In 1997, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved use of Propecia (finasteride, 1 mg) to treat male pattern baldness. Hailed as the new generation in hair loss remedies, the drug was the first of its kind to be available in pill form. Like all medications, Propecia warned of potential risks, including erectile dysfunction and other sexual side effects while using the drug.
Unfortunately, patients on the pill soon learned that Propecia's side effects were not short-term; instead, they can persist for years or, as some believe, may be permanent. This discovery led to Propecia lawsuits around the country, although as of October 2011, there is currently no multi-district litigation (MDL), national class action suit, or mass tort case against Propecia. Victims of Propecia's sexual side effects are encouraged to pursue individual lawsuits until there are enough cases to warrant consolidation into an MDL. However, several regional class action suits have already been filed in the United States and Canada.
In the meantime, individuals seek reparations for Propecia side effects on their own. A recent in U.S. District Court case in Seattle, filed in Washington State's Western District Court, addresses side effects experienced by Charles Shute. Shute, and other plaintiffs like him, alleges that Merck, the manufacturer of Propecia, did not provide adequate warnings regarding the medication's risk factors. In fact, Shute explains that he was informed only of temporary sexual side effects that would disappear as soon as he discontinued use of Propecia. This is not the case.
Propecia's sexual side effects extend beyond erectile dysfunction and include loss of libido, testicular pain, difficulty ejaculating or reaching orgasm, problems with infertility, and male breast enlargement. Reports describe men who continue to experience these symptoms for up to five years after going off Propecia; some have reported depression, divorce and other devastating results associated with these symptoms.
Propecia lawsuits seek reparation for damages, including punitive, compensatory and special damages, resulting from the drug's sexual side effects. Shute, for example, has filed against Merck for negligence, personal injury and product liability regarding Merck's failure to inform consumers of Propecia's long-term and persistent side effects.
