Can People with G6PD Deficiency Take Propercia, Saw Palmetto, or Liuwei Dihuang?

Q: Can People with G6PD Deficiency Take Propercia, Saw Palmetto, or Liuwei Dihuang?

Hello： G6PD deficiency, fully known as "Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency," is a common congenital metabolic disorder among Chinese people, with an incidence rate of 3% in Taiwan, meaning that there are three cases for every one hundred newborns. <br>The incidence is p

Medication issues

Hello, pharmacist! Can a person with G6PD deficiency consume the following medications? 1.
Propecia 2.
Saw Palmetto 3.
Liuwei Dihuang Wan Thank you!

SAM, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/06/13

Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology

Hello: G6PD deficiency, fully known as "Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency," is a common congenital metabolic disorder among Chinese people, with an incidence rate of 3% in Taiwan, meaning that there are three cases for every one hundred newborns.
The incidence is particularly higher among Hakka people.
Since it is an X-linked hereditary disease, male patients are more prevalent than female patients.

Medications to avoid for fever and pain relief include: Aspirin, Acetanilide, Acetophenetidin (Phenacetin), Antipyrine, Aminopyrine (Pyramidon), Acetanilid, and p-Aminosalicylic acid.

Antibiotics to avoid include: Sulfonamides (Sulfanilamide), Chloramphenicol, Sulphones, Nitrofurantoin, Furazolidone, PAS, Sulfacetamide (Sulamyd), Salicylazosulfapyridine (Azulfidine), Sulfapyridine, Sulfacetamide (Gontanol), and Thiazolesulfone.

Nitrofuran compounds to avoid include: Nitrofurantoin (Furadantin), Nitrofurazone (Furacin), and Urazolidone (Furoxone).

Vitamins to avoid include: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and Vitamin K1.

Antimalarial drugs to avoid include: Chloroquine, Primaquine, Mepacrine, Pamaquine (Plasmoquinum), Pentaquine, and Plasmoquine.

Other substances to avoid include: Methylene blue, Naphthalene (Moth Balls), Nalidixic acid (Negacide), Phenylhydrazine, Toluidine blue, Trinitrotoluene, Quinidine, Dimercaprol, and Gentian violet (purple medicine).

There is currently no data available regarding traditional Chinese medicine.

Reply Date: 2010/06/13

More Info

Individuals with G6PD deficiency, also known as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, must be cautious about the medications and supplements they take due to the risk of hemolytic anemia. This condition is a hereditary enzyme deficiency that affects red blood cells, making them more susceptible to oxidative stress. Certain substances can trigger hemolysis in these patients, leading to serious health complications.

1. Propercia (Finasteride): Propercia, which contains finasteride, is primarily used for treating male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Currently, there is limited specific data regarding the use of finasteride in patients with G6PD deficiency. However, finasteride is not known to be a significant oxidative stressor. Therefore, while it may not be contraindicated, it is essential for patients to consult their healthcare provider before starting this medication to ensure it is safe for their specific health situation.

2. Saw Palmetto: Saw palmetto is a herbal supplement often used for prostate health. Similar to finasteride, there is no direct evidence indicating that saw palmetto poses a risk for individuals with G6PD deficiency. However, herbal supplements can vary in their composition and effects, and some may contain additional ingredients that could be harmful. Therefore, it is advisable for individuals with G6PD deficiency to consult with a healthcare professional before using saw palmetto to ensure it is appropriate for their condition.

3. Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill): Liuwei Dihuang Wan is a traditional Chinese medicine used for various health issues, including kidney and liver health. The ingredients typically include rehmannia root, cornus fruit, Chinese yam, and others. While there is no specific research indicating that Liuwei Dihuang Wan is harmful to individuals with G6PD deficiency, traditional Chinese medicines can sometimes contain various herbs that may have unknown effects. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider familiar with both G6PD deficiency and traditional Chinese medicine before using this product.

In summary, while there is no definitive evidence suggesting that Propercia, Saw Palmetto, or Liuwei Dihuang Wan are harmful to individuals with G6PD deficiency, caution is always warranted. Each patient’s situation is unique, and the potential for individual reactions to medications and supplements can vary widely. Therefore, it is essential to have an open dialogue with healthcare providers who understand the implications of G6PD deficiency. They can provide personalized advice based on the latest research and clinical guidelines.

Moreover, individuals with G6PD deficiency should be aware of other medications and substances that are known to trigger hemolysis, such as certain antibiotics, antimalarials, and some over-the-counter pain relievers. Maintaining a comprehensive list of safe and unsafe substances and regularly consulting with healthcare professionals can help manage their condition effectively and safely.

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