New Studies Announced to Scrutinize Propecia Impotence

Milano, ItalyAn indicator of the seriousness and real-world concern over Propecia finasteride remains the implementation of studies designed to delve into why some men experience sexual dysfunction following use of Propecia for either hair loss or problems related to the prostate. Many plaintiffs allege that not only did Propecia foster sexual dysfunction while actively on the drug, but also that problem persisted long after use of Propecia was halted.

The Italian-based clinical study, announced in December of last year, will be a collaborative effort between the University of Milano-Bicocca and the University of Milano.

The study - the third of its kind since reports of Propecia impotence began to surface - is entitled “Rare, but Serious and Persistent, Side Effects of 5a Reductase Inhibitors (5ARI): Why Do They Occur, in Which Patients, and What Can We Do to Treat or Prevent Them?” The effort will be led by Guido Cavaletti, M.D., Ph.D., head of the Neuroimmunology Center at San Gerardo Hospital in the Milanese suburb of Monza, and Roberto Cosimo Melcangi, Ph.D., head of the Neuroendocrinology Unit in the Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences at the University of Milano in Milan.

The study was announced December 9 by the Post-Finasteride Syndrome Foundation, which reports symptoms that include loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, panic attacks, Peyronie’s disease, penile shrinkage, gynecomastia, muscle atrophy, cognitive impairment, insomnia, severely dry skin and tinnitus. These conditions often have a life-altering impact on victims and their families.

Propecia, and the more potent Proscar, is indicated for the treatment of prostate cancer. However, it has also been shown to foster hair growth in men suffering from male pattern baldness. Scores of men have flocked to finasteride for its potential for hair growth, and have been satisfied with the result. The byproduct, however - Propecia side effects in men and, specifically, impotence and sexual dysfunction - emerged as an unexpected disappointment.

For some, the reality is far beyond mere disappointment - especially given that in some cases issues with sexual dysfunction did not disappear once the medication was stopped. To that end, many a plaintiff continues to suffer from Propecia long-term side effects.

It was on April Fool’s Day in 2012, ironically enough, when the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated a label change for Propecia related to the potential for Propecia impotence. The FDA delved into its Adverse Events Reporting System (AERS) and found that of the 421 sexual dysfunction cases the regulator reviewed, 14 percent encountered continuing problems with erectile dysfunction longer than three months after Propecia was stopped.

In the fall of last year, Propecia manufacturer Merck & Co. reported 1,245 lawsuits involving 1,515 plaintiffs in the company’s Q3 report to the US Securities & Exchange Commission. Some of the lawsuits allege, amongst Propecia side effects in men, that finasteride has caused or can cause prostate cancer and/or male breast cancer, together with sexual dysfunction.