November 14 2006, 11:32 am PT | Posted in: Drugs
I’m curious, since if you start to take Finasteride for hair loss you pretty much have to continue taking it , have there been any long term negative effects of finasteride (outside of the low libido thing)found? Is this drug any danger to your body, and also, are there any good side effects (I read it can prevent prostate cancer). Thanks
The possibility of prostate cancer prevention from long term use of finasteride is a good benefit. To my knowledge, assuming you have no side effects, there are no long term liabilities of finasteride that have been reported in the literature.
I’ve seen some studies that suggest those who *do* develop prostate cancer while on finasteride may have a greater change of seeing a more aggressive variety. There seems to be conflicting views on whether or not this is true. The general consensus I’ve gathered is that the preventative nature most men see far outweighs the risk, but its something to keep in mind nonetheless.
http://archderm.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/extract/140/7/885-a