“The erectile dysfunction specifically has caused enormous embarrassment and emotional pain.”
Steve, age 49, says he has been taking Viagra for almost six years, after taking Propecia for nine years. Sadly, even Viagra hasn’t helped him keep a long-term relationship.
“Propecia has caused sexual dysfunction to the point that it ruined any relationships I had with a number of women and I don’t blame them,” says Steve. “I remember that there was a warning on the label about a small chance of sexual dysfunction, but I also remember the label distinctly saying that all Propecia side effects are temporary and would go away as soon as you stop taking it. I wouldn't have risked permanent dysfunction just to grow my hair back.”
Jordie, age 35, has been taking Viagra for five years - a few years after he started Propecia. But like most any medication, Viagra also comes with side effects - Jordie feels like he is “between a rock and a hard place.” Should he risk his marriage or his health?
“I regret the day I asked my doctor to prescribe Propecia. I don’t blame him because the manufacturer lied about these temporary side effects,” Jordie says. “I started suffering from erectile dysfunction and kept taking the drug. I wasn’t informed about the side effects until I saw an advertisement on TV and then I went online. I was really in the dark about this drug, all because of my vanity.”
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“The worst Propecia side effects affected me and my partner,” Jordie adds. “I am telling this candidly for two reasons. I want to be compensated by Merck for ruining my relationship but at the same time it is hard to put a dollar amount on it. The drug company owes Propecia victims a lot. I have no idea what the future holds for us, if we can stay together.”
As of June 30, 2014, about 1,280 lawsuits involving 1,550 plaintiffs (partners sued for loss of consortium) have been filed against Merck, alleging permanent sexual dysfunction after using Propecia. Some plaintiffs claim that Propecia has caused prostrate cancer.