Propecia Litigation Moving Forward

Propecia is a medication that was originally approved for the treatment of male pattern baldness by the Food and Drug Administration. Despite initial optimism at the effectiveness of the medication, the side effects of the drug have eventually overshadowed this, and a number of patients have decided to take legal action against drug maker Merck after experiencing such side effects. Most Propecia lawsuits deal with sexual side effects of the medication, which can have a serious impact on the personal life and well-being of a patient. Sexual side effects of the mediation were initially warned of on product packaging, but the warnings claimed that these side effects would go away if the patient discontinued his use of the medication. Many men subsequently found out that this was not the case, and are therefore now involved in litigation. Follow this link for more information on related side effects.

Propecia settlements sought in state and federal court

Both federal and state courts have sought to consolidate Propecia lawsuits in various forms of combined litigation. Plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits in both federal and state court are seeking similar results–namely, settlements from drug maker Merck that will help cover the side effects the patient experienced and any financial repercussions thereof, including medical bills and lost wages. Impaired libido, reduced sperm count, ejaculation disorder, and erectile dysfunction have all been linked to the use of the medication, and such side effects can last for much longer than the patient continues to use the medication.

Consolidation speeds legal process

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued an order that consolidated 17 federal lawsuits dealing with side effects of the medication on the 16th of April, 2012. These suits will be consolidated in the United States’ District Court for the Eastern District of New York and the litigation proceedings will be overseen by Judge John Gleeson of the United States’ District Court for the Eastern District of New York. In this consolidation, pretrial proceedings will be dealt with in the same place; if settlements are not then reached the lawsuits will be remanded back to the courts in which they were filed in order to be dealt with further.

State lawsuits have been consolidated as well, in a mass tort lawsuit in New Jersey that deals with side effects resulting from Propecia experienced by patients who filed suit on a state level.

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