDR) as a possible side effect of Propecia until several years after it was introduced to the market. Even sadder is the fact that the condition can be easily prevented with the concurrent use of aromatase inhibitors, but they are never recommended. Your doctor may tell you that Propecia is a safe drug with few reversible side effects, but remember that he or she has only been spoon fed information from Merck’s pharmaceutical sales reps, who never say anything to compromise drug sales.

Side Effects of Propecia

In addition to the risk of male breast cancer and gynecomastia, a significant number of men reported Propecia side effects including:

• less desire for sex
• difficulty in achieving an erection (erectile dysfunction)
• decrease in the amount of semen
• problems with ejaculation
• impotence
• testicular pain
• prostate cancer

If you are taking Propecia

If you are currently taking Propecia, contact your healthcare professional immediately if you notice any breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or other breast changes. These may be signs of Propecia male breast cancer. Additionally, seek immediate medical attention if you experience unexplained hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.

It is important to understand that Propecia is designed for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in men only, and should not be taken by women or children. If a pregnant woman absorbs finasteride, it may cause abnormalities in the baby’s sex organs. If a woman who is pregnant comes into contact with Propecia, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Do I have a Propecia Breast Cancer Lawsuit?

The Product Liability & Defective Drug Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Propecia breast cancer lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new Propecia breast cancer cases in all 50 states.

Free Propecia Side Effects Case Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been injured by Propecia side effects, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help.

Propecia Background

There has always been a significant percentage of the male population who have lost their hair relatively early on in life. For centuries, this phenomenon was linked to genetics and fate, and it was assumed that nothing could be done once someone’s hair began to disappear. Over the last few decades, however, a number of pharmaceutical companies have studied the issue extensively and released medications designed to combat the symptoms of male pattern baldness.

Manufactured and marketed by Merck & Co., Propecia was first approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997 as a prescription treatment for male pattern hair loss. Propecia contains the active ingredient finasteride, which is an irreversible and highly potent inhibitor of Type II 5-Alpha Reductase that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). As DHT has been implicated in the balding process, finasteride can aid in stopping hair loss. In addition to Propecia, other drugs containing finasteride in the 5-ARI class include Proscar, Avodart and Jalyn.

Side Effects of Propecia

The following side effects have been reported in a large number of Propecia users:

• less desire for sex
• difficulty in achieving an erection (erectile dysfunction)
• decrease in the amount of semen
• problems with ejaculation
• gynecomastia
• impotence
• testicular pain
• male breast cancer
• prostate cancer

Other, less severe side effects linked to Propecia include:

• breast tenderness
• allergic reactions
• rash
• hives

Propecia Sexual Side Effects

Merck reported that the sexual side effects of Propecia include:

• impotence (1.1% to 18.5%)
• abnormal ejaculation (7.2%)
• decreased ejaculatory volume (0.9% to 2.8%)
• abnormal sexual function (2.5%)
• gynecomastia (2.2%)
• erectile dysfunction (1.3%)
• ejaculation disorder (1.2%)

According to Merck, Propecia side effects should cease after discontinuing treatment.  “In clinical studies for Propecia, a small number of men 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 those side effects occurred in less than 2% of men and went away in men who stopped taking Propecia because of them.” However, recent studies suggest that this may not be entirely true.

In April 2011, a study published in the Los Angeles Times suggested that Propecia side effects can include a number of severe sexual problems which can potentially continue indefinitely after men stop using the product. The study, which involved male test subjects between the ages of 21 and 46 who used Propecia for an average of 28 months, found that sexual side effects lasted an average of 40 months after taking the drug.

“The looming question for all the subjects is whether their sexual function will ever recover,” wrote the authors of the new study, from George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. “Many of the study participants have developed anxiety and depression as a consequence of their sexual dysfunction and all reported a significantly decreased quality of life, especially with dating and intimacy.”

Propecia Prostate Cancer

In June 2011, the Food & Drug Administration ordered the labels of Propecia and other 5-ARI medications to be changed to include information about the risk of high-grade prostate cancer that had been associated with the drugs. The label change was based on the agency’s review of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) and the Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events (REDUCE) trial, which evaluated daily use of finasteride 5 mg for seven years in men at least 50 years of age. According to the FDA warning, “The trials demonstrated an overall reduction in prostate cancer diagnoses with finasteride 5 mg and dutasteride treatment. This overall reduction was due to a decreased incidence of lower risk forms of prostate cancer. However, both trials showed an increased incidence of high-grade prostate cancer with finasteride and dutasteride treatment.”

Signs and symptoms of Propecia prostate cancer may include:

• delayed or slowed start of urinary stream;
• dribbling or leakage of urine, most often after urinating;
• slow urinary stream;
• straining when urinating, or not being able to empty out all of the urine;
• blood in the urine or semen;
• bone pain or tenderness, most often in the lower back and pelvic bones (only when the cancer has spread).

Injured by Propecia Side Effects?

If you’ve experienced any of the side effects listed above after undergoing treatment with Propecia, you may want to consider filing a lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries. At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we have Propecia lawyers who may be able to help you. Complete the form at the bottom of this page to request your free confidential case evaluation today.

Do You have a Propecia Side Effects Lawsuit?

The Product Liability & Defective Drug Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Propecia side effects lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new Propecia side effects cases in all 50 states.

Free Propecia Case Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been injured by Propecia, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help.

Propecia Background

First approved by the FDA in 1997, Propecia (finasteride) is a prescription drug used in the treatment of male pattern baldness (MPB). Also known as ‘The Hair Loss Pill for Men,’ Propecia is a once-a-day pill that has shown considerable success in slowing or stopping MPB. The condition is a common one, occurring in roughly 50 percent of all men as they age, whose first signs include a thinning of the hair on the crown of the head. Propecia is designed to work by blocking the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is thought to be chiefly responsible for hair loss. In test results issued by Merck, some 90 percent of men who took Propecia were either able to grow more hair or continued to stop hair loss.

In order to maintain hair growth results, Propecia is intended to be taken on a consistent, ongoing basis. Propecia works for approximately six to 12 months after discontinuing use and then ceases to be effective, so long-term use is promoted for continuing success.

When it was first introduced, Merck angled its sales pitch for Propecia around the idea that men who were losing their hair were also losing their sex appeal. Through the use of before-and-after examples, it was implied that using hair replacement drugs such as Propecia could help men of a certain age regain their attractiveness and youthful appearance. It is hard to know just how many men were swayed by this marketing tactic, but Propecia sales have consistently ranked it among Merck’s most successful prescription drugs.

Propecia Side Effects

A growing number of men have reported Propecia side effects including:

• less desire for sex
• difficulty in achieving an erection (erectile dysfunction)
• decrease in the amount of semen
• problems with ejaculation
• gynecomastia
• impotence
• testicular pain
• male breast cancer
• prostate cancer

Other, less severe side effects associated with Propecia include:

• breast tenderness
• allergic reactions
• rash
• hives

Propecia Sexual Dysfunction

A recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found a definitive link between the use of Propecia and sexual side effects. The study reported that data from numerous clinical trials concluded that up to 15 percent of men who used Propecia suffered sexual dysfunction, compared with just seven percent of men who took a placebo. Propecia’s warning label for sexual side effects reads as follows:

FOR MANY MEN THESE SIDE EFFECTS ARE LONG TERM OR PERMANENT: Many men who have experienced the side effects while on the medication, once they stopped the medication have returned to normal in accordance with representations made in the official prescribing information. However, many of these men’s endocrine systems failed, and their side effects increased in severity. Many continue to have unresolved and persistent sexual, neurological, and physical side effects from the finasteride use – which have been known to go on indefinitely. Some men have reported using finasteride for as little as 2 weeks when sexual side effects began to develop and never went away.

Propecia Male Breast Cancer

The hormones in Propecia can have a powerful effect on a man’s body. It is not always clear why some men respond favorably to treatment with Propecia while others experience more serious side effects. One of the most serious problems Propecia users may experience is male breast cancer. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should speak with your doctor as soon as possible:

• male breast enlargement
• lumps or pain in the breast area
• discharge from the nipples

Propecia Prostate Cancer

In June 2011, the Food & Drug Administration notified healthcare professionals of an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer in men who took five milligrams or more of Propecia a day. High-grade prostate cancer is the most deadly form of the disease, and Propecia may significantly increase this risk in users who have taken the drug over an extended period of time. Signs and symptoms of Propecia-induced high-grade prostate cancer may include (but are not limited to):

• problems during urination
• difficulty achieving an erection
• painful ejaculation
• semen in the blood
• pelvic discomfort
• persistent back and/or hip pain
• swelling in the legs
• swollen lymph nodes

Have you been injured by Propecia?

If you were injured by Propecia, you may have a legal claim against Merck because Propecia’s warnings were inadequate: men were not warned that Propecia side effects could be permanent. The Propecia Lawyers at Schmidt & Clark, LLP represent men throughout the United States who were injured by Propecia.

Do I have a Propecia Lawsuit?

If you are among the men who continue to experience long-term side effects from the use of Propecia, you may have a claim for damages against Merck. The Product Liability & Defective Drug Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Propecia lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new Propecia cases in all 50 states.

Men shouldn’t have to choose between going bald and losing their sexual vitality. Unfortunately, Merck’s blockbuster hair loss treatment Propecia (generic: finasteride) has recently been linked to a number of serious sexual side effects including impotence, erectile dysfunction, testicular pain and genital shrinkage. Making matters worse, a growing number of former Propecia users have also been diagnosed with male breast cancer, prostate cancer, and severe body disfigurement. At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are passionate about helping the large number of otherwise healthy men who have suffered from any of the serious physical, mental, or sexual side effects that have been increasingly associated with Propecia. 

Propecia Lawsuit Update 4/16/12: The Federal Propecia litigation has been centralized before U.S. District Judge John Gleeson in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The move to consolidate the cases was largely based on Merck’s decision to update Propecia’s warning label to include new information about the risk of persistent sexual side effects. All of the claims involve similar allegations that Merck failed to adequately warn the public that Propecia could cause serious and potentially-irreversible sexual complications.

Propecia Warning Update 4/12/12: The FDA issued a press release today announcing that Propecia and Proscar warning labels will be updated to include new information about persistent sexual side effects. The action came following the administration’s review of hundreds of Adverse Event Reports involving the drugs. The new warning labels will include information about libido, orgasm, and ejaculation disorders that persist even after patients discontinue treatment with the drugs.

Propecia Lawsuit Update 2/16/12: More than 50 former Propecia and Proscar users have joined a lawsuit against Merck & Co. for failing to warn the public about the serious health risks associated with its best-selling drugs. The suit claims that the medications cause an “increased risk of persistent and/or serious and dangerous side effects.” The complaint alleges these complications can continue even after the patient discontinues treatment with the drugs.

Propecia Update 2/7/12: Merck Pulls Content Off Propecia.com – The controversy surrounding Propecia has apparently led Merck to yank its content off the company’s website. Although Merck has offered no official explanation for the action, many legal experts believe it may have been prompted by the growing number of Propecia sexual side effects lawsuits that have been filed in courthouses around the country. The complaints allege that Merck knew – or should have known – about the potential for these types of complications, and that it failed to adequately warn consumers of these inherent risks.

Free Confidential Case Review: If you or a loved one has been injured by Propecia, you should contact us as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential case.

Propecia Background

Marketed and manufactured by Merck, Propecia is male pattern baldness drug that works by significantly inhibiting dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – a key cause of hair loss – in a patient’s scalp. DHT is a substance in the body that can shrink the hair follicle until it no longer produces visible hair. Reducing DHT appears to inhibit the further shrinking of affected hair follicles. Propecia was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997 for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern baldness (MPB).

After it was first approved by the FDA, Merck marketed Propecia with the angle that men who were losing their hair were also losing their sex appeal. The company made the pitch that by using the drug to replace hair loss, users would regain their attractiveness and youthful appearance. It’s hard to say how many men were reeled in by this tactic, but Propecia’s sales figures have been consistently huge for Merck.

Propecia Side Effects

The following side effects have been reported in a large number of Propecia users:

• difficulty in achieving an erection (erectile dysfunction)
• less desire for sex
• decrease in semen volume
• ejaculation disorders
• gynecomastia
• impotence
• testicular pain
• male breast cancer
• prostate cancer
• genital shrinkage
• penile fibrosis (Payronie’s Disease)
• body disfigurement
• endocrine system failure
• psychological and emotional trauma
• anxiety

Propecia Sexual Side Effects Study

Unfortunately, Propecia interferes with male hormones, including testosterone derivatives. A number of men have reported experiencing unexplained sexual side effects after using Propecia. Even when they stop using the drug, many men have reported that these Propecia side effects continue.

A recent study conducted at the Center for Andrology and Division of Endocrinology at George Washington University examined the long-term sexual side effects experienced by a number of Propecia users. The study involved 71 healthy men between the ages of 21-46 that suffered from sexual side effects lasting at least three months, despite stopping their use of Propecia. Of these:

• 94% developed low libido
• 92% developed erectile dysfunction
• 92% developed decreased arousal
• 69% developed problems with orgasm

“This is the first trial to show the medication can cause persistent sexual side effects,” says Michael Irwig, co-author of the study. “And the risk needs to be known when men are contemplating taking the medication and doctors are prescribing the medication.”

Propecia Suicide Warning

In 2011, a 22-year-old man committed suicide after taking Propecia and suffering from persistent sexual dysfunction. Do not let the depression and emotional difficulties associated with Propecia-induced sexual side effects ruin your life. We can help and offer a Free CONFIDENTIAL Case Review.

Propecia Male Breast Cancer

Like breast cancer in women, cancer of the male breast involves uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the breast tissue. Male breast cancer symptoms vary widely from patient to patient, and many breast cancers have no obvious symptoms at all. However, commonly reported signs and symptoms of Propecia-induced male breast cancer include:

• breast lump located just below the nipple
• ulceration of the skin
• puckering, dimpling, redness or scaling of the nipple
• nipple retraction (turning inward)

Propecia Prostate Cancer

On June 13, 2011, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced that its review of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) demonstrated an increased incidence of high-grade prostate cancer with Propecia and other similar medications. The results of the PCPT showed that men on finasteride (Propecia and Proscar) had a 61% increased incidence of the severe, ‘GS 8-10’ prostate cancers. Symptoms of Propecia-induced high-grade prostate cancer include:

• trouble urinating
• decreased force in the stream of urine
• blood in the urine
• blood in the semen
• swelling in the legs
• discomfort in the pelvic area
• bone pain

Propecia Class Action Lawsuit

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Merck & Co., Inc. for failing to fully disclose the serious side effects of Propecia. The claim seeks compensation on behalf of a group of men who have taken Propecia and suffered from severe sexual and mental side effects. The lawsuit claims that Merck failed to fully disclose the side effects of Propecia, which resulted in needless suffering and permanent loss of sexual desire for the victims.

We’re Here To Help – Contact a Propecia Lawyer Today

The Defective Drug Litigation Group at our law firm includes some of America’s most passionate, accomplished and skilled trial lawyers. When choosing our firm to represent you in your potential Propecia claim, you will not only gain access to a level of professional legal representation previously available only to large corporations, but also to an exceptional level of personal attention and customer service from compassionate trial lawyers found at no other law firm.

We are handling individual lawsuits nationwide and currently accepting new Propecia cases in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one has been injured by Propecia, you should contact us as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential case.

We are handling individual lawsuits nationwide and currently accepting new Propecia cases in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one has been injured by Propecia, you should contact us as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential case.