Long-Term Effectiveness of Finasteride for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

    April 2004 in “ Journal watch ”
    Allan S. Brett
    TLDR Finasteride effectively reduces the need for surgery and urinary issues in men with BPH over the long term.
    In a 4-year study involving 3,040 men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), finasteride significantly reduced the incidence of acute urinary retention or BPH-related surgery compared to a placebo (6.6% vs. 13.2%). A subsequent 2-year open-label extension showed that when all participants received finasteride, the rate of these events dropped to about 1% per year. Over 6 years, the cumulative rate was 8% for the original finasteride group and 15% for the original placebo group. The study concluded that finasteride effectively prevented acute urinary retention and the need for surgery over the long term, with side effects remaining uncommon. Treating 14 men with finasteride could prevent 1 from reaching the clinical endpoint within 6 years, making it potentially cost-effective despite its high cost.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Massive study on finasteride side effects released

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  83 upvotes 2 years ago
      The release of a study on 5a-reductase inhibitors (finasteride and dutasteride) which showed an increased risk of depression, dementia, decreased libido, and reduced semen load as potential side effects; discussion around other forms of hair loss treatments such as topical minoxidil, RU58841, or opting to accept baldness; and advice to consider professional help for deeper issues related to hair loss.

      community Dermatologist told me to quit fin after turning 40

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  194 upvotes 2 years ago
      A dermatologist advised a patient to stop taking finasteride (fin) after turning 40 due to potential risk of aggressive prostate cancer. The patient and others in the conversation debated this advice, discussing the relationship between finasteride, prostate cancer, and hair loss, and considering alternatives like topical finasteride.

      community Hair Loss Drugs Ranked in Order of Efficacy

      in Research/Science  67 upvotes 2 years ago
      Dutasteride is likely the most effective treatment for male pattern baldness, followed by finasteride and minoxidil in various forms and dosages. Users discuss personal experiences, dosages, and potential side effects, with some considering combining treatments for better results.

    Related Research

    3 / 3 results