Concerns About Proscar and Hair Loss Treatments: What You Need to Know

Q: Concerns About Proscar and Hair Loss Treatments: What You Need to Know

1. <br>Does long-term use of Proscar lead to prostate cancer? A： There is no direct correlation from a theoretical standpoint, but PSA monitoring should be conducted.<br>2. <br>The instructions indicate that taking Proscar may cause infertility and reduced semen volume. <br>If I

Medication issues

Hello, Doctor.
I am currently taking Proscar (finasteride) and applying a hair growth solution to treat male pattern baldness.
However, I am cutting the 5mg Proscar into quarters or thirds to take (since the lower dose is 1mg).
I would like to ask you a few questions:
1.
Does long-term use of Proscar increase the risk of prostate cancer?
2.
The medication guide states that taking Proscar can lead to infertility and reduced semen volume.
If I stop taking the medication, will there still be any effects? How long should I discontinue the medication before trying to conceive, as I am planning to get pregnant?
3.
Does long-term use of Proscar lead to gastric ulcers? I had gastric ulcers and gastrointestinal issues recently.
If I continue taking Proscar long-term, will it cause a recurrence of gastric ulcers or affect my gastrointestinal health?
4.
Does applying the hair growth solution (Pharmaceutical Workshop Hair Growth Liquid) pose a risk of glaucoma or blurred vision? If I plan to get pregnant, will using the hair growth solution have adverse effects similar to taking Proscar?
5.
Due to concerns about the side effects of Proscar (such as cancer and infertility), I am not taking it daily; I take it every few days instead.
How effective is this approach? If I only use the hair growth solution without taking the medication, what results can I expect?
6.
I currently have an M-shaped baldness pattern that is extending towards the top of my head.
Should I first go to a major hospital for detailed blood tests or other examinations? Besides hair transplantation, taking finasteride, and applying hair growth solutions, are there other medications or treatment options available?
Thank you, Doctor, for your responses.
I really appreciate it.

A-Ming, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/26

Dr. Cai Zhuorong reply Urology

1.
Does long-term use of Proscar lead to prostate cancer? A: There is no direct correlation from a theoretical standpoint, but PSA monitoring should be conducted.
2.
The instructions indicate that taking Proscar may cause infertility and reduced semen volume.
If I stop taking the medication, will there still be effects? How long should I discontinue the medication before attempting conception? A: There is no literature that clearly answers the duration for stopping the medication.
If you have concerns, it is advisable to undergo a semen analysis.
3.
Does long-term use of Proscar cause gastric ulcers? I recently had gastric ulcers and gastrointestinal issues; will continuing Proscar lead to a recurrence of gastric ulcers and affect my gastrointestinal health? A: Gastric ulcers are not listed among the common side effects in the product insert.
4.
Can applying hair growth lotion (pharmaceutical workshop hair growth liquid) cause glaucoma and blurred vision? If I plan to conceive, will using hair growth lotion have adverse effects similar to taking Proscar? A: For concerns regarding vision, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist.
5.
Due to concerns about the side effects of Proscar (carcinogenicity and infertility), I am currently not taking it daily, but rather every few days.
How effective is this? If I do not take the medication and only apply hair growth lotion, what is the effectiveness?
6.
I currently have M-shaped baldness with some extension to the crown of my head.
Do I need to undergo detailed blood tests or other examinations at a major hospital? Besides hair transplantation, taking Finasteride, and applying hair growth lotion, are there other medications and treatment options available? A: For questions 5 and 6, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist.

Reply Date: 2020/05/26

More Info

When it comes to concerns about Proscar (finasteride) and hair loss treatments, it's essential to understand both the benefits and potential side effects associated with this medication, as well as alternative treatments available for male pattern baldness.

1. Long-term use of Proscar and prostate cancer: There has been some debate regarding the relationship between finasteride and prostate cancer. Some studies suggest that while finasteride may lower the overall risk of developing prostate cancer, it could potentially increase the risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer in some men. It’s crucial to have regular check-ups and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider, who can guide you based on your individual risk factors.

2. Effects on fertility and semen volume: Proscar can lead to decreased semen volume and may affect fertility. If you are planning to conceive, it is advisable to stop taking the medication. Generally, it is recommended to wait at least a month after discontinuing Proscar before attempting to conceive, as this allows time for the medication to clear from your system. However, individual circumstances may vary, so consulting with a healthcare provider is essential.

3. Gastrointestinal issues and ulcers: While gastrointestinal side effects are not commonly associated with Proscar, some individuals may experience stomach discomfort. If you have a history of ulcers or gastrointestinal issues, it is important to discuss this with your doctor. They may recommend monitoring your gastrointestinal health closely while on the medication or suggest alternative treatments if necessary.

4. Topical hair loss treatments and their effects: The use of topical minoxidil (often referred to as hair growth solutions) does not typically cause systemic side effects like glaucoma or vision problems. However, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it's best to consult with your healthcare provider regarding the safety of using topical treatments during this time. Generally, topical treatments are considered safe, but individual responses can vary.

5. Inconsistent use of Proscar: Taking Proscar inconsistently (e.g., every few days instead of daily) may reduce its effectiveness in treating hair loss. For optimal results, it is usually recommended to take the medication as prescribed. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss these with your doctor, who may help you weigh the risks and benefits or consider alternative treatments.

6. Assessment of hair loss severity: Given that you are experiencing M-shaped hair loss extending to the crown, it may be beneficial to undergo a thorough evaluation by a dermatologist or a hair loss specialist. This could include blood tests to rule out any underlying conditions contributing to hair loss. In addition to Proscar and topical treatments, other options include low-level laser therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and hair transplant surgery, depending on the severity of your condition and your personal preferences.

In summary, while Proscar can be effective for treating male pattern baldness, it is essential to be aware of its potential side effects, especially concerning fertility and prostate health. Regular consultations with your healthcare provider can help you navigate these concerns and explore the best treatment options tailored to your needs. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and considering psychological support can also play a significant role in addressing hair loss and its emotional impact.

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