Propecia Lawsuits

Background information on Propecia lawsuits, settlements and litigation updates published between 2011 to 2017.

Propecia Lawsuit Overview

The Propecia litigation involved claims that Merck & Co. failed to adequately warn consumers and healthcare providers about long-term sexual and psychological side effects associated with its hair loss drug, finasteride.

Originally developed to treat enlarged prostate under the brand name Proscar, the lower-dose version Propecia was heavily marketed as a safe, effective solution for male pattern baldness. Over time, however, users began reporting persistent erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, depression, and cognitive impairment that continued even after discontinuing the medication.

As complaints grew, thousands of lawsuits were filed alleging that Merck knew about the potential for irreversible sexual dysfunction but misrepresented the safety profile of Propecia to protect sales. Internal company documents and international labeling differences were cited as evidence that the manufacturer had warned physicians in other countries while downplaying the same risks in the United States. Plaintiffs accused Merck of negligence, fraud, and failure to warn, claiming that the drug caused a condition now commonly referred to as “post-finasteride syndrome.”

The federal lawsuits were consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2331) in the Eastern District of New York, where discovery focused on Merck’s handling of adverse event data and labeling decisions. Several state court actions proceeded in parallel, resulting in both individual and global settlements.

Propecia Litigation Updates

November 3, 2015: Propecia Trials Delayed Amid Ongoing Settlement Discussions

The federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) over Propecia sexual side effects faced additional delays as parties continued negotiating potential global settlements. The lawsuits accused Merck of failing to warn that the hair loss drug could cause long-term or permanent sexual dysfunction in men.

February 2, 2015: Propecia Sexual Problems Lawsuits Scheduled for Trial

The U.S. District Judge presiding over the consolidated Propecia litigation set initial trial dates to evaluate claims that the medication caused irreversible sexual side effects. The bellwether trials were intended to help gauge the strength of claims and guide future settlement talks.

August 14, 2013: Bellwether Plan Approved in Propecia Sexual Side Effects Litigation

A bellwether trial plan was established to prepare representative Propecia lawsuits for early jury trials in federal court. The cases would test allegations that Merck concealed evidence showing men could continue suffering erectile dysfunction and loss of libido long after stopping the drug.

March 8, 2013: Propecia Litigation Progresses Smoothly in Federal MDL

Judges overseeing the federal Propecia MDL reported steady progress in managing discovery and pretrial motions. Hundreds of lawsuits alleged that Merck downplayed post-finasteride syndrome risks, which included persistent impotence and depression.

June 13, 2012: Lawsuits Over Propecia Sexual Side Effects Continue to Grow

The number of men filing lawsuits over Propecia’s long-term sexual side effects continued to rise nationwide. Plaintiffs accused Merck of minimizing post-marketing data showing users could suffer permanent harm to sexual function and mental health.

April 17, 2012: Propecia Lawyer Leadership Structure Established in MDL

The court appointed lead counsel and liaison attorneys to coordinate pretrial proceedings in the consolidated Propecia litigation. The appointments were made to streamline discovery and facilitate communication between hundreds of individual plaintiffs.

February 7, 2012: Propecia Attorneys Meet to Discuss Coordination of MDL Cases

Attorneys representing men who suffered persistent erectile dysfunction after using Propecia met in New York to discuss procedural coordination. The meeting followed the centralization of lawsuits before Judge John Gleeson in the Eastern District of New York.

January 26, 2012: Propecia Litigation Growing Quickly Following MDL Formation

Lawyers reported a rapid increase in the number of Propecia lawsuits filed across the country following creation of the federal MDL. Plaintiffs claimed the finasteride-based drug caused irreversible sexual and psychological injuries.

December 13, 2011: Propecia Lawsuits Centralized in New York Federal Court

The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated all federal Propecia cases before one judge in the Eastern District of New York. The coordination aimed to improve judicial efficiency and consistency in rulings on pretrial motions and discovery disputes.

December 1, 2011: Propecia Lawsuits Centralized in New Jersey State Court

In addition to the federal MDL, New Jersey’s Superior Court centralized all state-level Propecia cases for coordinated management. The move reflected the growing number of plaintiffs alleging Merck ignored evidence linking finasteride to lasting sexual dysfunction.

October 21, 2011: Merck Supports MDL Consolidation for Propecia Lawsuits

Merck filed a motion supporting the creation of a federal MDL to manage the rising number of Propecia cases. The company said coordination would prevent duplicative discovery while still allowing defendants to contest individual claims.

October 5, 2011: Motion Filed to Consolidate Propecia Litigation Nationwide

Plaintiffs requested that federal Propecia lawsuits be centralized to streamline pretrial proceedings and avoid conflicting rulings. The motion cited common questions of fact involving Merck’s alleged failure to warn of the drug’s persistent side effects.

September 8, 2011: More Propecia Lawsuits Filed Over Persistent Sexual Dysfunction

Men continued filing lawsuits claiming that use of Propecia led to long-term sexual dysfunction that persisted after stopping the medication. Plaintiffs alleged Merck failed to properly update warnings despite mounting clinical evidence.

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Propecia Research and Reports

November 15, 2017: Propecia and Avodart Linked to Increased Risk of Erectile Dysfunction

A new study found that men taking finasteride or dutasteride—sold under the brand names Propecia and Avodart—faced a higher risk of long-term erectile dysfunction. Researchers warned that some users experienced sexual impairment lasting months or even years after discontinuing treatment.

April 21, 2015: Study Finds Elevated Suicide Risk Among Men Using Propecia

A population-based study indicated that men prescribed finasteride had higher rates of depression and suicidal ideation compared to non-users. Researchers suggested that the drug’s hormonal effects could contribute to persistent psychiatric complications in a subset of patients.

September 4, 2014: Researchers Question Accuracy of Propecia Safety Studies

Medical experts criticized earlier Propecia clinical trials for downplaying the risk of long-term sexual dysfunction. The report claimed that study methodologies excluded key adverse event data, resulting in misleading conclusions about the drug’s safety profile.

November 30, 2012: Study Links Propecia Use to Reduced Alcohol Consumption

A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men experiencing sexual side effects from Propecia also reported decreased alcohol consumption. Researchers theorized that finasteride’s hormonal impact may alter reward mechanisms in the brain.

April 12, 2012: Persistent Sexual Problems Highlighted in Propecia Risk Report

A new risk analysis linked Propecia to persistent erectile dysfunction and loss of libido even after patients stopped taking the medication. The findings prompted renewed FDA scrutiny of finasteride’s label warnings.

January 25, 2012: Sexual Problems With Propecia Spark Increased Public Attention

Following a series of patient complaints, regulators reviewed reports suggesting that Propecia may cause lasting sexual dysfunction. Advocacy groups urged stronger labeling and physician education to ensure informed prescribing practices.

December 19, 2011: Study Connects Propecia Use With Depression Symptoms

A clinical investigation found that men using Propecia had a higher incidence of depressive symptoms and anxiety. Researchers concluded that the drug’s hormonal mechanisms could affect neurotransmitters linked to mood regulation.

November 2, 2011: Study Finds Persistent Sexual Dysfunction Linked to Propecia

New research showed that some men continued to suffer from erectile dysfunction and loss of libido long after discontinuing Propecia. The authors called for additional studies to better understand the drug’s long-term physiological effects.

July 20, 2011: Protest Over Propecia Suicide Risks Draws Public Attention

A public demonstration outside Merck headquarters protested the company’s handling of suicide reports linked to Propecia. Advocates accused the manufacturer of failing to adequately disclose potential psychological risks to consumers and doctors.

June 8, 2011: Long-Term Sexual Dysfunction Warning Added to Propecia and Proscar

The FDA updated labels for Propecia and Proscar to include warnings about ongoing sexual side effects. The agency cited reports of erectile dysfunction and decreased libido that persisted after stopping treatment.

April 19, 2011: Erectile Dysfunction Study Highlights Dangers of Hormonal Drugs

A study found that hormonal-based drugs used to treat hair loss and prostate problems, including Propecia, may alter sexual function by disrupting androgen pathways. The findings added to growing evidence of finasteride’s long-term risks.

January 11, 2011: Propecia Linked to Increased Prostate Cancer Risk

FDA safety reviews revealed that finasteride, the active ingredient in Propecia, could raise the risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer. The agency required label changes warning physicians and patients of the potential danger.

November 15, 2010: Propecia and Avodart Side Effects Raise Concerns About Sexual Dysfunction

Researchers warned that men using Propecia or Avodart for hair loss or prostate treatment experienced significant rates of erectile dysfunction and reduced libido. The study urged further investigation into the drugs’ hormonal effects.

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Propecia Lawsuit Examples

September 24, 2012: Canadian Class Action Filed Over Propecia Sexual Side Effects

A class action lawsuit was filed in Canada alleging that Merck failed to adequately warn men about the risks of long-term sexual dysfunction from Propecia. Plaintiffs claimed the drug caused irreversible impotence, loss of libido, and psychological harm that persisted after treatment ended.

March 2, 2012: Lawsuit Filed Over Propecia Side Effects Impacting Quality of Life

A Maryland man filed a lawsuit claiming that Propecia caused persistent erectile dysfunction and depression, destroying his quality of life. The complaint accused Merck of concealing known risks from the public and medical community despite mounting reports of sexual side effects.

February 21, 2012: Propecia Lawsuit Filed Over Loss of Sex Life

A 34-year-old man filed suit against Merck, alleging that Propecia caused permanent impotence and loss of sexual desire. The lawsuit contended that Merck had evidence of long-term side effects years before adding any warnings to the drug’s label.

December 19, 2011: Lawsuit Filed Over Propecia Sexual Side Effects

A New York man filed a lawsuit alleging that he developed severe sexual dysfunction and psychological distress after using Propecia. The complaint accused Merck of negligence, failure to warn, and misrepresentation of the drug’s safety profile.

October 31, 2011: 26-Year-Old Man Files Propecia Impotence Lawsuit

A 26-year-old plaintiff filed a lawsuit claiming that Propecia caused permanent erectile dysfunction, even after discontinuing the drug. The lawsuit alleged that Merck withheld critical data from doctors about the potential for long-term harm in younger users.

September 19, 2011: Lawsuit Filed Over Erectile Dysfunction Caused by Propecia

A Texas man filed a lawsuit against Merck, claiming that use of Propecia for male pattern baldness led to irreversible erectile dysfunction. The lawsuit alleged that the company failed to issue adequate warnings despite years of adverse event data.

July 27, 2011: Propecia Lawsuit Filed Over Sexual Problems Linked to Hair Loss Drug

One of the earliest Propecia lawsuits accused Merck of failing to warn that its popular hair loss medication could cause severe sexual side effects. The plaintiff claimed that the drug permanently affected his ability to maintain normal sexual function, leading to emotional distress.