MDL Status Conference in Propecia Case Begins

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered in April of 2012 that all federal lawsuits dealing with the hair loss drug Propecia be consolidated into a multi district litigation case that would encompass side effects cases dealing with the sexual side effects of the medication. This centralization is being dealt with in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, presided over by Judge John Gleeson. The pretrial proceedings in this lawsuits began with an initial status conference that took place in May.

Propecia sexual dysfunction cited in lawsuits

Propecia is a medication that is prescribed to treat male pattern baldness in men. The Food and Drug Administration approved it for use in 1997, and drug maker Merck & Co. outlined several sexual side effects that could be linked to the medication, but ultimately declared that these side effects would be temporary. However, a number of patients claim to have experienced side effects of Propecia that are long-lasting or permanent. These side effects include reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased ejaculate, testicular pain, impotence, and other sexual side effects. Depression and cognitive problems have also been linked to Propecia use. As a result, hundreds of men have filed lawsuits, hoping to win compensation that could help cover the costs of their injuries and suffering.

Follow this link for more information on side effects from Propecia use.

Most lawsuits dealing with these side effects claim that the patients never would have taken the medication had they known of the serious side effects that they would encounter. These side effects can have a serious impact on a patient’s quality of life and personal relationships, as well as his self-esteem.

MDL formation deals with growing number

The multi district litigation case formed when only eight patients had chosen to file a Propecia lawsuit in federal courts nationwide, but as time has passed the number of these lawsuits has grown. Ten more cases have been added to the multi district litigation case, and this number is only expected to increase as time goes on. State centralized  litigation is focused in New Jersey, where at least 166 lawsuits dealing with plaintiffs who have chosen to file a Propecia lawsuit are centralized.

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