Data from a study published by an assistant professor of medicine at The George Washington University suggests that Propecia® (finasteride), a hair loss treatment, may be linked to long-term sexual side effects. According to study author, Michael S. Irwig, the drug already carries a warning about potential side effects, but does not warn patients that they could possibly be permanent.
Results from the study were published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. The results are based on 71 interviews conducted by Dr. Irwig. Participants are male patients who were treated with Propecia® for an average of 28 months.
According to the results of the study, 92 percent of the patients developed erectile dysfunction, which is an inability to get or keep an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse; 94 percent of the patients experienced a decrease in the desire to have sexual intercourse; and 69 percent had problems with orgasm.
Dr. Irwig said 20 percent of the patients claimed that they experienced problems for more than 5 years. The duration of the sexual side effects has raised concerns that some patients might be affected permanently.
Merck includes information about rare sexual side effects on its website, but does not mention the fact that they could be long-term.
Some patients have already filed suit against Merck, claiming that they’ve suffered persistent sexual dysfunction as a result of taking the hair loss medication.
If you took the hair loss drug and experienced persistent sexual side effects, you might be eligible for financial compensation. For more information, please contact our defective drug lawyers today.
