The Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR) states that the side effects of finasteride,(Proscar/Propecia) occur in less than 2% of the users. Physicians who specialize in the treatment of hair loss typically tell a different story-that the reported side effects from their patients are more in the 30-40% range.
Many who do report side effects, especially in the area of sexual functioning, are often dismissed as yielding to the power of suggestion and essentially creating “placebo” side effects. Although there clearly is a placebo phenomena in regards to both side effects and benefits, there is ample reason to conclude that the incidence of finasteride side effects goes well beyond the 2% reported (by the drug company that makes finasteride) in the PDR.
The “don’t confuse us with the facts” mainstream medical community stands by the “less than 2% incidence” reported in the PDR. Proscar has been on the market for 16 years, Propecia has been on the market for 10 years.
Gynecomastia, (breast enlargement in men) almost inconspicuously appeared on the side effect lists a few years ago. We have been helping men resolve this emotionally and cosmetically taxing side effect long before it appeared in the PDR, and based on the voluminous feedback we’ve gotten, we’ve concluded that this a not too uncommon occurrence.
There are now studies conclusively linking finasteride to depression and possibly cognitive deficits.
If you are using, or have previously used, or are considering Propecia or Proscar (finasteride) an online support community, with an active forum exists that exclusively deals with finasteride side effects. It is highly recommended.
http://www.hairloss-research.org/LinkUpdatePropeciaSideEffects9-08.html
You copied and pasted that text from a site created by a group called “MPB Research” — and their “About” page says, “Some of the most effective hair loss treatments are not available in the U.S. without a doctor’s prescription. At M.P.B. Research you can find out how to legally obtain these treatments without a prescription at discount prices from reliable offshore companies“.
So right there in their “About” page, they let you know that they want you to obtain prescription drugs illegally. Regardless of what they claim, obtaining prescription drugs without a prescription is against the law. Perhaps you should really consider if this is a site you want to put your trust in. Who is writing that site? Why does MPB Research claim to be a group, yet make no mention of any member names? I mean, put your name to your words if you’re going to dispense advice, or you’re just as good as the rest of these anonymous forums full of know-it-alls. If they really wish to be taken seriously, I’d suggest at least including a single name and biography, so people can find out whether they’re taking advice from someone qualified to give it. Right now, what I see is an unprofessional site with a free AOL email address and a bunch of information presented without valid sourcing.
As for the issue of side effect percentages — who are these physicians that have 30-40% of their patients with side effects? How many physicians were polled? Where is this study published? The page offers no real information, but plenty of FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt). Can someone show me some proof of their statistics beyond some numbers pulled from thin air, or it is yet another one that can be chalked up to false information on the web? I’m a physician that prescribes Propecia (finasteride) regularly to men that are experiencing hair loss in various stages, and I can say with certainty that the notion of 30-40% of patients taking this drug experiencing side effects is laughable. It simply is not true.
