Global Online Interest in Finasteride Sexual Side Effects

June 2022

Kian Asanad, Tamir Sholklapper, Mary K. Samplaski, Giovanni Cacciamani

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Studysummary This study found a significant increase in global internet interest regarding finasteride and its sexual side effects, especially following the FDA's 2011 warning on the drug's labels.

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The study analyzed global online interest in finasteride's sexual side effects from 2004 to 2020 using Google search data. It found that the average relative search volume (ARSV) for "finasteride" increased from 15% in 2004 to 57% in 2020, with significant interest in "finasteride side effects" and "post-finasteride syndrome" over time. The FDA's 2011 warning about finasteride's sexual side effects led to a notable increase in search interest. These findings highlight growing public awareness, suggesting that healthcare providers should discuss potential side effects more thoroughly with patients before prescribing finasteride.

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