A 2011 article by M.S. Irwig and S. Kolukula, a pair of researchers from The George Washington University, titled “Persistent sexual side effects of finasteride for male pattern hair loss.” demonstrates that sexual side effects of finasteride use often do not subside when drug use is discontinued. For clarity, finasteride is the active chemical in Propecia, a drug used for male pattern hair loss, and is manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc.
The team writes “Finasteride has been associated with reversible adverse sexual side effects in multiple randomized, controlled trials for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (MPHL). The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency of the United Kingdom and the Swedish Medical Products Agency have both updated their patient information leaflets to include a statement that ‘persistence of erectile dysfunction after discontinuation of treatment with Propecia has been reported in post-marketing use.’”
To perform this study, Irwig and Kolukula “conducted standardized interviews with 71 otherwise healthy men aged 21-46 years who reported the new onset of sexual side effects associated with the temporal use of finasteride, in which the symptoms persisted for at least 3 months despite the discontinuation of finasteride.”
Results showed that “Subjects reported new-onset persistent sexual dysfunction associated with the use of finasteride: 94% developed low libido, 92% developed erectile dysfunction, 92% developed decreased arousal, and 69% developed problems with orgasm. The mean number of sexual episodes per month dropped and the total sexual dysfunction score increased for before and after finasteride use according to the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (P<0.0001 for both). The mean duration of finasteride use was 28 months and the mean duration of persistent sexual side effects was 40 months from the time of finasteride cessation to the interview date.”
As such, the team concluded that “Physicians treating MPHL should discuss the potential risk of persistent sexual side effects associated with finasteride.”
Unfortunately, the manufacturer Propecia failed to update warning labels in light of the publication of research such as this, and warning labels were not updated until the FDA required it in April, 2012. As a result, a number of Propecia lawsuits have been filed.
If you or a loved one used Propecia and suffered sexual side effects, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact out team of Propecia lawyers at the information provided below. We have the experience, resources, and skills required to win the justice you deserve. Call today and see how we can help.
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