For men who have used Propecia, erectile dysfunction can be an unexpected, devastating and permanent side effect. We are currently investigating individual Propecia lawsuit claims for men suffering from permanent sexual side effects. There is no national Propecia class action lawsuit covering all cases.
Propecia and Hair Loss
Propecia, also known generically as Finasteride, has been prescribed to millions of men to treat male pattern baldness. By the time men reach the age of 50, half of them will have some type of hair loss. It may be a recession of the hairline, or a thinning in the crown on the head. Scientists believe that hair loss is due partly to genetics and partly to male hormones. A particular hormone, DHT (dihydrotestosterone) affects the hair growth. For men who become sensitive to DHT, the hair grows more slowly and becomes thinner.
Propecia works by blocking DHT in the scalp, encouraging hair growth. The drug may take up to three months before results can be seen. Furthermore, the results last only while the drug is being taken. Once Propecia is discontinued, its benefits will diminish and eventually end.
Propecia and Erectile Dysfunction
Because Propecia affects the male hormone, DHT, it also can affect other male functions. In its own literature, Propecia manufacturer, Merck, cautions that Propecia side effects in men can include breast tenderness and growth, testicular pain and, most seriously, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and difficulty with orgasm.
Propecia’s website acknowledges that these problems can occur, but says that the symptoms will stop once the medicine is discontinued. Unfortunately, a number of men who have taken Propecia have found that not to be true.
In a recent study of 71 healthy men who had taken Propecia, over 90% experienced erectile dysfunction. What’s most startling is that even after the men discontinued the medicine, they still had long-term problems that lasted years later. Other research questions if the numbers of those affected are even larger than initially thought.
Propecia, which is prescribed to men 18 and over, can disrupt the sexual function during the main years for dating, marriage and growing a family. Men who took Propecia to counter hair loss and then experienced long-term or permanent erectile dysfunction, may now have little choice but to cope with both hair loss as well as continued sexual side effects.
Merck Propecia Lawsuits
While researchers have not found a sure way to reverse the Propecia side effects, men who are affected by the drug can arm themselves with information about their legal options. We are currently investigating lawsuit claims on behalf of men who have had permanent sexual side effects as a result of taking Propecia. If you would like a free, no-obligation and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, we can help. Please contact us for filing deadlines for Merck Propecia lawsuits and to answer any of your questions. There is currently no national Propecia class action lawsuit covering all claims based on permanent sexual side effects.
