What is Propecia?

Propecia and Proscar are brand names for finasteride, a synthetic antiandrogen that prevents enzymes from converting testosterone to dihyudrotestosterone (DHT), also called androgen or male sex hormone. In other words, Propecia, Proscar, and other finasterides block DHT.

It is the high levels of DHT that are believed to be responsible for an enlarged prostate as well as prostate cancer. Additionally, it is believed that DHT causes hair follicles to shrink, which leads to male pattern baldness (MPB).

How is Propecia Used?

In 1992, the FDA approved the use of finasteride under the brand name Proscar to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also referred to as benign enlargement of the prostate (BEP).

In 1997, finasteride was approved to treat male pattern baldness (MPB) and sold under the brand name Propecia.

What are the Dangers of Propecia, Proscar and other Finasterides?

Over the last several years, men have been reporting permanent sexual side effects, including impotence. Nevertheless, the drug’s manufacturer, Merck, only warns about the side effect as follows:

“In clinical studies for PROPECIA, a small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects, such as less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, or a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men and went away in men who stopped taking PROPECIA because of them.”

Individual Propecia lawsuits have been filed.

The Simmons Law Firm is investigating claims against Propecia and its manufacturer, Merck.  If you or a family member have taken this drug, we would like to hear from you.  Contact the Simmons Law Firm today.