Health Canada Issues Warning about Propecia Side Effects

Ottawa, CanadaHealth Canada has issued a warning about Propecia side effects. The health agency has warned patients that Propecia side effects in men could include an increased risk of male breast cancer. The new side effect, if it is proven to be linked to Propecia, is in addition to reported Propecia sexual dysfunction effects, which are the focus of Propecia lawsuits.

According to CBC (08/04/11), Health Canada issued a warning that finasteride, the generic version of Propecia, has been linked to male breast cancer in a small number of patients around the world. Most of the reports were linked with the five-milligram version of finasteride, which is sold as Proscar, although Health Canada notes in its warning that male breast cancer was reported in patients taking both doses. Proscar is used to treat enlargement of the prostate, while Propecia, a one-milligram dose of finasteride, is used to treat male pattern baldness.

In making its announcement, Health Canada said that it is not known for certain that finasteride causes breast cancer but that the possibility could not be ruled out. So far, Health Canada has received two reports of male breast cancer involving Proscar. Labels for both Propecia and Proscar have been updated to reflect the risk of male breast cancer.

Men who use finasteride are encouraged to report any changes in their breasts, including enlargement, lumps or pain, to their doctors.

Previously, Propecia was linked to an increased risk of male sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. Some patients further claim that Propecia is linked to anxiety attacks, insomnia and emotional symptoms. Lawsuits filed against Merck, the maker of Propecia, allege that the symptoms can remain even years after the medication is discontinued, despite claims on the label that the symptoms are reversible.

Earlier this year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that Propecia may be linked to a higher risk of high-grade prostate cancer. High-grade prostate cancer is a rare but aggressive form of prostate cancer. According to the FDA, the announcement was made after a study involving Proscar and Avodart found a link between the medications and high-grade prostate cancer. Propecia was included in the warning because it has the same active ingredient, even though it is a lower dose.