Forbes: Merck’s Q1 earnings "a big disappointment"

General Discussion Media & Awareness
#1

Be sure to read Forbes’ story on Merck’s first-quarter earnings, which reporter Matthew Herper calls “a big disappointment”:

forbes.com/sites/matthewherp … ectations/

Also note this passage:

“Unfortunately, Januvia and other, similar drugs are currently being reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration to see if they increase the risk of a serious and painful condition called pancreatitis. There is no conclusion from this safety review, but if it is affecting overall demand it could seriously hurt Merck’s ability to grow sales. It doesn’t help that this echoes other problems in Merck’s past, including the withdrawal of Vioxx.”

#2

Propecia sales down 37% from first Q 2012. Down 40 million dollars! Proscar also down 23% or 12 million dollars.

#3

Yes, between competition from generics and the truth about the dangers of finasteride flooding the market, Propecia’s future looks dim.

#4

Just a few years ago, an estimated 500,000 men took Propecia. These new numbers indicate that less than 250,000 men now take Propecia. And less men are using Proscar as an off label use to treat male hair loss. Even older men are waking up to the dangers of finasteride.

#5

1Q2013 was the first quarter where Dr. Reddy’s had the right to sell generic 1mg finasteride. This mainly explains the drop in Propecia sales.

#6

No matter the reason, the less finasteride, the better.

Obviously, this stuff will be pulled off the market at some point.

I just hope men are smart enough to stay 1,000 miles away from it in the meantime.

#7

Sadly, even if you hear about the side effects, doctors are pretty good about bullshitting you into taking it. I thought I had researched the hell out of it, but somehow I failed to find sites like this one and Mew’s site, which would have certainly stopped me dead in my tracks. I had some knowledge of the risks (only the possible sexual sides), but the doctor assured me I’d be fine. Thanks doc.

#8

The most we can do is keep spreading the word. I like to think we’ve already spared the well-beings of thousands of men the world over who, if not for digital media, would be sitting somewhere at this moment, desperate, despondent, destitute.

#9

Unfortunatelly, i think this is due to more people taking generics instead of doctors and patients being more councious about finasteride risks.

#10

mercks profits on propecia are down … that is awesome … fuck merck … they are the devil … may they burn in hell

you are … just keep spreading the word s much as we can … a huge thanks to second ammendment for going on national television to warn people about the dangers of using finasteride, very awesome for everyone

#11

My genuine pleasure.

I didn’t think generics would be available until November. Dr Reddy’s generic fin likely accounts for 25-30% of Propecia sales loss.