A 2008 article titled “5-alpha reductase inhibitors and erectile dysfunction: the connection.” by F. Erdemir et al. in Journal of Sexual Medicine provides important insight into the link between finasteride (the active chemical in hair loss drug Propecia and BPH drug Proscar) and adverse sexual side-effects.

The authors state “Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common problem affecting middle-aged and elderly men. First-line medical therapy includes alpha 1blockers and 5alpha-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs), such as finasteride and dutasteride. 5ARI use has been associated with adverse sexual outcomes, including erectile dysfunction (ED), ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD), and decreased libido.”

Searching “all publications concerning 5ARIs and sexual AEs” (that is, drugs like finasteride and sexual adverse effects), the team found that “Sexual AEs are reported in clinical trials at rates of 2.1% to 38%. The most common sexual AE is ED, followed by EjD and decreased libido.”

As such, Erdemir et al. (2008) concludes “The connection between 5ARIs and sexual dysfunction is apparent upon review of the literature” and states “Since the connection between 5ARIs and sexual AEs is established in the literature, future research should be directed toward deciphering the pathophysiologic mechanisms.”

Due to the fact that research such as this had been available for years and yet Merck & Co., Inc., the manufacturer of these drugs failed to update warning labels to include these risks until 2012 (at the direction of the FDA), a number of Proscar lawsuits and Propecia lawsuits have been filed against the company.

If you or a loved one used Proscar or Propecia and suffered adverse sexual effects, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.  For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of Proscar lawyers and Propecia lawyers at the information provided below.  We have the compassion, experience, and resources required to win the justice you deserve.

(855) 452 – 5529

justinian@dangerousdrugs.us