Body disfigurement is an all-encompassing phrase that refers to having one’s appearance negatively and persistently altered. While disfigurement can occur on any location of the body, its effects often coincide with severe psychological problems such as a negative body image, depression, and difficulties in an individual’s social and sexual lifestyle. Unfortunately, the introduction of certain outside factors may increase the rate in which men suffer from body disfigurement. Propecia (generic: finasteride) treatment may significantly increase the risk of a man developing body disfigurement, as it pertains to the male genitalia, along with any corresponding complications that may ensue.
If you or a loved one has suffered from body disfigurement after taking Propecia, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Propecia Body Disfigurement Lawsuit Overview
Once regarded as the next generation in hair loss treatment for men, Propecia was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help re-grow hair on the anterior and mid scalp area. Having been on the market since 1997, Propecia has helped millions of men fight hair loss. As a result, the Merck product has become one of the most popular hair treatments in the United States.
Propecia contains finasteride, an ingredient which belongs to a group of drugs commonly known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. As a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, finasteride treats male pattern baldness by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone is a substance in the body that has the potential shrink hair follicles until they are no longer visible. By doing so, Propecia promotes and assists in the steady growth of hair in the scalp region.
Unfortunately, the results of recent studies suggest that Propecia treatment may coincide with catastrophic complications. Subsequently, reports acknowledge the development of bodily disfigurement as it pertains to the male genitalia. Men who receive Propecia treatment may significantly increase the risk of suffering from severe disfigurement of both the penis and testicles. Accordingly, such a disfigurement may have a severe physical and psychological affect on an individual that may impact their quality of their life in a profound way. Due to the severe nature of these complications, men may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation regarding their potential Propecia body disfigurement lawsuit.
Propecia Body Disfigurement
Propecia has been associated with hazardous side effects that may cause its users unnecessary pain and suffering. Presumably from the affects that Propecia has on testosterone levels, men may develop an imbalance in the endocrine system, resulting in body disfigurement. The most common examples of body disfigurement caused by Propecia are:
- Gynecomastia
- Genital shrinkage
- Peyronie’s disease
- Weight gain
- Physical changes in the size, shape and curvature of the penis
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia, otherwise known as gynaecomastia, is the abnormal development of large mammary glands in males resulting in a significant and abnormal enlargement of the breasts. While this condition, in and of itself is not physically harmful, it may serve as the catalyst for psychological distress. Boy disfigurement such as this may result in a negative self image of one’s self. Men who develop gynecomastia tend to suffer from persistent social and psychological difficulties.
Genital Shrinkage
The extent in which genital shrinkage affects a male is directly correlated to the loss of mass that takes place. However, a reduction in the size of the penis and the genitals may have a long-lasting affect on those who experience it. These parts of the male anatomy play a fundamental role in men’s sexual health and overall well-being. Improper function or inadequate size may result in side effects that can severely interfere with a man’s quality of life. Genital shrinkage caused by Propecia may result in the following long-term complications:
- Persistent sexual dysfunction
- Erectile dysfunction
- Impotence
- Urinary tract disorders
- Persistent emotional or psychological damage
- Depression
Peyronie’s Disease
Otherwise known as penile fibrosis, Peyronie’s disease is a connective tissue disorder involving the growth of fibrous plaque in the soft tissue of the penis. Typically, the development of penile fibrosis coincides with the development of scar tissue in the tunica albuginea. The presence of scar tissue in this region may result in a number of persistent sexual side effects including: pain, abnormal curvature, erectile dysfunction, indentation, loss of girth and shortening of the penis. The condition my also make sexual intercourse painful and/or difficult for those diagnosed with it.
Peyronie’s disease can be a physically and psychologically devastating disease. While most men will continue to be able to have sexual relations, they are likely to experience some degree of deformity and erectile dysfunction in the wake of the disease process. It is not uncommon for men afflicted with Peyronie’s disease to exhibit depression or withdrawal from their sexual partners.
Do I Have a Propecia Body Disfigurement Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Propecia body disfigurement lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has suffered from body disfigurement after taking Propecia, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.