Parker Waichman LLP

Merck Takes Down Propecia Site as Lawsuits Mount

Just as it is facing an increasing number of lawsuits over Propecia, its prescription drug to treat male pattern baldness, Merck & Co. recently pulled down its website for the drug. The development is fueling speculation in some quarters that new safety warnings will soon be added to the Propecia label. But so far, Merck […]

Just as it is facing an increasing number of lawsuits over Propecia, its prescription drug to treat male pattern baldness, Merck & Co. recently pulled down its website for the drug. The development is fueling speculation in some quarters that new safety warnings will soon be added to the Propecia label. But so far, Merck hasn’t offered any explanation as to why it pulled www.propecia.com.

As we’ve reported in the past, Propecia (finasteride 1mg) is part of a class of drugs known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, or 5-ARIs. 5-ARIs like Propecia work by preventing the conversion of androgen testosterone to DHT, a hormone critical to male sexual performance. Merck markets another 5-ARI called Proscar (finasteride 5 mg) that is used to treat enlarged prostate.

Recently, a growing number of lawsuits have been filed around the country alleging Merck failed to warn users about the serious side effects, including erectile dysfunction, low libido, problems with orgasm, infertility, depression and suicide, associated with Propecia and Proscar. At least two claims – one of which involves 46 plaintiffs – are seeking mass tort status in New Jersey state court. Another plaintiff in New York has sought centralization of federal Propecia lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation. A class action lawsuit has also been filed on behalf of Proscar users in Canada. In all of the lawsuits, plaintiffs claim their sexual problems persisted even after they stopped taking the drugs.

Last Spring, a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that at men who take finasteride may develop an ongoing loss of libido and orgasm, even after they go off the medication. The study looked at 71 men who reported such side effects. The average duration of persistent sexual side effects was 40 months after they stopped taking finasteride. About 20 percent of the men still had side effects more than six years after stopping finasteride.

In 2008, Merck changed the Propecia label in Sweden to warn that the drug could lead to permanent erectile dysfunction. Similar changes were made to the labels in the U.K. and Italy in 2009 and 2010. But Merck didn’t make changes to the U.S. label until last year, and even then it didn’t warn that sexual side effects could persist after men stopped taking Propecia.

Now, the legal community is buzzing about the Propecia website. As of February 8, visitors to the site see a message that the propecia.com “website is not currently available.” For now, at least, the site only offers links to the drug’s current prescribing information, patient product information, the Propecia Persistence Program and a link encouraging visitors to report any negative side effects of Propecia to the FDA’s MedWatch program.

Some legal experts think the controversy surrounding Propecia is behind the missing website.

“One reason for Merck’s abrupt action might have something to do with the fact that a growing number of lawsuits are being filed against the company,” one plaintiffs’ attorney told the Baltimore edition of the Examiner.

If, as some think, Merck is preparing to issue new warnings for Propecia, that litigation could gain momentum. News of additional warnings might prompt more men to make a connection between their ongoing sexual problems and their use of Propecia, resulting in more – maybe thousands more – lawsuit filings.

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
They got the job done!
Stephanie Fede
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I feel very grateful and happy with the service I received from the Parker Waichman LLP office. The process was very fast and effective. Thanks to Catherine Maryann and Jorge for helping me.Thank you
Hary Orellana
8 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I am very grateful to the lawyers at Parker Waichman for their experience and speed, they have helped me in two accident cases, thanks also to Catherine for her kindness, she has helped me in the translation and processing of the case, to Jorge for helping me finalize the case ! two extraordinary people. Thank you Parker Waichman.
PAblo MEndez
5 months 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