The Approval of a New Generic Form of Propecia is a Disappointment
The Approval of a New Generic Form of Propecia is a Disappointment
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. announced recently that it has started selling the generic form of the anti-hair loss drug Propecia. According to a Jan. 3 news report in Fox News, sale of finasteride 1 mg tablets, that are a copycat version of Merck’s Propecia, is expected to boost the Indian generic drug maker’s profits.
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories announced that it has begun sales of a generic form of anti-hair loss drug Propecia in the United States. According to a Jan. 3 Fox News report, Dr. Reddy will sell finasteride 1 milligram tablets, which mimics Merck & Co. Inc.’s Propecia, for six months.
The report states that annual sales of Propecia in the United States hit $136 million for the 12 months ended October. Under United States law, the first successful generic challenger to a drug will get 180 days of sales exclusivity, allowing the company to rake in high profits before other competitors get in and push down prices of the generic drug, the article states.
Experts project that Dr. Reddy’s is likely to chalk up close to $20 million in sales for the generic version of Propecia during that six-month window, Fox News reports. The drug could generate close to $30 million for the company in the next fiscal year starting in April, the report states.
In April 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), required label changes. Propecia with the active ingredient finasteride, after patients reported additional adverse side effects that were not apparent at the time of the drugs’ approval.
According to an FDA alert, the Propecia labels since include side effects such as “libido disorders, ejaculation disorders, and orgasm disorders” that continued long after individuals stopped taking the drug. Thousands of men nationwide have filed lawsuits against Merck alleging that the finasteride-containing drug caused sexual dysfunction and other sexual side effects even after they discontinued the drug.
It is disappointing that a drug with so many serious, life-changing side effects has received approval for sale yet again, said John Bisnar, founder of the Bisnar Chase personal injury law firm. “While it seems to help pharmaceutical companies get in and make a quick buck, it is the consumers who end up suffering because of lack of information about the potential side effects of dangerous drugs.”
It is heartbreaking to read stories of victims who allege that they had fulfilling lives before they took Propecia and suffered Propecia side effects, Bisnar says. “It is sad that pharmaceutical companies often put profits before people. No drug should be introduced to the market until it is properly tested. If there are serious, long-term side effects, consumers should certainly be forewarned.”
Sources:
http://www.foxbusiness.com/news/2013/01/03/dr-reddy-starts-us-sales-generic-drug-to-treat-male-baldness/
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/ucm299754.htm
http://www.drreddys.com/media/press-releases.html#
