Finasteride is known as a 5-alpha reductase (5a-R) inhibitor. It impedes the action of the enzymes responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a key factor in male pattern hair loss. Reduced production of DHT promotes natural hair growth. If you believe finasteride therapy contributed to your sexual dysfunction, you may be eligible for compensation from the manufacturer (Merck). Several Propecia lawsuit claims have already been filed by men suffering from similar circumstances.

In the space below, you’ll learn about two treatment options sometimes prescribed for temporary relief from Propecia erectile dysfunction side effects: penile injections and urethral suppositories. As we’ll cover, both pose benefits and drawbacks.

Penile Injection Therapy For Persistent Propecia and ED

Millions of men have used oral drugs, such as Viagra, to achieve erections suitably firm for sexual intercourse. Despite popular belief to the contrary, these medications do not automatically trigger erections. They merely improve penile response to sexual stimulation. By contrast, injections into the side of the penis can produce erections, even if sexual stimulation is lacking.

There are two chambers called corpora cavernosa in the penile shaft. These chambers extend along the sides of the shaft, and receive blood from a network of arteries. During stimulation, small muscles in the corpora cavernosa relax, allowing the chambers to become engorged with blood. This produces an erection.

When this process fails to occur, penile injections can be used trigger a similar response. There are a few medicines that are prescribed for this purpose, the most common of which are alprostadil and papaverine. They dilate the arteries of the corpora cavernosa, thus improving blood flow. Men must learn to self-inject the medicines. Erections occur within five to ten minutes, and can be expected to last up to orgasm.

Alprostadil and papaverine, along with other drugs prescribed for penile injection therapy, can cause side effects. Many men experience a dull pain in the penis, which typically disappears when their erection goes away. Some have reported the formation of fibrous tissue where the needle is introduced. Still other men have suffered a serious condition called priapism. This is an erection that lasts longer than four hours, a circumstance that can damage the arteries of the penis.

Urethral Medication (Alprostadil) Delivered Via Suppository

Another option that can provide temporary relief from permanent Propecia erectile dysfunction involves the insertion of a pellet into the urethra. The pellet, or suppository, is delivered with a special applicator. It contains a formulation of alprostadil, the same medicine used for penile injections (see above). The drug is absorbed through the walls of the urethra, reaching the tissues and arteries in the corpora cavernosa. Penile response can be expected within five to ten minutes of application.

One of the drawbacks of intraurethral suppositories is that they lack consistency in producing erections. Much of the medication enters the bloodstream, and is carried away from the penis. In addition, urethral delivery of alprostadil often causes the same side effects as those that present when the drug is injected into the corpora cavernosa.

Was Merck Aware Of The Risk Of Persistent Sexual Side Effects?

Men who use the hair loss pill are expected to know that it can cause temporary erectile dysfunction and other sexual side effects. These risks have been noted on the drug’s warning label for years. But several men have reported that their sexual dysfunction persisted long after they stopped using the medication. In some cases, erectile dysfunction, lack of sex drive, and a diminished volume of semen lasted for years, showing no signs of dissipating.

There is concern regarding when Merck became aware of this risk. Some of the Propecia lawsuit claims currently pending allege the company knew about it, and chose to withhold the information from the public.

If you suffer from permanent erectile dysfunction, diminished sexual desire, or other sexual problems, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. Contact an experienced Propecia lawsuit settlements attorney to discuss your legal options.

A 2011 Propecia lawsuit was filed by two men in New Jersey. It alleges that Merck and Co. failed to warn them about the risk of long-term sexual side effects stemming from use of the hair loss drug. A similar lawsuit was recently filed in Canada. This trend is likely to continue as more information surfaces regarding various permanent side effects caused by the medication.

Propecia Permanent Sexual Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition defined by an inability to achieve or sustain an erection. Many men suffering from the disorder find it to be both an emotional burden and constant source of stress. It can lead to relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, and an inability to start a family.

Men who use the male pattern baldness drug should already be aware that it can cause ED. This is clearly displayed on the package’s warning label. So too are other sexual side effects, such as a decreased libido (i.e. sex drive) and lower volume of sperm. The problem is, the label assures the person using the hair loss pill that the side effects will go away once he stops taking it. Evidence shows, however, this may be untrue.

A high-profile study published in the June 2011 edition of The Journal of Sexual Medicine revealed that use of finasteride did cause persistent sexual dysfunction among some test subjects. An earlier study published in the March 2011 edition found similar results. While the warning label in the U.S. claims sexual side effects will vanish after use of the drug is discontinued, this is clearly not always the case. It is also noteworthy that the warning label used throughout Europe mentions the possibility of long-term Propecia sexual dysfunction.

Male Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is generally considered to affect only women. However, while it is much less prevalent among men, it does occur. There may be a link between the disease and use of finasteride.

A study published in 2004 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that using finasteride could lead to the development of male breast cancer. In 2009, the UK government agency, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) included mention of the disease on the Propecia warning label. Thus far, the official U.S. label omits the warning, mentioning only the possibility of breast tenderness, enlargement, lumps, and nipple discharge.

Other Potential Long-Term Propecia Side Effects

In addition to erectile dysfunction, a decreased libido, lower sperm production, and male breast cancer, the hair loss pill poses a risk of additional side effects. For example, some men develop a rash due to an allergic reaction to the drug. Others may experience itching or swelling in the face. Still others may develop high grade prostate cancer, a risk that was added to the U.S. warning label by the FDA in June 2011.

Much of the controversy that surrounds the hair loss pill is focused on the differences between the warning labels used in the U.S. and throughout Europe. The UK label cautions users about the risk of permanent sexual dysfunction as well as the possibility of male breast cancer. The U.S. label does not. If Merck and Co., Inc. was aware of the risk of these long-term side effects, yet chose to withhold the information, they should be held accountable.

If you suffer from long-term Propecia and ed sexual dysfunction, or have been diagnosed with male breast cancer, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. Contact an experienced Propecia lawsuit settlements lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Because “sexual dysfunction” can mean many things, it’s important to define it as it relates to the effects of finasteride. We’ll describe the specific problems that have been reported as well as their impact upon the victims. If you have used the hair loss pill, and subsequently developed the following sexual side effects, you may be due compensation. Contact a Propecia lawsuit attorney to discuss your options.

Persistent Propecia And ed Side Effects Reported By Men

Sexual problems linked to the use of finasteride fall within a relatively broad range. The side effect that has drawn the most attention is erectile dysfunction (ED). This is an inability to produce an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It can be caused by several factors, including penile injury, poor blood circulation into the penis, nerve damage, and disease. It can also be caused by various drugs, including finasteride.

Another possible outcome of using the male pattern baldness drug is a diminished libido, or a lack of sexual desire. It usually accompanies erectile dysfunction. Finasteride therapy is believed to contribute to the problem, but ED itself may also play a role. Men suffering from erectile dysfunction may become anxious about their lack of sexual ability, which in turn causes them to lose interest in any type of sexual activity.

Ejaculatory problems have also been reported by men who have used finasteride. The hair loss medication has been linked to lower semen production, introducing issues involving fertility and reproduction. It is still possible for men suffering from ejaculation problems to experience orgasm.

How Sexual Dysfunction Affects Men

Sexual problems are a very personal matter, and affect each individual differently. Most men confront some type of psychological effect. For example, medical literature has linked persistent Propecia erectile dysfunction with depression, which may stem from a number of causes. A man’s inability to enjoy a satisfying sex life may cause him to become depressed. So too can the inability to respond to his partner’s intimacy. Many men also deal with constant stress due to their condition. Some develop a low self-esteem.

Beyond the psychological impacts, the physical limitations brought about by ED and low semen production can introduce other issues. For instance, men suffering from these challenges may encounter relationship problems. They might also have difficulty getting their partners pregnant. These are among the many reasons several men are seeking Propecia lawsuit settlements.

Studies Suggest A Risk Of Irreversible Propecia Erectile Dysfunction

In 2011, Merck finally updated the warning information for finasteride in the U.S. After years of asserting that sexual side effects were temporary, they admitted some men had reported “difficulty in achieving an erection that continued after stopping the medication.” In short, Merck conceded that dysfunction could be persistent. However, studies have shown that the side effects may, in fact, be permanent.

As early as 2008, the Swedish Medical Products agency publicly suggested that finasteride therapy could lead to irreversible sexual dysfunction. This statement was based on findings from a study conducted in Sweden. Labeling changes were made in that country soon after.

In June 2011, a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine presented similar findings. Researchers had interviewed dozens of men who had developed various signs of sexual dysfunction after using finasteride. Their side effects had persisted for a minimum of three months after the drug was stopped. Over twenty percent of the subjects had experienced sexual problems for longer than five years. Some showed no signs of recovery.

Persistent Propecia erectile dysfunction problems can be devastating to men, and doubly so if such problems end up being permanent. If you have suffered from what appears to be irreversible sexual side effects, you may be able to receive compensation by filing a claim against Merck. Contact a Propecia lawsuit settlements lawyer to discuss your case.

Recent filings of Propecia lawsuit claims in the U.S. have spurred the manufacturer, Merck Pharmaceuticals, to revise the drug’s U.S. warning label. It now lists the possibility of developing male breast cancer. Unfortunately, the update does not help men who have already developed the disease.

Because breast cancer in men is just as serious as the disease in women, it is important for men who have used Propecia to be aware of the risk. Lumps in the breast, nipple discharge, and scaling in the nipple should prompt a visit to their doctors. On this page, we’ll describe the most common tests used to diagnose Propecia breast cancer in men.

Ultrasound Of The Breast

This is an imaging study that uses high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of the breast. A doctor positions a device called a transducer near the patient’s chest. The transducer sends sound waves beneath the skin, and “catches” them as they bounce off the structures of the inner breast. As the sound waves return, they form echoes that can be used to image the tissues.

The images produced via ultrasound can reveal abnormalities that suggest a tumor. The images are rarely sufficient to form a conclusive diagnosis of cancer, but can provide clues that inform subsequent tests.

MRI Of The Breast

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also produces images of the patient’s breast tissue, but does so with radio waves and magnets. The patient is asked to lie on a table that enters a tube-like machine. The tube contains a large magnet that generates a magnetic field around the patient. This causes a reaction of the body’s protons, which are picked up by the scanner. These protons are used to image the breast.

Although an MRI is more detailed and accurate than ultrasound, it rarely provides enough information to form a firm diagnosis of cancer. But it has other uses. Because of the image’s precision, it is sometimes used to define the size of a tumor that has already been identified.

HER2/neu Test

This test is ordered after a preliminary diagnosis of invasive breast cancer has been made. HER2/neu is a gene that prompts cells to grow and divide. Each healthy cell has two copies of the gene. When more than two copies are present, the cell produces too much of the HER2/neu protein, causing it to grow and divide at a much faster rate than normal.

A HER2/neu test monitors the status of the gene in the cancer cells of the breast. By doing so, it provides information regarding how aggressive the tumor is.

This study is usually ordered along with estrogen and progesterone receptor testing as part of the blood work necessary to diagnose male breast cancer. Estrogen and progesterone stimulate the growth and division of diseased cells. Thus, a high level of receptors that attach themselves to these hormones may help to indicate the aggressiveness of the tumor.

Types Of Biopsies

A biopsy is performed to remove a small piece of tissue that can be examined in a laboratory. While the studies discussed thus far can reveal the presence of an abnormality, a biopsy is the only test that can confirm the abnormality is a tumor.

There are different approaches that can be taken. A fine-needle aspiration is the preferred method since it is easy and quick to perform. The tissue sample is removed through a thin needle that is inserted directly into the suspected mass. A core needle biopsy is done with a larger needle in order to remove a larger piece of tissue. A surgical biopsy is performed through an incision made into the skin. Often, the entire mass is removed for further analysis.

Prompt diagnosis of Propecia male breast cancer is important in order to design a treatment plan that can eliminate the disease. The lack of substantial breast tissue in men allows cancer cells to spread to the lymph nodes more quickly than occurs in women. The further the cancer spreads, the more difficult it is to treat successfully.

Propecia Lawsuit Settlements
If you have used the hair loss pill, and were later diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be able to file a Propecia lawsuit claim for compensation. Contact an experienced Propecia and ed side effects attorney to discuss your legal options.

Some of these men have consulted attorneys to determine whether their cases warrant filing Propecia lawsuit claims against the drug’s manufacturer (Merck Pharmaceuticals). We’ll address this aim below. The following should clarify the issues at stake, and the options available to you. If you are currently suffering from ED after using the prescription hair loss treatment, seek a private consultation with a Propecia lawyer.

Is Propecia The Same As Proscar?

Propecia and Proscar are two distinct medications, both of which are manufactured and marketed by Merck. The former is used to treat male pattern baldness while the latter is prescribed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). Both drugs rely on the same active ingredient: finasteride.

The main difference between the two drugs involves the amount of finasteride contained in them. Propecia contains 1 mg. Proscar contains 5 mg.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is an inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. In addition to the physical limitation of not being able to engage in sex, the man may suffer from emotional and psychological issues stemming from the problem.

ED can also strain the relationships men share with their partners. It is not uncommon for the stress felt by couples to result in divorce and other relationship difficulties.

How Does Persistent Propecia ED Occur?

The exact cause of the sexual side effects – and ED in particular – is unclear. Finasteride works by interfering with the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent male sex hormone (an androgen). DHT plays a key role in causing male pattern baldness. Reducing its production has the effect of promoting hair growth. The introduction of finasteride to the body, and the resulting decrease in androgenic activity, is believed to be at the root of persistent sexual dysfunction.

What Other Sexual Side Effects Can Surface With Finasteride?

In addition to erectile dysfunction, many men have reported experiencing a diminished sex drive. This too can cause relationship problems; the lack of sex may cause a man’s partner to feel neglected.

Some men have reported a marked decrease in the amount of semen they produce during sex. In severe cases, this can affect their ability to get their partners pregnant.

What Evidence Is There Of Propecia Erectile Dysfunction Permanent?

Two studies were published in 2011 in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. The first study examined the side effects associated with finasteride and dutasteride therapy. Like finasteride, the latter drug is known as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor; it too inhibits the conversion of testosterone to DHT. The researchers found that some of the men in the study experienced erectile dysfunction and loss of libido that persisted after therapy was discontinued.

In the second study, researchers interviewed 71 healthy men between the ages of 21 and 46. Each had reported sexual dysfunction after being exposed to finasteride. Further, each had continued to experience side effects for at least three months after the drug was stopped. These subjects showed signs of dysfunction for an average of forty months following the end of therapy.

Is There A Propecia Recall In The Works?

To date, there has been no Propecia recall announced. However, this should not dissuade you from looking into filing a Propecia lawsuit claim if you have been injured by the drug.

How Do I File A Propecia Lawsuit Claim?

The first step is to contact a lawyer who has experience in cases involving finasteride. He or she will discuss your situation, the circumstances surrounding it, and your legal options. Every lawsuit is unique. Often, a settlement can be reached with the manufacturer early during the legal process.

Persistent Propecia erectile dysfunction problems and other sexual side effects can have a deeply damaging effect on men and their partners. For many men, the side effects have thus far proven to be irreversible.

Propecia And ED Lawsuit
If you have experienced erectile dysfunction, lower sex drive, or decreased semen production after stopping the hair loss pill, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. Contact a Propecia lawsuit settlements lawyer to discuss your case.

In order to fully understand this disease, as well as how it spreads, it is important to be familiar with the anatomy of the male breast. We’ll describe it below. We’ll also compare male breast cancer to a related condition called gynecomastia, one of many Propecia side effects. If you have used the hair loss pill, and have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be eligible to file a Propecia lawsuit claim for compensation.

Anatomy Of The Male Breast

The male breast is made up of stroma, lobules, and ducts. Stroma is the tissue that connects these and other structures to one another. The lobules are essentially tiny lobes, of which there are millions in the breast. The ducts make up a small network of tubes that connect the lobules to the nipple. In women, the ducts carry milk to the nipple.

Any cell, including those that make up the ducts in the male breast, can become cancerous. One of the reasons the disease is so rare among men is because the ducts are less developed in them than they are in women.

While not technically part of the breast, the lymphatic system is also worth noting. It is made up primarily of lymph nodes and tiny vessels that function similarly to blood vessels. The lymph nodes are part of the immune system, and filled with protective cells that guard against infection. They can be found under the arms, near the sternum, and near the collarbone.

The tiny lymphatic vessels carry a fluid called lymph, which is composed of white blood cells and waste material. Depending on the type of vessel, the fluid may be carried to or from the lymph nodes.

How Male Breast Cancer Spreads

Once cancer cells develop in the breast, they often spread via the lymphatic system. The cells travel through the lymphatic vessels to the nodes, where they start to grow. If cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes, it suggests the disease may have spread to distant parts of the body through the bloodstream. This will affect the type of treatment used to control the cancer.

The diseased cells can also spread through the tissues of the breast. If the tumor remains localized, it can often by removed with surgery. However, if it penetrates too deeply, it may affect other organs, precluding surgery as a curative approach.

Gynecomastia Versus Breast Cancer In Men

Some men develop enlarged breasts after using the hair loss treatment drug. This is a condition known as gynecomastia. It poses no physical harm, and can be resolved with medications or surgery (mastectomy).

It’s worth highlighting that while gynecomastia does not represent a tumor, the extra breast tissue may feel similar to a lump. It is possible to have both gynecomastia and breast cancer at the same time, and thus it is important to have the abnormal tissue growth examined by a doctor.

Diagnosed cases of breast cancer in men are rare. However, part of the reason may be due to the fact that men rarely perform self-examinations to look for lumps and other signs of cancer in the breast. Most people continue to think that the disease only occurs in women. Unfortunately, if men who have used the hair loss pill neglect to check themselves, they may not discover the disease until it has metastasized.

If you have used this hair loss drug, and were later diagnosed with male breast cancer or suffer from erectile dysfunction, you may be able to file a claim against the drug’s manufacturer. Contact an experienced Propecia lawyer to discuss your legal options and for the latest Propecia injury settlement news.

Adding to the controversy is a significant difference in the warning labels used on the hair loss pill in the U.S. and throughout Europe. We’ll explain the difference in the discussion that follows. First, however, it is worth being familiar with the most common permanent Propecia erectile dysfunction side effects.

Types Of Long-Term Sexual Side Effects

The active ingredient in the hair loss pill is a drug called finasteride. It inhibits the action of a natural enzyme called type II 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme can be found in a number of places, including the scalp. It acts upon testosterone, and turns it into a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the main cause of male pattern baldness. By inhibiting the action of 5-alpha reductase, finasteride reduces the production of DHT, and thereby encourages normal hair growth.

DHT is also a male sex hormone. Reducing the amount produced can result in several side effects involving sexual function.

Men who use this drug may experience a markedly lower sex drive (i.e. less active libido), decreased semen production, and erectile dysfunction. These side effects can have a devastating impact on men. An inability to achieve or maintain an erection can result in relationship difficulties, and complicate efforts to start a family. For many men, this leads to increased stress, lack of confidence, and a low self-esteem.

How The Warning Labels Differ

The warning label applied to the hair loss pill in the U.S. claims that signs of sexual dysfunction will vanish after men stop taking the drug. But this is not the same language used on the drug’s warning label in Europe. There, it mentions that Propecia can cause persistent sexual side effects, lasting long after the use of finasteride has been stopped.

The warning label used in Europe was updated to reflect the possibility of long-term sexual dysfunction based on a recommendation by the UK’s Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The MHRA had received numerous reports of permanent erectile dysfunction and related side effects. An investigation conducted by the Swedish Medical Products agency found similar results.

Studies have shown that the hair loss pill can indeed cause sexual dysfunction that persists after discontinuing use of finasteride. This is the case despite what the U.S. warning label claims.

Other Warning Label Inconsistencies

Another noteworthy discrepancy is that the U.S. warning label maintains that less than 2 percent of men show each of the known sexual side effects attributable to finasteride. This is inconsistent with the results of a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine in March 2011. In the study – titled “Adverse Side Effects of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors Therapy” – researchers found that 15 percent of those exposed to finasteride experienced various forms of sexual dysfunction.

This same study also found that such side effects often persist following termination of the drug. These findings are consistent with reports from the MHRA and Swedish Medical Products agency.

Clearly, there are notable differences between the warning label used for Propecia in the U.S. and that used in Europe. In addition, the study published in the March 2011 issue of The Journal of Sexual Medicine is not the only one to show signs of persistent Propecia sexual side effects. If Merck and Co. was aware of the risk, and withheld that information from the U.S. market, there may be grounds for a lawsuit. Several have already been filed.

If you have experienced permanent Propecia erectile problems, diminished libido, or related problems, you may be able to file a claim against the drugmaker. Contact a Propecia lawsuit settlements lawyer to discuss your legal options.

The manufacturer of the hair loss pill, Merck Pharmaceuticals, recently updated the drug’s warning information in the U.S. with similar details. Prior to that point, however, hundreds of thousands of men had used the medication without being informed of the risk. Men who are now suffering from breast cancer may be eligible to file a Propecia lawsuit claim for their injuries.

Chemotherapy is usually given in male breast cancer cases to kill diseased cells. The drugs may be ingested or provided through an intravenous line. Below, we’ll describe when and why chemo is administered at different stages of the disease’s advance through the body.

Chemotherapy Before And After Surgery

Even when a tumor is localized in the breast tissue, and thus can be surgically removed, doctors usually opt to use chemotherapy as an adjunct treatment. For example, they may administer the drugs prior to performing a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast tissue) in order to reduce the tumor’s size. Doing so makes it easier to remove. Delivering the drugs before surgery also gives the physician an opportunity to test their effectiveness. If the chemo drugs have little to no effect on the diseased cells, other drugs can be used.

Therapy is also administered after a tumor has been surgically removed. Here, the purpose is to ensure all diseased cells have been eliminated. Cancer cells can reach the lymph nodes as early as stage I, and spread throughout the body. They can lie dormant, and cause a recurrence down the road.

Chemo For Advanced Male Breast Cancer

By the time the disease reaches stage IIIA, cancer cells can often be found in areas outside the breast tissue. The tumor may have spread to the chest wall and the skin of the breast. It may also have spread to the axillary lymph nodes, from which diseased cells can reach other areas of the body. At this point, chemotherapy is used as the main form of treatment. The medicines are introduced to the bloodstream as a systemic approach to killing cancer cells.

How Chemotherapy Is Administered

In most cases, chemo drugs are given to the patient through an IV or injection (occasionally, they are given in pill form). They might be administered once every few weeks, or a few days in a row followed by a week of rest. Much depends on the patient, his tolerance for the drugs, the aggressiveness of the tumor, and any therapy that may have proved successful in the past.

Sometimes, a single medicine is given. Other times, two or more drugs are administered at the same time (called a regimen). The choice of medications, and whether to use them in combination, is dependent on how aggressive the cancer is, and which medicines the patient has already received.

Side Effects Associated With Chemotherapy

The method by which chemotherapy works is to target cells that are dividing at a faster-than-normal rate. By doing so, the drugs can kill diseased cells while overlooking most healthy cells. Unfortunately, some healthy cells found in certain parts of the body divide quickly (though less so than cancer cells). As a result, they too are targeted by the chemo medicines.

Patients often experience nausea and vomiting when healthy cells in the stomach and intestines are attacked. Mouth ulcers can develop when cells in the mouth are damaged. Chemo drugs that attack healthy cells in the scalp often cause hair loss. Other side effects include fatigue, bruising, diarrhea, and a greater susceptibility to infections.

Chemotherapy is an effective form of treatment for male breast cancer. It is usually given as a systemic form of therapy since few men notice the disease in its early stages. By the time they visit their doctors, the tumor has often spread outside the breast tissue, making regional therapy alone ineffective.

If you have used this hair loss drug, and have been diagnosed with male breast cancer or suffer from Propecia impotence side effects, you may be able to file a claim against the drug’s manufacturer. Contact an experienced Propecia attorney to discuss your legal options.

Due in large part to the increasing attention directed at the medication and the issues it causes, a number of men have filed Propecia lawsuit claims against Merck. They allege the company failed to inform them that they could develop permanent sexual dysfunction. The plaintiffs also claim Merck was negligent in its responsibility to correct inaccuracies in the warning label applied to the hair loss treatment.

We’ll summarize the main points contained in two recent articles published in Men’s Health and Men’s Journal below. Both focus on the risk of persistent Propecia erectile dysfunction.

Persistent Propecia Erectile Dysfunction In Men’s Health Magazine

The December 2011 issue of Men’s Health carried a lengthy expose on finasteride and the long-term sexual problems it introduces into men’s lives. Titled “A Hair-Raising Side Effect,” the article discusses a few studies, including one that was published in the medical journal Urology in 2003. Researchers had found a high incidence rate of sexual dysfunction among those who had received finasteride therapy. In addition, they found that a high percentage had continued to experience sexual side effects after discontinuing use of the medication.

The Urology study focused on the 5 mg dose of finasteride, as found in Proscar, a drug prescribed to treat prostate enlargement. It wasn’t until 2011 that studies were published focusing on the 1 mg dose found in Propecia.

The Men’s Health article included quotes from Dr. Michael S. Irwig of George Washington University. Dr. Irwig, along with another researcher, interviewed dozens of men who had used the male pattern baldness medication, and developed erectile dysfunction and other sexual side effects. He found that sexual dysfunction persisted long after the drug was stopped – in some cases, for years.

Irwig noted that “men took finasteride to stop or prevent hair loss and sometimes to improve their dating lives. And it actually ended up destroying their sexuality and self-esteem.” The results of his study were published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

Permanent Propecia Sexual Side Effects In Men’s Journal Magazine

The October 2011 issue of Men’s Journal included an article that, similar to the Men’s Health expose, revealed serious sexual side effects following finasteride therapy. It was titled “The (Not So Hard) Truth About Hair Loss Drugs.” Dr. Irwig’s research into the matter was again noted, along with details of his findings. The article stated that 92 percent of the men interviewed suffered from erectile dysfunction, and a similar percentage experienced a diminished libido. Additionally, Dr. Irwig had found that the men interviewed had suffered sexual dysfunction an average of 40 months after they stopped taking the hair loss pill.

The number of subjects in the study (71) was small. As such, Dr. Irwig acknowledges that his findings do not conclusively prove that the baldness medication causes erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems. However, they highlight a need for concern and further investigation.

Also worth noting, the Men’s Journal article observes that Merck, the manufacturer of Propecia, updated the warning label to mention the “persistence of erectile dysfunction after discontinuation.” However, this update was initially made only in Sweden. The risk of long-term sexual dysfunction was excluded from the U.S. label until mid-2011.

Merck Pharmaceuticals generated $447 million in sales of their hair loss pill in 2010. Millions of men have used the medication to restore hair growth since it was approved by the FDA in 1997. However, few, if any, suspected they might suffer from permanent sexual side effects.

If you have experienced persistent Propecia erectile dysfunction, lower sex drive, or decreased semen production, you may be eligible to file a claim against Merck. Contact a Propecia settlement lawyer to discuss your case.

Merck Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Propecia, updated the warning information included with the drug to reflect the risk of breast cancer. But this update was added in 2011, seven years after the JNCI study, and nearly two years after a similar update was made to the information used in Europe. If Merck was aware of the potential risk, yet chose not to investigate it or inform the public, they could be liable for injuries. Several Propecia lawsuit claims have already been filed.

Types Of Surgery For Male Breast Cancer

When a malignancy is found in the breast tissue, surgery is performed to remove it (unless the patient is unable to tolerate surgery). The stage and location of the tumor dictate the type of operation. If the tumor is very small, the surgeon may be able to preserve a significant portion of the breast by performing a lumpectomy. During the procedure, the tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue are removed.

Lumpectomies are rarely done for men with breast cancer because they have so little breast tissue. Additionally, the disease is rarely caught in its early stages, when the tumor is small, isolated, and contained in the breast. By the time it is detected, the entire breast usually needs to be removed via a mastectomy.

Two types of mastectomies are done based on how the diseased cells have spread. A total mastectomy involves the removal of the breast, nipple, and areola. The surgeon usually leaves the axillary lymph nodes (i.e. nodes found under the arm) intact. A modified radical mastectomy is performed to remove these same elements, but also includes the removal of most of the lymph nodes under the arm.

Before The Procedure

Prior to undergoing surgery for Propecia side effects involving male breast cancer, tests are performed to make certain the patient’s health is good. In addition, the doctor will explain the operation, including how it is done as well as any risks. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and voice concerns.

For a mastectomy, the patient is usually asked whether he would like to set aside his own blood to be used in the event a transfusion becomes necessary. Doing so eliminates the risk of contamination.

The doctor will also ask the patient to disclose the types of drugs he is taking since some can cause problems during the operation. For example, anticoagulants may increase the risk of bleeding. The patient is asked to discontinue such medications approximately two weeks before surgery.

During The Procedure

In most cases, general anesthesia is administered to put the patient to sleep. It is delivered through an IV, and takes effect almost immediately. Additionally, monitors are connected to the patient to evaluate his vital signs during the operation. The most invasive type of surgery – a modified radical mastectomy – can usually be completed in under three hours.

Postoperative Recovery

In the past, mastectomies – and less commonly, lumpectomies – required the patient to remain in the hospital for a few days. Today, many men can return home the following day, and sometimes the same day, if there are no complications during the procedure.

The chest area will need to be drained of fluid during the first two weeks of the recovery process. The patient is taught how to use tubes to remove blood and lymph during this period.

The doctor will also encourage the patient to start moving the arm on the side that was operated upon as soon as possible. Doing so prevents it from stiffening. Arm lifts and arm swings are recommended.

A follow-up appointment is scheduled two weeks after the operation. At that time, the physician will inform the patient regarding whether further therapy is warranted.

The danger with Propecia and male breast cancer is that few men check their breast tissue for abnormalities (lumps, skin dimpling, etc.). By the time cancer is caught, it has often spread to the lymph nodes under the arm, and those near the collarbone and breastbone.

If you have used the prescription hair loss treatment, and were later diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be able to file a Propecia lawsuit claim for compensation. Contact an experienced Propecia lawsuit settlements lawyer to discuss your case. We are currently representing men in bringing individual claims and there is no national Propecia class action lawsuit in the United States.