Propecia The Other Side Effects of the Popular Hair Loss Treatment for Men

Since the beginning of the year, Merck, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, has been confronted with several lawsuits, piling up one after another, for its failure to adequately warn users about the side effects of the anti-baldness drug Propecia.

What Is Propecia

Propecia is one of the two only FDA-approved drugs for hair loss treatment for men, specifically male pattern baldness.

It contains 1mg of finasteride and was initially introduced as a treatment for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). It works as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, which means, it reduces DHT levels. DHT build-up in the hair follicles alters the hair protein synthesis, which then causes hair loss.

Propecia has been the first in the list of products used in hair loss treatment for men with pattern baldness. However, in exchange for hair growth are hair-raising side effects including the loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorder, among others.

When it was introduced as a hair loss treatment for men in 1992, Merck stated that only a small percentage of men experienced Propecia’s side effects, which eventually disappeared after they stopped medication. These warnings were augmented by the FDA recently, mandating that potentially permanent impotence could also occur. However, apparently for some, these warnings came way too late.

The Unknown Side Effects

In 2009, Randy Santmann, only 22, committed suicide after Propecia rendered him mentally unstable and sexually impotent. Another victim, Paul Priore said he experienced erectile dysfunction during and after stopping medication. It states in his lawsuit, “The Propecia that he consumed caused him physiological and emotional impairments which affected his personal and professional life.” In addition, he says he experienced “cognitive impairment,” rendering him incapable of doing his work.

The recent FDA report said that 59 of 421 complaints were still experiencing sexual side effects three months after stopping medication. Merck has now updated its warning label on Propecia on April 11, 2012. It states, “Propecia may cause loss of sexual desire, inability to ejaculate, and inability to reach orgasm. These sexual dysfunctions may continue for some time after men stop using the baldness drug.”