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Propecia (t.m.) and Proscar (t.m.) (Finasteride) and Prostate Cancer
Propecia
and
Proscar
(and their progeny) are often taken for male-pattern baldness or to ward
off prostate cancer. Are there serious side effects?
Yes.
Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide, an authoritative 1450 page volume,
highlights abdominal upset and "Impotence, decreased libido, decreased
volume of ejaculation" as potential side effects.
But a
question is, if Propecia and Proscar also protect against prostate
cancer, perhaps the positive outweighs the negatives?
"CONCLUSIONS: Finasteride 'Propecia & Proscar are trade names for the
drug] prevents or delays the appearance of prostate cancer, but this
possible benefit ...must be weighed against sexual side effects and the
increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer."
From:
New England J. Medicine, vol. 349, 2003. By: Drs. Thompsopn, Goodman,
Tangen, Coltman, et. al., U. of Texas Health Science Center, San
Antonio, USA.
MORE ON PROSTATE CANCER
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