Trends in 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor Use Before and After the Food and Drug Administration Safety Warning

The study evaluated the impact of the 2011 FDA safety warning on the prescription rates of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) within a large healthcare system. The warning was based on data indicating a small increase in high-grade prostate cancer risk associated with 5ARIs. Analyzing electronic medical records over 11 years, the study found a 41% overall reduction in new 5ARI prescriptions post-warning. Specifically, there was a 49% decrease among men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and a 15% decrease among men with prostate cancer. Notably, primary care providers reduced their 5ARI prescriptions by 60%, while urology practices showed no significant change. The findings suggested a significant shift in prescribing behavior following the FDA warning, particularly among primary care providers. Further research was recommended to determine if these trends were consistent nationwide.