Health Risks Associated with Long-Term Finasteride and Dutasteride Use: It's Time to Sound the Alarm

The document highlighted significant health risks associated with long-term use of finasteride and dutasteride, commonly prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenetic alopecia (AGA). These drugs induced a novel form of androgen deficiency, leading to various metabolic dysfunctions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), dry eye disease, and potential kidney dysfunction. Studies in both animal models and human subjects indicated liver lipid accumulation, impaired glucose disposal, and increased risk of T2DM. A cohort study of 230 men treated with dutasteride for 36-42 months showed increased blood glucose, cholesterol levels, and liver enzyme activities. The review called for heightened awareness of these potential adverse effects and reconsideration of prolonged use of these medications.