Propecia Side Effects

The drug finasteride (manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc.) was originally approved by the FDA to treat benign prostate problems, with a welcoming side effect of increased hair growth. In 1997, Merck obtained approval from the FDA to market finasteride under the brand name of Propecia for the purpose of treating male pattern baldness. However, shortly there afterwards, it was revealed that Propecia would soon be linked to a series of unwanted side effects. Propecia is only intended to treat men and it is not intended for use by women or children.

Those men, who desire to take Propecia for male pattern baldness, must first weigh the potential sexual side effects linked to taking the drug. Propecia has been linked to an increase in unwanted sexual side effects, depression, and an increase in the risk of high-grade prostate cancer. Furthermore, studies reveal that these adverse sexual side effects can last months, if not years after some male patient stop taking the medication. The common side effects linked to Propecia include but are not limited to:

• Erectile dysfunction
• A decrease in sexual desire
• Problems with ejaculation
• Gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts)
• Pain in the testicles
• Genital shrinkage
• Depression
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Itching
• Rash
• Hives
• Swelling of the lips and face

On April 11, 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that new changes were to be made to the Propecia labels. The new labels were to expand the list of adverse side effects that were reported to the FDA, especially because some of these events continued after patients had ceased taking the medication. The FDA's new label revisions for Propecia include:

• Erectile dysfunction can continue after stopping the drug.
• A revision of the Propecia label to include: libido problems, problems with ejaculation, and orgasm disorders, even after discontinued use.
• The new revised labels must also include a description of reports of male infertility and/or poor semen quality that normalized after cessation of the drug.

It's important to note that Propecia (finasteride) is listed in the FDA's pregnancy category X. This means that Propecia is known to cause serious birth defects in a fetus. Pregnant women or women who plan to become pregnant should not handle broken or crushed Propecia tablets because the medication can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. Also, pregnant women and women who plan to become pregnant should also avoid exposure to whole Propecia tablets. Propecia can also affect blood donations; therefore, potential blood donors should be restricted from donating for at least a month after their last dose of the medication.

Columbia Propecia Lawyer

NBC Nightly News reported that Propecia, made by Merck did $134 million in sales last year. Unfortunately, many dangerous drugs get through the FDA fast-track approval process only to cause serious injuries to innocent and unsuspecting consumers. Symptoms of depression including suicidal thoughts and serious sexual side effects can have a huge impact on your quality of life and your intimate relationships. The serious side effects linked to taking Propecia are not minimal and they can have long-lasting ramifications for the consumer and his or her loved ones. If you were injured after taking Propecia, we urge you to contact a dangerous drug attorney from The Sumner Law Group. There is no reason why you should be made to suffer at the expense of your health and for the financial gain of the drug manufacturer. 

Contact us today to learn more about your Propecia case.