Two popular, yet controversial drugs that allegedly treat male pattern baldness and enlarged prostate will now be required to add extended labels to warn users of the possible sexual side effects, says a report by United States regulators of the drug. Propecia and Proscar, two drugs manufactured by the company Merck, both contain the active ingredient of finasteride. As the only oral medication to treat male pattern baldness that is approved by the FDA, Propecia was originally thought to have minor side effects that will stop once the medication is no longer consumed by the patient. Unfortunately, many people have reported libido disorders, such as erectile dysfunction, that remain long after use of the drug has been stopped. Additionally, many of the side effects seen with users of this drug have included breast cancer, prostate cancer, pain in the testicles, decreased sexual desire, rashes, hives, swelling of the lips and face, and increased breast size. While these side effects were believed to be temporary, many users are now suffering from cancer although the medication has been stopped for some time.

Approved onto the market in 1997 by the United States Food and Drug Administration, Propecia was thought to be a breakthrough drug in the industry. It was used to prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, which ultimately leads to male hair loss. It is currently considered to be one of the most popular drugs used for male pattern hair loss, available under both the names Propecia and Proscar. Many lawsuits have been filed in association with this medication, and many activists have urged the FDA to pull the drug from the market or at least add additional warning labels to allow consumers to know more about the drug that they are taking.

Unfortunately, in some cases, a doctor fails to warn a patient of the possible side effects when a drug is prescribed. For cases such as this, it is very important to have additional warning labels on these medications to allow these consumers to know more about the drug they are about to use. On Friday, the FDA announced that additional labels will now be required by Propecia and Proscar to warn of certain side effects. Though they do not believe that there is absolute proof that these drugs are causing the problems, they believe that there is enough reports of these incidents that action must be taken.

The new labels will include warnings on the loss of sexual desire by Propecia users, in addition to the inability to ejaculate and the inability to reach orgasm. It will also note that these dysfunctions may continue for some time after the user has discontinued use of the drug. Labels on Proscar will note that the drug may cause loss of sexual desire, which can also continue after the use of this drug has been discontinued. Lastly, reports show that a label will be placed on both drugs warning of male infertility and / or poor semen quality. The label will notify users that this side effect may lessen or go away entirely after the use of the drug is stopped.

While this drug is still available to the public with a prescription from your practitioner, it has been said to cause serious side effects in some users. If you or someone you know has been affected by the use of Propecia or Proscar, you need to talk to a medical malpractice lawyer. Many people are affected by dangerous drugs that have not been thoroughly tested or have been prescribed negligently by a doctor, and you should not be another victim! Let a medical malpractice attorney help you understand the legal rights you have to pursue a financial settlement for the injuries or illness you have suffered due to the use of this medication.