Parker Waichman LLP

Concerns over Sexual Side Effects of Propecia

  Propecia Sexual Side Effects. Questions remain about the sexual side effects of Merck’s baldness drug Propecia. A review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Dermatology analyzed 34 clinical trials and found that none of them sufficiently reported on this risk. The study was conducted by researchers at Northwestern University, who […]

Sexual Side Effects

 

Propecia Sexual Side Effects. Questions remain about the sexual side effects of Merck’s baldness drug Propecia. A review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Dermatology analyzed 34 clinical trials and found that none of them sufficiently reported on this risk. The study was conducted by researchers at Northwestern University, who said the findings raise concerns about the drug’s safety.

The main active ingredient in Propecia is finasteride. Merck’s Proscar, which is used to treat an enlarged prostate, also contains finasteride but in higher concentrations.

The drug label warns of the risk of decreased sex drive, impotence and problems with ejaculation, but the JAMA review says these side effects have not been adequately studied.

“Not one of the 34 published clinical trial reports provided adequate information about the severity, frequency or reversibility of sexual adverse effects,” the study states.

Researchers said the lack of data leaves key questions unanswered, such as the how long the side effects may persist and whether or not they are permanent. Most of the studies published were for patients who took finasteride for one year or less, but a third of men took it for longer than one year.

Steven Belknap, lead author and research assistant professor of dermatology

Steven Belknap, lead author and research assistant professor of dermatology and general internal medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, said “People who take or prescribe the drug assume it’s safe, but there is insufficient information to make that judgment,”

He said the studies did not give adequate information about the severity or frequency of sexual side effects. “Was this information obtained but then not included in published articles? Or, were these clinical trials performed in a way that simply didn’t capture this essential information?” he asked. “And most importantly, is the risk to benefit ratio of finasteride acceptable?”

The review stems from a meta-analysis involving data from over 5,700 men taking finasteride. Thomas Moore of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices in Alexandria, Virginia said in an accompanying editorial that there should be improved study of drugs’ potential risks and not just potential benefits.

“The international standard for the duration of clinical testing for non–life-threatening diseases requires that only 300 patients be observed for one year or more, and not necessarily with a comparison group,” Moore wrote. “This standard is not adequate and should be reassessed.”

Need Legal Help Regarding Sexual Side Effects?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529)

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
the best of all, excellent friendly services and the best in legal advice, especially the services of Jorge Peniche and Aurora Krol thanks you very much guys
Ana Espinal
2 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Thank you Parker Waichman LLP and especially paralegal Benita Rollis who guided me through the whole process. She was very professional, courteous and always called me back when I had any questions. I was very satisfied and highly recommend Parker Waichman LLP.
Denise Saraceno
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
My husband and I could never had gotten through the stress and anxiety of this process without the knowledge and kindness of the Parker Waichman staff but most certainly, not without the help of our paralegal, Christine Morace. She's not only knowledgeable but has been calming and reassuring throughout. Thank you Christine.
Iris Frank
4 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038