Please Note: CSS Firm is not accepting or investigating Propecia claims at this time. This article is for educational purposes only.
Propecia use has been linked to an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer and long-lasting sexual dysfunction. Propecia (generic: finasteride), a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5-ARI) used to combat male pattern baldness and treat enlarged prostates, was approved in 1997 and is manufactured by Merck and Co. If you took this drug and suffered adverse side effects, reach out to our team of unsafe medication attorneys today. Our Propecia prostate cancer lawyers could guide you through the legal process.
FDA Safety Alert for Propecia
In June 2011, the Food and Drug Administration issued a safety alert warning of a 63 percent increased risk of a serious form of prostate cancer for Propecia users. Use of Propecia and other 5-ARI class drugs may decrease the overall chance for men of developing lower-risk forms of prostate cancer; however, use of the same drugs has been shown to increase risk of high-grade prostate cancer.
The FDA issued the safety alert following its review of two large studies: the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) and Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events (REDUCE). The results from PCPT indicate that men who take Propecia face a 63 percent higher risk of high-grade prostate cancer than men taking placebos.
Propecia’s safety label has since been updated to reflect the high-grade prostate cancer risk, but this change comes too late for the men who were prescribed the drug — including an astounding 5 million patients between 2002 and 2009.
High-Grade Prostate Cancer and Propecia
High-grade cancer is extremely aggressive, growing and spreading more quickly than low-grade. In short, high-grade cancer is substantially more dangerous. Propecia manufacturer Merck should have ensured that every man who was prescribed Propecia in the 15 years since its approval was warned of this increased and potentially fatal prostate cancer risk.
Propecia and Long-Term Sexual Dysfunction
The risk of sexual issues, including erectile dysfunction and reduced libido, has long been associated with Propecia, but was always touted as temporary. Men were told that the issues would go away as soon as Propecia use was discontinued. Two studies published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine have found that the sexual issues linked to Propecia may continue after use of the drug has stopped. The study published in the March 2011 issue revealed that 5 percent to 23 percent of men experienced sexual side effects. Even worse, according to the study, the side effects did not subside for half of those men.
You Deserve to Take Action Against Merck and Co.
Patients who were prescribed Propecia should have been warned of the persistent sexual side effects and increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer, but they were not. Manufacturer Merck and Co. had a legal and ethical responsibility to research all possible risks associated with Propecia and then warn consumers of any adverse side effects. The drug company did not do so, and innocent people have suffered as a result. Victims of Propecia injuries deserve compensation for the physical, financial, and emotional burdens caused by the drug.
Contact Our Knowledgeable Propecia Prostate Cancer Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer or has suffered from sexual issues after taking Propecia, contact the Propecia prostate cancer lawyers at Childers, Schlueter & Smith for a free case evaluation and consultation. Our experienced team of lawyers will work closely with you and see to it that you are compensated for your injuries.
