In a 2012 edition of International Journal of Clinical Practice, an article by SA Kaplan et al. titled “A 5-year retrospective analysis of 5α-reductase inhibitors in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: finasteride has comparable urinary symptom efficacy and prostate volume reduction, but less sexual side effects and breast complications than dutasteride.” gave important insight into the connection between finasteride (the active ingredient in the hair loss drug Propecia and the BPH drug Proscar) and sexual side effects. For clarity, finasteride is an example of a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor.
The team writes “A retrospective analysis of 378 consecutive men treated with 5α-reductase inhibitor monotherapy between January 2004 and September 2009 (197 on finasteride and 211 on dutasteride) in a single clinic was performed” and states “Patients were evaluated at 3 months, 1 year and yearly thereafter.”
Results showed that “The incidence of erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction and decreased libido resulting in discontinuation from therapy was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in the dutasteride (5.1%, 2.4%, 2.7% respectively) compared with the finasteride (2.1%, 1.8%, 1.4% respectively) group.”
While one drug was found to be more highly linked to sexual side effects than finasteride, the manufacturers of finasteride drugs still ought to make patients aware of all risks associated. Because this did not occur, a number of Proscar and Propecia lawsuits have been filed.
If you or a loved one used Proscar or Propecia 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 experience, resources, and skills required to win the justice you deserve.
(855) 452 – 5529