In 1992, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of finasteride to treat benign prostate enlargement. In 1997, the organization extended its approval to Propecia (finasteride, 1 mg), a male pattern baldness drug. Merck, the medication's manufacturer, marketed Propecia as an up-and-coming wonder drug – the first hair loss medication of its kind to be available in pill form.
Propecia's Side Effects Long-lasting
Propecia's side effects included a low risk of Propecia erectile dysfunction (ED), but later studies revealed that this potential side effect was more common that originally believed. Other sexual side effects were reported, among them male breast enlargement, decreased libido, testicular pain, and reduced volume of ejaculate. Additionally, studies showed that these side effects could last much longer than originally projected, and in some cases could be permanent.
Increase in Propecia Lawsuits
The first Propecia lawsuits were filed against Merck in New Jersey courts, and addressed the drug's unexpected and long-term side effects. Cases against the pharmaceutical company have continued to grow, and include the lawsuit recently filed by Vincent Menella.
Menella, aged 45, began taking Propecia in or around 2008. His doctor prescribed the medication to treat the patient's male pattern baldness. Menella reports that he took Propecia regularly, and soon began to suffer from severe sexual side effects and cognitive impairment. Menella and his wife, who is listed as a co-plaintiff, allege that he had never before suffered from Propecia erectile dysfunction. Even though he has discontinued treatment, Menella reports that he is still suffering from Propecia sexual side effects.
Merck Charged with Negligence and Fraud
Plaintiffs against Merck & Co., Inc. allege that the pharmaceutical company is guilty of negligence and fraud. They claim that Merck had sufficient knowledge of Propecia sexual side effects, and although their corporate responsibility was to disclose these risk factors, the company did not adequately communicate the potential for side effects to its users.
In the United States, plaintiff claims also reference the fact that labels for Propecia in the United Kingdom and Sweden already carry warnings regarding the drug's persistent and possibly permanent side effects, including erectile dysfunction. As reports on the drug's side effects grow, more plaintiffs have come forward with their own Propecia side effects lawsuit.
