Emerging evidence & commentary on risks of finasteride as a treatment for hair loss
MontaigneA drug-induced syndrome is all in the mind, a Swiss doctor wrote. Editors at the journals had past ties to the drug maker. Men turn to finasteride to try to save their hair, but they might end up with a severe and lasting disability.1 There are countless stories online, usually anonymous because of the embarrassing … Read more
This appendix accompanies the article: Response to Dr. Ralph Trüeb’s writings on post-finasteride syndrome. Table of competing interests ↑ back to text Engagements with Merck re: Propecia Skin Appendage Disorders (journal) (1) International Journal of Trichology (2) Experimental Dermatology (journal) Hair Growth and Disorders textbook (2008) Cited by Trüeb Ralph Trüeb, MD Member, Editorial Board … Read more
Some post-5ARI patients experience genital numbness. This symptom can be assessed, but the tests are not easily accessible. This post gives an overview of medical tests which could yield signs of genital numbness and other abnormalities.
Drug regulators in France and Canada announced new warnings. A popular podcast discussed post-finasteride syndrome, while men’s fitness influencers urged followers to avoid finasteride.
A re-examination of clinical trials of finasteride and dutasteride reveals warning signs of long-term harms to surface later.
A summary of men who had unresolved and severe adverse events in clinical trials of finasteride and dutasteride.
SUMMARY: Post-drug disorders are not side effects that linger, but lasting changes that may be severe and irreversible. These disorders are linked to prescribed drugs as well as recreational drugs, and can arise after one dose, long-term use, or abuse. This post covers post-drug disorders linked to use of alcohol, hallucinogens, antidepressants, benzodiazepenes, isotretinoin (also … Read more
Fitness influencers draw in an audience of younger men who want to be stronger, better-performing, and in some cases more attractive. Some guys worry that hair loss will dim their prospects for dating, sex and relationships—or even professional success. In the era of Instagram, body-hacking and telehealth companies such as Hims and Keeps, young men’s … Read more
The websites Drugs.com and Ask a Patient collect reviews of drugs. Here are selected reviews of finasteride, taken by men for hair loss conditions. The dates range from 2008 to 2023.
Along with finasteride and saw palmetto, dutasteride has been linked a post-drug disorder in some men. This post contains firsthand reports of lasting dysfunctions after taking dutasteride, and stopping the drug.