An article from the October, 1999 edition of Urology went great lengths to provide important insight into the connection between finasteride (the active chemical in Propecia, Proscar, and other drugs) and sexual side-effects. This article is titled “Effect of finasteride on bother and other health-related quality of life aspects associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. PLESS Study Group. Proscar Long-term Efficacy and Safety Study.” and was conducted by R. Bruskewitz et al.
Aiming “To investigate the long-term effects of finasteride on bother and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia” (BPH) – that is, men treated with Proscar, the team conducted “A large prospective 4-year placebo-controlled trial (PLESS) of 3040 men with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms and an enlarged prostate.”
Results showed that “Significantly greater reductions in bother score were seen for finasteride compared with placebo at every time point after 4 months”, and, “Analysis of bother scores by baseline serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), as it is highly correlated with prostate volume, suggested greater differences from placebo for men with PSA 1.4 ng/mL or greater”.
“Comparable results were seen for worry at each time point and embarrassment due to urinary symptoms in the last 2 years of the trial. Mean changes in sexual interest and satisfaction were somewhat better for the placebo group overall, as has been previously reported, but little difference between treatments was found in sexual satisfaction measures for men with PSA 1.4 ng/mL or greater.”
Concluding that “sexual satisfaction and sexual drive were slightly worse for finasteride overall,” this study can be used in a Proscar lawsuit to demonstrate to court that Merck, the manufacturer of that drug, knew, or should have known the risks associated with their product. Because many men have used Proscar unaware of these risks, many lawsuits have in fact been filed.
If you or a loved one used 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 at the information provided below. We have the experience, resources, and skills required to win the justice you deserve.
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