They were considering legal action against the Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD) laboratory. It is now done. About ten victims of Propecia this Monday, March 11, a procedure against the drug from the German laboratory. First described as a miracle against hair loss, the treatment marketed since 1999 has been criticized for several years for its proven and dangerous side effects for health.
“We consider that the MSD laboratory and the health authorities have been slow to inform patients, but also doctors, of the adverse effects and in particular of their irreversible nature., declares the plaintiffs lawyer Charles Joseph-Oudin To Europe 1. And this is what we will demonstrate before the judge. This is what must call for compensation on their part. “
Erectile and psychiatric side effects
The molecule that makes up Propecia, finasteride, is indeed known for its risk of erectile dysfunction, ejaculation or decreased libido, sources of numerous reports.
In October 2017, the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) also warned against other side effects associated with taking the treatment: “Since the marketing of Propecia in 1999, psychiatric adverse effects have been reported, suggesting a possible link between taking finasteride and depression or suicidal ideation”, she emphasized. Last February, the agency also sent a letter back to all prescribing doctors to renew the alert.
A suspension of marketing?
But for the victims’ lawyer, these warnings are not enough. In France, the drug still available on the market is prescribed to nearly 30,000 men each year to fight against baldness. Before being indicated to alleviate this hair loss, it was also recommended for hypertrophy of the prostate. The legal procedure will therefore be launched, for a first hearing in April at the court of Nanterre (Hauts-de-Seine). If a dozen cases are now brought to justice, Me Charles Joseph-Oudin confides that 70 others are under development.
“At the same time, the association of victims of finasteride is working to obtain the suspension of marketing and that this drug be withdrawn from the market. We consider the risk-benefit ratio to be unfavorable ”, he also added To FranceInfo.
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