FDA Warns Propecia May Cause Permanent Sexual Damage

The drug Propecia works by interfering with testosterone. This hormone leads to many of the traits associated with masculinity, but it can also contribute to baldness. By interfering with testosterone, Propecia can limit and reverse hair loss. However, interfering with testosterone may also lead to sexual dysfunction, including impotence, male sterility and loss of libido.

Males who used Propecia have reported serious sexual side effects. After using Propecia, some males have reported decreased libido or desire for sex. Other patients who took Propecia have reported impotence and trouble reaching orgasm. Despite assertions to the contrary by drug manufacturers, evidence has mounted that these side effects do not go away upon discontinuation of treatment with Propecia.

In April of 2012, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced labeling changes for Propecia that reflect these increased risks. These label changes include warning patients of an increased risk of “libido disorders, ejaculation disorders, and orgasm disorders.” The label changes also include information stating that Propecia and similar drugs may increase the risk of male infertility, though in this case the issues seem to reverse themselves after the discontinuation after the patient stops taking Propecia. However, the FDA’s latest changes to the label indicate that the issues related to libido often remain after the discontinuation of treatment.

In addition to sexual issues, the FDA’s listed warnings for Propecia include an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer. Unlike other forms of prostate cancer, high-grade prostate cancer is unusually aggressive. It is also more prone to metastasis, the process of spreading beyond the initial site of the cancer. This is the most deadly and fastest-spreading form of prostate cancer. It is also the hardest form of prostate cancer to treat, and the most prone to recurrence.

The FDA’s listed warnings for Propecia also indicate that there might be an increased risk of breast cancer in males. However, the FDA’s warning indicates that the link between breast cancer and Propecia is not fully understood and further research is needed to confirm or deny these findings.

Numerous drug injury lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of Propecia. These Propecia injury lawsuits allege the drug manufacturers knew, or should have known about the serious risks of permanent sexual dysfunction, cancer and other side effects related to taking Propecia. These lawsuits further allege that manufacturers downplayed these risks, preventing patients and prescribing physicians from having sufficient information to make an informed decision regarding their medical treatment. Plaintiffs are seeking damages related to serious side effects stemming from Propecia.

If you or someone you care about took Propecia, then went on to suffer serious health problems, you may feel overwhelmed, and not sure what steps to take next. But you do have rights, and there a several steps that you can take to regain control over your situation. You can start by visiting the Propecia Loss of Sex Drive, Sexual Dysfunction Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation. Here, you can input your information for a free review by a Propecia lawyer who specializes in this specific type of lawsuit. If you have a case, you will receive guidance on the next steps to take in your specific situation with no out-of-pocket cost.