Litigation Associated With 5-Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor Use: A Canadian Legal Database Review

The study aimed to characterize lawsuits in Canada involving medical complications of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) use, which are commonly prescribed for male pattern hair loss. The researchers found 67 unique legal documents from December 2013 to February 2019, 12 of which met the inclusion criteria, representing 3 unique cases. All complaints were related to medication side effects, specifically persistent erectile dysfunction after stopping the medication. The defendants in these cases were exclusively pharmaceutical companies. As of the study's conclusion, all cases were ongoing and no judgment against a physician or pharmaceutical company had been identified.