Finasteride-Induced Thrombocytopenia: A Case Report

August 2002 in “ BJUI ”

C. Kouriefs, N Betambeau, C. Rowbotham, K. Coyne, M. Jordan Rowley, C. R. Jones

finasteride male-pattern baldness thrombocytopenia Propecia

TLDR Finasteride can cause low platelet count in rare cases.

A case report is presented of a 66-year-old man who developed thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) after taking finasteride for 10 months. Finasteride is commonly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and male-pattern baldness, and has an excellent side-effect profile. However, drug-induced thrombocytopenia is a rare, immunologically mediated, idiosyncratic reaction to many non-cytotoxic drugs. The patient's platelet count recovered after discontinuing finasteride and slowly withdrawing steroid treatment. Clinicians should be aware of this potential side effect and report suspected cases to regulatory bodies.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research The Efficacy of Terazosin, Finasteride, or Both in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

728 citations, August 1996 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Terazosin and finasteride effectively treat BPH, but combining them adds no extra benefit.

research The Effect of Finasteride in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

1040 citations, October 1992 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Finasteride effectively treats BPH but may increase sexual dysfunction risk.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community COMPLETE OVERVIEW of the Treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men

26 upvotes 10 years ago

Male androgenetic alopecia is commonly treated with topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, both requiring continuous use. Other options include hair restoration surgery, dutasteride, light therapy, and camouflaging agents.

community Male pattern baldness, and mental health

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 323 upvotes 8 months ago

A 48-year-old man has been using minoxidil for 15 years and considered finasteride but stopped due to potential side effects. He is concerned about his mental health and the impact of hair loss on self-image, and he encourages support among men experiencing hair loss.

community No, Finasteride as a treatment for MPB was not an "accident"

in Research/Science 105 upvotes 3 years ago

Finasteride was intentionally developed to treat BPH and later approved for male pattern baldness (MPB) due to its 5AR inhibition effects. The delay in MPB approval was due to concerns about off-label use for female hirsutism and the prioritization of treating a more debilitating condition.

community Derm prescribed ketoconazole 2% shampoo, claiming my case “is not bad enough yet” for fin. Second opinion?

in Treatment 85 upvotes 11 months ago

A user was prescribed ketoconazole shampoo by their dermatologist for early-stage hair loss, but is unsure if this is the right treatment. Most commenters suggest seeking a second opinion or starting finasteride treatment immediately, while a few caution about potential side effects.

community Is this progess? Somedays I’m not sure.

in Is this regrowth? 57 upvotes 1 year ago

The user is seeking confirmation of progress in their hair regrowth journey while using oral finasteride and topical minoxidil. They also mention experiencing shedding and dandruff after switching from liquid minoxidil to foam. Some users suggest considering a hair transplant.

community Finasteride, also known as Propecia or Proscar, treats male pattern baldness and enlarged prostate in millions of men worldwide. But a new study suggests the drug may also provide a surprising and life-saving benefit: lowering cholesterol and cutting the overall risk of cardiovascular disease.

in Research/Science 531 upvotes 7 months ago

The conversation discusses the potential benefits of finasteride (Fin) for lowering cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular disease risk, with users sharing personal experiences and opinions on the medication's effects on health and hair loss. Some users report positive changes in cholesterol levels after taking finasteride, while others are skeptical or joke about its effects.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Finasteride-Related Cutaneous Vasculitis

4 citations, February 1996 in “Postgraduate Medical Journal”

Finasteride linked to skin inflammation.