Generically referred to as finasteride, Propecia was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1992 for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, noncancerous prostate enlargement) and male pattern baldness (when it affects the top of the head, not the hairline or temples).
Propecia, manufactured by Merck, works by preventing the formation of dihydrotesterone, the hormone that shrinks hair follicles. Although it can prevent future hair loss, it cannot promote the regrowth of hair that has already been lost. Typically, it takes approximately 3 months of daily oral doses of Propecia before the results are apparent, and patients who have been taking this drug for one year without visible results should stop taking it, as they will likely never benefit.
Despite its effectiveness and status as the only FDA-approved medication for the treatment of male pattern baldness, Propecia has been reported to cause some rare but serious side effects, including:
- depression
- male breast cancer
- sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and ejaculation disorder (in about 1.3 percent of patients).
Although sexual side effects associated with Propecia use have been reported to be irreversible in some patients, warning labels for the drug in the U.S. still state that these effects are reversible.
Propecia Birth Defects
Propecia is not indicated for use in women, and pregnant women should not handle broken or crushed Propecia pills, as the hormones within them can cause severe birth defects, including severe deformation of genitalia. Given this fact, Propecia is classified as a Class X drug by the FDA.
Propecia Side Effects Lawsuits
Researchers are currently investigating why some men experience serious Propecia side effects, and there is still no screening process in place to determine who is at risk. Those who suffer from any severe Propecia side effects and, as a result, experience a diminished quality of life are not without recourse “ they may have a strong, compelling defective-drug case against Merck.
Injured parties are welcome to learn more about their legal rights and receive a thorough assessment of their case by attending a free initial consult with a Propecia side effects lawyer. Call Chaffin Luhana LLP at 1-888-480-1123 for a free and confidential case review today.
