Man Sues Merck for $10 Million Alleging Propecia Caused Sexual Dysfunction
Propecia lawsuit against pharmaceutical giant, Merck, alleging that he suffered severe side effects including sexual dysfunction after taking the anti-baldness drug, Propecia.
A Massachusetts man has filed a $10 millionAccording to news reports, the case, which is moving forward in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, alleges that side effects from taking Propecia – including anxiety, depression, lowered libido and erectile dysfunction — have ruined the plaintiff’s quality of life.
He claims he will require medical care, rehabilitation and medication for the rest of his life as a result of these serious Propecia side effects. The plaintiff alleges breach of warranty, fraud, negligence inadequate warning and defective design. The man also states in the lawsuit that he had no sexual problems before he took Propecia.
Propecia’s Aggressive Marketing Effort
Propecia was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 1997 to treat male pattern hair loss. Many men who have filed similar lawsuits allege that Merck spent $60 million in marketing and advertising to promote Propecia in 1998. Their marketing budget ballooned to $125 million the following year. None of the advertising warned consumers about the possible sexual side effects of using Propecia.
Serious Side Effects
In addition, Merck maintained that less than 2 percent of men taking Propecia suffered from sexual side effects and that these problems subsided after they stopped taking the medication. However, a study conducted by the Swedish Medical Products Agency in 2009 found that Propecia use could result in permanent sexual dysfunction.
Drug Companies’ Liability
Drug manufacturers have a legal obligation to test their products before putting them in the market. Exposing unsuspecting consumers to dangerous drugs that could cause them a lifetime of suffering and emotional distress is simply unacceptable. Not only that, but Merck also spent millions of dollars marketing a drug, which it knew had the potential to cause these sexual side effects. Did Merck deliberately downplay Propecia side effects to boost its profits?
If you have suffered serious side effects as a result of taking Propecia or any other dangerous drug, please remember that you do have legal rights. An experienced pharmaceutical litigation lawyer can help you better understand your options and fight the corporations whose negligence turned your life upside down.