5α-Reductase Inhibitors Increase Acute Coronary Syndrome Risk in Patients with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

March 2015 in “ Journal of Endocrinological Investigation ”

Chi-Hung Chou, Cheng-Li Lin, Ming-Chia Lin, Fung-Chang Sung, Chia-Hung Kao

5α-reductase inhibitors finasteride dutasteride benign prostate hyperplasia acute coronary syndrome 5ARIs Propecia Avodart BPH ACS

From the encyclopedia

Finasteride →

Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

Dutasteride →

Heavy duty finasteride that comes with higher risks

Studysummary This study suggests that using both finasteride and dutasteride may increase the risk of acute coronary syndrome in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study analyzed data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance system and found that patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) who were treated with both finasteride and dutasteride had a 3.47 times higher risk of developing acute coronary syndrome (ACS) compared to those not treated with 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs). The study included 1,843 ACS cases and 7,330 controls, all with a mean age of 73 years. No significant increase in ACS risk was observed in patients treated with only one of the medications. The findings suggest a potential risk associated with the combined use of finasteride and dutasteride, but the study acknowledges limitations such as missing data on lifestyle factors and the possibility of bias from unmeasured variables. Further research with larger sample sizes and more comprehensive data is recommended to confirm these results.

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Research cited in this study

9 / 9 results

research Changes of Metabolic Profile in Men Treated for Androgenetic Alopecia with 1 mg Finasteride

24 citations , January 2010 in “Endocrine Regulations”

In this study, men taking 1 mg/day of finasteride for 12 months showed minor metabolic changes and slight improvements in glucose metabolism.

The Effect of 5α-Reductase Inhibition With Dutasteride and Finasteride on Bone Mineral Density, Serum Lipoproteins, Hemoglobin, Prostate Specific Antigen, and Sexual Function in Healthy Young Men

research The Effect of 5α-Reductase Inhibition With Dutasteride and Finasteride on Bone Mineral Density, Serum Lipoproteins, Hemoglobin, Prostate Specific Antigen, and Sexual Function in Healthy Young Men

72 citations , April 2008 in “The Journal of urology/The journal of urology”

This study found that 1-year use of 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, dutasteride or finasteride, significantly lowered dihydrotestosterone levels without adversely affecting bone density, lipids, or hemoglobin in normal men.

research Changes in Hair Weight in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia After Treatment with Finasteride (1 mg Daily): Three- and Four-Year Results

66 citations , June 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that long-term finasteride treatment in men with androgenetic alopecia significantly increased hair weight and count compared to placebo over nearly four years.

research Marked Suppression of Dihydrotestosterone in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Dutasteride, a Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibitor

408 citations , May 2004 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

This study found that dutasteride more effectively reduced serum dihydrotestosterone levels than finasteride in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

research Comparison of Clinical Trials with Finasteride and Dutasteride

20 citations , January 2004 in “PubMed”

This review discusses the pharmacologic effects, safety, and efficacy of dutasteride and finasteride for BPH, finding similar clinical benefits but greater DHT reduction with dutasteride and reports no new trial results.

research The Long-Term Effect of Doxazosin, Finasteride, and Combination Therapy on the Clinical Progression of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

1707 citations , December 2003 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Combination therapy of doxazosin and finasteride safely and effectively reduces benign prostatic hyperplasia progression risk.

research The Long-Term Effect of Specific Type II 5alpha-Reductase Inhibition with Finasteride on Bone Mineral Density in Men: Results of a 4-Year Placebo Controlled Trial

37 citations , May 2002 in “PubMed”

In this study, long-term use of finasteride did not negatively impact bone mineral density in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia over a 4-year period.

The Long-Term Effect of Specific Type II 5α-Reductase Inhibition With Finasteride on Bone Mineral Density in Men: Results of a 4-Year Placebo-Controlled Trial

research The Long-Term Effect of Specific Type II 5α-Reductase Inhibition With Finasteride on Bone Mineral Density in Men: Results of a 4-Year Placebo-Controlled Trial

11 citations , May 2002 in “The Journal of Urology”

This study reports that long-term use of finasteride does not affect bone mineral density in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia over a four-year period.

research Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Serum Gonadotropins in Normal Men

30 citations , August 1992 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study found that lowering serum DHT levels with 5 mg finasteride daily did not significantly alter serum gonadotropin levels in healthy young men after 28 days.