Since I was asked how I came across the link to the new Prescription Information, I might add that I got it via direct communication with the people at the Medical Products Agency (MPA) involved in the investigation. During this communication I have also found out the following information which might be of interest:
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Depression as a listed side effect was up for discussion during the investigation, based on for example medical reports such as http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17026771. Unfortunately it did not make it into the new Prescription Information for some reason. Probably MSD opposed it, but I don’t know for sure.
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As for the text “persistent difficulty having an erection after discontinuation of treatment” in the side effects section, MSD still does not agree with it (surprise, surprise!), but has been forced to accept it.
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During the investigation it became apparent that MSD had been very ignorant when it comes to following up the persistency of reported side effects, as well as informing the MPA (and corresponding organizations in other countries, e.g. the FDA in the US) about them. I.e. MSD just noted that a person had experienced a side effect, but did not make any effort to follow up whether it persisted after the treatment had been discontinued. My guess is that this has been an intentional strategy of MSDs behalf, since they then simply can claim that they knew nothing about the side effects persisting after the treatment had been discontinued. Note that this is the same company that was responsible for the Vioxx scandal, so their track record is not the best, and they have been known to cover up serious health risks before.
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Since MSDs side effect monitoring of Propecia as well as reporting of this to the MPA has been flawed (especially when it comes to the persistency of side effects, as stated above), the MPA has demanded that MSD should improve the safety monitoring and should provide periodical reports to the MPA.
As for my own background, I am a long time sufferer of persistent side effects resulting from a short term Propecia usage several years ago. In other words, my story is like many of yours here. My intention with this post is mainly to inform the public about the serious persistent side effects that can result from Propecia usage, so that other persons can make more wise decisions than I did when they consider starting Propecia treatment.