Propecia Sexual Side Effects Fuel Lawsuits

Many men who have filed a Propecia lawsuit against Merck have had their complaints added to the growing multidistrict litigation (MDL) No. 2331. Over 400 claims have been filed against the drug manufacturer in state and federal courts, including at least 181 that were consolidated into MDL. Finasteride was originally intended to treat men with an enlarged prostate, but in 1997 the FDA approved its use for the treatment of male pattern baldness. However, countless men who have used Propecia to treat hair loss have reported adverse side effects, including lingering sexual dysfunction.

Propecia lawsuit MDL continues to grow

Federal lawsuits are often consolidated into MDL when they share common defendants and similar allegations. In April 2012, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) ordered that qualifying federal Propecia lawsuits be centralized into the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The MDL is proceeding under Judge John Gleeson. All of the complaints were filed by plaintiffs who allege persistent sexual dysfunction.

The MDL has grown rapidly since it was formed in 2012. The number of men who filed a Propecia lawsuit and joined the MDL grew to 139 by January 2013. Recent documents released by the court show that the Propecia multidistrict litigation has 181 cases as of May 14, 2013.

Meanwhile, more Propecia complaints continue to be filed in other courts. At least 261 lawsuits have been filed in the New Jersey state court under the direction of Middlesex County Superior Court Judge Jessica Mayer. These cases were coordinated into a multicounty litigation (MCL).

Persistent sexual side effects alleged

Studies indicate that the percentage of patients who took Propecia and suffered from sexual dysfunction could be as high as 39 percent, and that approximately half of those patients continued to experience side effects even after discontinuing the medication. The Propecia labeling information claimed that patients who took the drug and experienced side effects would no longer have those problems once they ceased their dosage schedules.

Some of the sexual side effects that Propecia is alleged to have caused include:

  • Infertility
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Reduced libido
  • Decreased volume of ejaculate
  • Loss of sensation

In addition to persistent sexual dysfunction, Propecia has also been alleged to cause other serious side effects, including:

  • Gynecomastia (enlargement of male breast tissue)
  • Increased risk of prostate cancer
  • Increased risk of breast cancer in men
  • Testicular pain
  • Shrinkage of genitals
  • Peyronie’s disease (penile disfigurement)
  • Failure of the endocrine system
  • Psychological damage

Contacting New York product liability lawyers

There is still time for New Yorkers to file a Propecia lawsuit against Merck. If you or a loved one took the medication and suffered side effects, such as sexual dysfunction, you could be eligible to file a claim. Contact a New York product liability lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your case. You could receive compensatory damages, including past and future medical expenses, disability, loss of income, and pain and suffering.

At The Sanders Firm, we understand the physical and emotional toll that dangerous drugs can take. Our experienced lawyers will help you obtain just compensation for your injuries. We invite you to call us today at 1-800-FAIR-PLAY to schedule your complimentary consultation. No fee is ever collected unless we win your case. ResourcesJPML, MDL Statistics Report – Distribution of Pending MDL Dockets https://www.jpml.uscourts.gov/sites/jpml/files/Pending%20MDL%20Dockets_By%20District_May-14-2013.pdf