Assessing Finasteride-Associated Sexual Dysfunction Using the FAERS Database

March 2017 in “ Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology ”

Anik Gupta, Jessie Carviel, Melissa A. MacLeod, Neil H. Shear

finasteride sexual dysfunction FAERS benign prostatic hyperplasia hair loss Propecia

Studysummary This study reported a significant increase in the reporting of sexual dysfunction associated with finasteride use, especially in individuals aged 31-45.

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

The study analyzed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database to determine whether the use of finasteride, a medication used to treat hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia, is associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. The study found a significant association between finasteride use and sexual dysfunction, with a higher risk in younger age groups. The study suggests that healthcare providers should inform patients about the potential risk of sexual dysfunction associated with finasteride use.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

17 / 17 results

Risk of Erectile Dysfunction Associated with Use of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or Alopecia: Population-Based Studies Using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink

research Risk of Erectile Dysfunction Associated with Use of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or Alopecia: Population-Based Studies Using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink

30 citations , September 2016 in “BMJ”

This study found that 5-α reductase inhibitors do not significantly increase the risk of erectile dysfunction in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia or alopecia, although duration of benign prostatic hyperplasia may elevate risk.

Randomized Questionnaire-Based Case-Control Research Study on Evaluation of Sexual Function in Indian Patients Taking Oral Finasteride for Androgenetic Alopecia

research Randomized Questionnaire-Based Case-Control Research Study on Evaluation of Sexual Function in Indian Patients Taking Oral Finasteride for Androgenetic Alopecia

11 citations , October 2015 in “Dermatology and therapy”

This study found that finasteride use for androgenetic alopecia was not associated with increased sexual dysfunction compared to an age-matched control group.

research Persistent Sexual Dysfunction and Suicidal Ideation in Young Men Treated with Low-Dose Finasteride: A Pharmacovigilance Study

69 citations , July 2015 in “Pharmacotherapy”

This study found that low-dose finasteride use in young men was associated with higher reporting of persistent sexual dysfunction, with some cases linked to suicidal ideation.

Combined Treatment with Oral Finasteride and Topical Minoxidil in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized and Comparative Study in Chinese Patients

research Combined Treatment with Oral Finasteride and Topical Minoxidil in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized and Comparative Study in Chinese Patients

32 citations , June 2015 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

In this study, finasteride was found to be more effective than 5% minoxidil for treating male androgenetic alopecia in Chinese patients, with combination therapy showing the greatest improvement.

research Safety Concerns Regarding 5α Reductase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

33 citations , April 2015 in “Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity”

This review discusses the potential persistent adverse effects associated with 5α reductase inhibitor treatment for androgenetic alopecia but provides no new clinical results; it emphasizes the importance of discussing these risks with patients.

research Adverse Event Reporting in Clinical Trials of Finasteride for Androgenic Alopecia: A Meta-Analysis

44 citations , April 2015 in “PubMed”

This study reports that clinical trials of finasteride for androgenic alopecia provide insufficient and systematically biased safety data, with most participants unrepresentative of those in pivotal trials that led to FDA approval.

Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Androgen Receptor and Nerve Structure Density in Human Prepuce from Patients with Persistent Sexual Side Effects after Finasteride Use for Androgenetic Alopecia

research Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Androgen Receptor and Nerve Structure Density in Human Prepuce from Patients with Persistent Sexual Side Effects after Finasteride Use for Androgenetic Alopecia

36 citations , June 2014 in “PLOS ONE”

This study found that men with persistent sexual side effects after using finasteride for androgenetic alopecia had higher androgen receptor expression in certain tissues compared to those who never used the drug.

research Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride: Could They Be Permanent?

112 citations , July 2012 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

In this study, 96% of men with persistent sexual side effects from finasteride reported continued dysfunction after discontinuation, suggesting these effects may endure long-term.

research Persistent Sexual Side Effects of Finasteride for Male Pattern Hair Loss

185 citations , March 2011 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

This study found that 94% of healthy men reported low libido and 92% reported erectile dysfunction as persistent sexual side effects after using finasteride for male pattern hair loss, with these effects lasting on average 40 months post-discontinuation.

research Efficacy and Safety of Finasteride Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia

152 citations , October 2010 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that daily oral finasteride may increase hair count and improve hair appearance assessments in men with androgenetic alopecia, but it also appears to raise the risk of sexual dysfunction.

research Finasteride 5mg and Sexual Side Effects: How Many Are Related to a Nocebo Phenomenon?

225 citations , July 2007 in “The Journal of Sexual Medicine”

In this study, patients informed about finasteride's potential sexual side effects reported a significantly higher occurrence of these side effects, suggesting a nocebo effect.

Evaluation of Sexual Function With an International Index of Erectile Function in Subjects Taking Finasteride for Androgenetic Alopecia

research Evaluation of Sexual Function With an International Index of Erectile Function in Subjects Taking Finasteride for Androgenetic Alopecia

44 citations , July 2004 in “Archives of Dermatology”

In this study, treatment with 1 mg of finasteride was associated with stable sexual function, suggesting that sexual side effects may be less common than indicated in clinical trials.

A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Finasteride for Male Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (Category IIIA Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis)

research A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Finasteride for Male Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (Category IIIA Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis)

127 citations , May 2004 in “PubMed”

This randomized pilot study suggests that finasteride may benefit some men with category IIIA chronic pelvic pain syndrome, although it is not recommended as monotherapy unless benign prostatic hyperplasia is also present.

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 Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

581 citations , October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In male pattern hair loss, this study found that finasteride 1 mg daily significantly slowed hair loss and increased hair growth over two years compared to placebo.

The Effect of Finasteride on the Risk of Acute Urinary Retention and the Need for Surgical Treatment Among Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

research The Effect of Finasteride on the Risk of Acute Urinary Retention and the Need for Surgical Treatment Among Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

1054 citations , February 1998 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

In this study, men with benign prostatic hyperplasia who took finasteride for four years experienced reduced urinary symptoms, fewer surgeries, less acute urinary retention, increased urinary flow rates, and decreased prostate volume.

research Psychological Effects of Androgenetic Alopecia on Women: Comparisons with Balding Men and Female Control Subjects

222 citations , October 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that androgenetic alopecia causes significant psychological distress, particularly in women, who exhibit a more negative body image and less adaptive functioning compared to controls.