A popular hair loss drug and its lesser-known, rare and potentially life-altering side effects

madman · Saturday at 2:32 PM

[Warning: This story contains discussion of suicide] For decades, millions of men have taken the prescription drug finasteride, often known by the brand name Propecia, to slow hair loss. But a Radio-Canada investigation breaks down the expert warnings about rare but life-altering side effects that persist after treatment stops — and allegations that drug developer Merck has downplayed the risks.

madman · Saturday at 2:35 PM

Dr. Michael Irwig

Michael Irwig – The Post-Finasteride Syndrome Foundation

www.pfsfoundation.org

New paper from Dr Michael Irwig demonstrates dire clinical reality facing patients — PFSNetwork.org

A new paper from Dr Michael Irwig , who published the first study about long-term sexual dysfunction in patients reporting Post-Finasteride Syndrome, was published this week. The study, aimed at evaluating the beliefs of dermatologists about the adverse effects of finasteride, highlights the dire c

www.pfsnetwork.org

madman · Saturday at 2:38 PM

Thread 'Post-finasteride syndrome - a true clinical entity?'

Feb 28, 2025

This review critically examines Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS), a condition eventually reported by men who have used finasteride for androgenetic alopecia or benign prostatic enlargement and experienced persistent adverse effects after discontinuation. We explore the clinical manifestations, including sexual dysfunction, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and physical changes, that collectively challenge both diagnosis and management. This review evaluates the evidence for PFS, discusses potential mechanisms including neurobiological alterations, genetic predispositions, and...