New Study Reveals Unintended Consequences of Hair Loss Drug

For men experiencing male pattern hair loss, Propecia seemed like a miracle drug, stopping hair loss and even causing new hair to grow. Sure, there were warnings on the drug's packaging that Propecia might cause minor sexual side effects, but the literature said they were reversible. What was a slight decrease in libido, drug takers thought, in comparison with the ability to maintain a full head of hair?

Unfortunately, a lot of Propecia users are now surprised to find out that the sexual side effects weren't always minor, or reversible. A recent study by George Washington University Professor Michael S. Irwig revealed that taking Propecia may actually lead to prolonged and possibly permanent sexual dysfunction. Symptoms include low or no sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, decreased ejaculation and difficulties achieving orgasm as many as 40 months after discontinuing use of the drug, leading Irwig to conclude that some side effects may be permanent. Outside of the U.S., in countries like the United Kingdom and Sweden, warning labels on Propecia packages have been altered to suggest the possibility that sexual symptoms may not be reversible, but warnings here still haven't been changed.

Dr. Irwig discovered the frustrations caused to patients still suffering from severe sexual side effects even after discontinuing the use of Propecia. He says that a lot of patients "sought care from medical professionals who have looked at the literature (regarding Propecia side effects) and have not seen a risk of persistent sexual dysfunction." As a result, patients were referred to psychiatrists or psychologists instead of the endocrinologists who might have been able to help them with hormonal therapies.

In addition to causing sexual dysfunction, Propecia had also been linked to rashes, swelling, breast tenderness or discharge, male breast cancer and aggressive prostate cancer. If you or someone you know has been injured by taking Propecia or any other dangerous drug, contact an experienced pharmaceutical injury attorney from Arnold & Itkin today for a free and confidential consultation.