Author: Dr. William Rassman

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.

My goal is to try minoxidil and propecia and try to restore my hairline with those medications. A lot of people prefer the rogaine foam over liquid minoxidil, but a study shows that liquid minoxidil is superior to rogaine foam, due to propylene glycol, which is not in the foam, and I have heard it the other way around, that the foam works better, Since i have heard both ways, would it hurt to use both kinds of minoxidil? The foam and the liquid minoxidil just to play it safe. Or would that not work? Would you put on the foam first? Then wait till it dries, then put on the liquid minox? Wouuld that be ok? Would they interfere with one another?

Just use either type of minoxidil twice a day, per the directions on the packaging. If you’d like, you can use the Rogaine Foam one of the two times, because it is less greasy and works better for styling purposes in the morning, and then use the regular liquid minoxidil before you go to bed at night. There is no proof that more than than twice a day application is more effective.

Hi Doc,

You are an impressive personality, I have been reading and making my decisions about my hair loss through the research on your website.

My wife is pregnant and and I want to start taking propecia, I am thinking about start taking it after the baby is born which is due on mid Nov. But I would like to know if breast feeding and propecia can create complications to the baby or wife. I think I am a norwood class 4 and have almost good coverage, I am 25 year old male.

Your reply would be a great help.

Keep up the great work.

Nope. Unless you have found a way to create milk from your own breast and are breastfeeding your baby, there is no danger to your wife and your baby as Propecia does not come over to the woman from sexual intercourse. It is not known if Propecia can be found in the breast milk of mothers that are taking Propecia themselves, but Propecia is not approved for use in women anyway. It will not affect your wife or unborn child even if you are having intercourse with your wife while she is pregnant. The pharmaceutical company Merck’s statement on this is, “Available data indicate that the level of PROPECIA in the semen of a man taking PROPECIA does not pose a risk to an unborn child. Accordingly, a man can take PROPECIA while conceiving a child with his partner, or have sexual intercourse with his partner if she is already pregnant.”

If you are still worried, use a condom.

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