Finasteride is a chemical in a larger class called 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, and is the active chemical in the hair loss drug Propecia (finasteride 1mg), and the benign prostatic hyperplasia drug Proscar (finasteride 5mg). Recently, a number of scientific studies have demonstrated that finasteride use is linked to adverse sexual effects including erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorder, loss of libido, and others.
It is important to note that nearly all of the studies linking Proscar and Propecia with sexual side effects are double-blind, placebo-controlled studies – that is, studies in which comparable patients are given either placebo or finasteride and effects are monitored. This is important because male pattern hair loss and BPH are common among aging men, who also have a greater tendency to exhibit the above-described sexual side effects. (Most BPH drug users are older men, who are more likely to have ED, for example.) That being said, finasteride has been shown to cause long-term sexual side effects in healthy young and old men alike.
Though the finasteride warning label was not updated to include information in the risk for long-term side effects for years to come, a 2008 study made note of just that link. In “Five-alpha-reductase Inhibitors for prostate cancer prevention.” by T.J. Wilt et al., it is stated that “Impaired sexual or erectile function or endocrine effects were more common with finasteride than placebo”, though it is not stated how much more common sexual side effects were, for the main aim of the study was elsewhere.
Due to the fact that many men have used finasteride in the form of Proscar or Propecia and suffered sexual side effects unaware of that possibility, a number of Proscar lawsuits and Propecia lawsuits have been filed. If you or a loved one used Propecia or Proscar and suffered sexual side 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, resources, and skills required to win the justice you deserve. Call today and see how we can help.
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