Propecia Lawsuit | Side Effects: Prostate Cancer, Male Breast Cancer, Erectile Dysfunction, Lawsuits

Propecia (finasteride) 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, or 5-ARIs: High-Grade Prostate Cancer, Male Breast Cancer and Erectile Dysfunction

Propecia (finasteride 1mg) is used to treat male-pattern hair loss. Other 5-ARIs, including a 5 mg dose of finasteride called Proscar, are used to treat enlarged prostate. The FDA Propecia prostate cancer warning was based on two studies that indicated men who took 5-ARIs were more likely to develop aggressive prostate tumors compared to men on a placebo. One of the trials reviewed by the FDA, the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT), followed more than 18,000 men aged 55 or over for up to seven years who were treated with either finasteride 5 mg or a placebo. While the men in the finasteride group had a lower overall risk of developing prostate cancer, that was due mainly to a reduction in the occurrence of low-grade tumors. There was, however, an increase with high-grade prostate cancers with finasteride (1.8%) versus placebo (1.1%), the FDA said.

Propecia and Male Breast Cancer

There is growing evidence that use of Propecia may be associated with male breast cancer. A 2004 study published in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute reported that breast cancer had been observed in some men using finasteride. In 2009, an analysis by the U.K. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency found a total of 53 men worldwide on finasteride had developed breast cancer. In May 2010, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced it was investigating a possible link between finasteride and male breast cancer. New information regarding a possible risk of male breast cancer was added to the U.S. labels of drugs containing finasteride, including Propecia, in October of that year. Men taking Propecia are advised to call their doctor if they experience breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or other breast changes, as these may be signs of male breast cancer.

Propecia and Erectile Dysfunction

Men taking Propecia have also been known to suffer from erectile dysfunction. Propecia and similar drugs work by blocking androgen, which plays a key role in erectile function, libido and ejaculation. The makers of Propecia and other drugs containing finasteride have reported that up to 8 percent of users experienced sexual problems, while a 2008 paper published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine said the true number could be as high as 38 percent, depending on dose and duration.

Another study published in the same journal in March 2011 found that erectile dysfunction caused by drugs like Propecia or ProScar, which contain finasteride may sometimes be irreversible. That study looked at 71 men who reported erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems while taking finasteride. The average duration of persistent sexual side effects was 40 months after they stopped taking the medication. About 20 percent of the men still had side effects more than six years after stopping finasteride.

If you have taken Propecia (finasteride) and developed Prostate Cancer, Male Breast Cancer or Erectile Dysfunction contact Parker Waichman LLP for legal help

If you or a loved one took Propecia and were diagnosed with high-grade prostate cancer, male breast cancer or erectile dysfunction, you may have valuable legal rights. To learn how our Propecia attorneys can help you, please fill out our online form or call 1 800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636) today.