In 2010, an article appearing in the October edition of medical journal The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews titled “Finasteride for benign prostatic hyperplasia.” helps us further understand the connection between use of finasteride (the active chemical in benign prostatic hyperplasia drug Proscar) and adverse sexual side effects.
This research team, led by J. Tacklind, states “Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate in aging men, can cause bothersome urinary symptoms (intermittency, weak stream, straining, urgency, frequency, incomplete emptying). Finasteride, a five-alpha reductase inhibitor (5ARI), blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, reduces prostate size, and is commonly used to treat symptoms associated with BPH”, aiming to “compare the clinical effectiveness and harms of finasteride versus placebo and active controls in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).”
However, searching research databases and evaluating previously-conducted studies, the team also found that finasteride was associated with sexual side effects, though it performed its aim of prostate size reduction well. Tacklind et al. (2010) write “men taking finasteride are at increased risk for impotence, erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and ejaculation disorder, versus placebo. Versus doxazosin, which has higher rates of dizziness, postural hypotension, and asthenia, men taking finasteride are at increased risk for impotence, erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and ejaculation disorder.”
Due to the fact that a number of men have used Proscar (and Propecia, a hair-loss drug also containing finasteride), manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc., unaware of the risk for adverse sexual side effects, a number of Proscar lawsuits have been filed. If you or a loved one used Proscar and suffered sexual side effects, contact our team of Proscar lawyers at the information provided below, for you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. We have the experience, resources, and skills required to win the justice you deserve.
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