My story...

[rupe]

This hasn't even been proven to exist. It's only discussed anecdotally on hair loss forums, yet some keep claiming it's some crazy widespread problem. One of the main doctors in the world researching and treating patients with finasteride related issues (Alan Jacobs) told me personally that he has only had a handful of patients claim to have long-term persisting side effects that lasted more than a few months and that he thought those people may have had other issues. He sure as hell did not believe they were "permanent." Stop saying this to people. You have no basis for spreading this kind of misinformation.

N_A - you are probably more likely to get hit by a car than you are to be one of the exceeding rare finasteride horror stories out there. I could probably give you a list of 100 commonly prescribed drugs that you should be WAY more afraid of than Propecia.

The basis for me not recommending finasteride is that I personally experienced the side effects and suffered post-finasteride syndrome for 6 weeks. Others are not so lucky and it lasts much longer or is permanent. This is actually why there is currently a lawsuit happening and why in the US the information sheet that comes with Propecia has been updated to say "erectile dysfunction that continued after discontinuation of treatment".

Why don't you check out the following article written 3rd Feb 2012 that starts "Doctors at two of this country’s leading medical schools have linked the hair growth drug Propecia to prolonged and possibly irreversible male sexual dysfunction, clinical depression, breast cancer and high-grade prostate cancer. The drug was approved by the FDA in 1997 to promote hair growth in men suffering from male pattern baldness"

Continue reading on Examiner.com Doctors link hair growth drug to sexual dysfunction, depression and cancer - Baltimore Courts | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/courts-in-ba...#ixzz1mLgDjzw3

[StressedToTheBald]

Show me a study that shows ANY side effect is permanent.

What is your agenda? It seems like you're afraid to try this medication because of something you read on the internet and you find comfort in discouraging others. Misery loves company, I suppose.

Read the conclusions of Boston study by Dr Traish.

I have no agenda whatsoever. Its true, I think the drug is scary and I would never go down the propecia road, not because of 'its something I've read on the internet', but because the risks are real, risks are serious - if You open Your eyes - You'll find that even FDA states - however small, the risks are very real ! Read the study stating that percentages of side effects. Read the stories of patients. This is no miraculous drug, it does not work for everyone, many have quit either due to side effects or lack of results. People should know the truth and what they're getting into, what the risks are, before its too late.

It is proposterous that You promote this serious drug like its a bubble gum and something all should try without giving it a second thought. If You had both the misfortune and misery to end with permanent or temporary side effects, I bet You wouldn't so loudly shout about the vast majority and how safe and proven this drug is. For one it shows the lack of compassion towards ones who are suffering due to side effects of this drug and ones who might end up the same way if they decide to go down the propecia road.

[StressedToTheBald]

The basis for me not recommending finasteride is that I personally experienced the side effects and suffered post-finasteride syndrome for 6 weeks. Others are not so lucky and it lasts much longer or is permanent. This is actually why there is currently a lawsuit happening and why in the US the information sheet that comes with Propecia has been updated to say "erectile dysfunction that continued after discontinuation of treatment".

Why don't you check out the following article written 3rd Feb 2012 that starts "Doctors at two of this country’s leading medical schools have linked the hair growth drug Propecia to prolonged and possibly irreversible male sexual dysfunction, clinical depression, breast cancer and high-grade prostate cancer. The drug was approved by the FDA in 1997 to promote hair growth in men suffering from male pattern baldness"

Continue reading on Examiner.com Doctors link hair growth drug to sexual dysfunction, depression and cancer - Baltimore Courts | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/courts-in-ba...#ixzz1mLgDjzw3

Many thanks for posting rupe, I appreciate the link too and will check it out. I'm surprised how people turn a blind eye on a story like Yours. It is personal, it is experience from within and should be heard and given proper attention. It serves as a warning to anyone willing to listen, that we shouldn't risk and go down the same road. Plenty of people have quit due to side effects, and all of You who have suffered, regardless if its temporary or permanent side effects, its insultive to be called minority when lives and health are at stake.

[ryan555]

I'm not going to argue over propecia on the internet. I highly recommend trying the drug and stopping it if you have bad side effects. The likeliest outcome is that you will regain your hair and stop obsessing about your hair loss and you will have minimal to no side effects. The chances that you will take a few doses and end up impotent for the rest of your life are somewhere between miniscule and non-existent.

[StressedToTheBald]

The chances that you will take a few doses and end up impotent for the rest of your life are somewhere between miniscule and non-existent.

That is not true. People should know the truth.

http://www.examiner.com/courts-in-baltimore/doctors-link-hair-growth-drug-to-sexual-dysfunction-depression-and-cancer#ixzz1mLgDjzw3

"As my study shows, there are very real sexual health issues that are affecting a population of previously healthy men ranging in age from 21 to 46 years old who took Propecia,” says George Washington University Professor Michael S. Irwig, M.D., whose ground-breaking research published last year in the Journal of Sexual Medicine was one of the first studies to report on Propecia’s dreadful side effects..
Seventy-one men participated in the research and about half were from outside the United States. I have seen patients from as far away as Australia and England,” says Dr. Irwig. He found that 94 percent developed low libido, 92 percent developed erectile dysfunction and decreased arousal, and 69 percent developed problems with orgasm...
“It turns out that almost all had multiple sexual function problems. Men reported average all inclusive sexual activity of approximately 26 episodes per month before taking Propecia, but there was an almost two-thirds reduction in sexual activity after using the drug.”
What is known is that unlike the vast majority of drugs, whose side effects cease when you stop taking them, Dr. Irwig explains that “finasteride is different because it can actually change the brain’s chemistry.
Many men are now face crippling sexual side effects simply because they wanted to improve their cosmetic appearance. “Had they known the real risks, they all tell me they would have never taken the drug in the first place,” says Dr. Irwig.
“Over the years, I have prescribed Propecia to my patients and still do – I absolutely had no idea of its serious side effects and I do try to keep up with all the latest medical news,” says general practitioner Kenneth Kochmann, M.D. “Had I known, I would have never prescribed it in the first place,”
Says Dr. Irwig: “I really think this is just the tip of the iceberg.”
In an attempt to obtain Merck’s side of the story, clicking on the Propecia link on the company’s website resulted in this message:
“Thank you for visiting propecia.com.
This Web site is not currently available.”
“You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA."

[25 going on 65]

To the original poster:

The scare stories about finasteride are highly overstated by a vocal minority. Right now there's really no legitimate evidence for permanent side effects.

If you're worried about your hair, I strongly recommend trying finasteride for at least 12 months (18-24 would be ideal). This is the only product known to address the cause of hereditary male hair loss other than dutasteride, which is more experimental (i.e. it works, but much less is known about it for long-term use in hair loss sufferers).
Ketoconazole and minoxidil are good supporting treatments, but without finasteride or dutasteride, they won't do much on their own.
Good luck.

[StressedToTheBald]

Before You jump into fire, please read the conclusions of the two top US Universities studies. Professors and MDs, they all speak out against finasteride now. Conclusions and results are more than clear, this drug is a serious hazard. The only one silent is the manufacturer - Merck - they've even disabled their website, turning all the blame & complaints towards FDA.

http://www.examiner.com/courts-in-baltimore/doctors-link-hair-growth-drug-to-sexual-dysfunction-depression-and-cancer#ixzz1mLgDjzw3

There is more than plenty of legitimate evidence of how dangerous finastride is and how side effects can indeed be permanent.

[2020]

get on fin asap! Don't listen to StressedToTheBald, he's already bald and he is the proof that natural treatments don't work!

[Tracy C]

Don't listen to StressedToTheBald, he's already bald and he is the proof that natural treatments don't work!

Oh, there is way more proof than just him.

[Kirby_]

Propecia isn't perfect, and there are unfortunately risks one needs to be aware of – unfortunately. Statistically speaking, you are more likely to get good rather than bad results, however.

I'd also rate it above that unproven Saw Palmetto crap too. I (foolishly) tried that for a few months, after the negative stories about Propecia/Finasteride I saw online. Not only did SP not help (it's not even proven), I got horrible side-effects that were remarkably similar to the negative problems associated with Propecia/Finasteride!

[rupe]

Many thanks for posting rupe, I appreciate the link too and will check it out. I'm surprised how people turn a blind eye on a story like Yours. It is personal, it is experience from within and should be heard and given proper attention. It serves as a warning to anyone willing to listen, that we shouldn't risk and go down the same road. Plenty of people have quit due to side effects, and all of You who have suffered, regardless if its temporary or permanent side effects, its insultive to be called minority when lives and health are at stake.

You're welcome. It is insulting when people say we are 'scare mongering' when in fact we are only sharing our personal experiences. It's also insulting when I'm told things like I am wasting my time trying other remedies, or that I don't care enough since I am not willing to take finasteride, when having to endure the side effects and the realisation I had to quit the drug which some have find successful is distressing enough.

I just wish people could post their opinions without making personal attacks like those against you when simply posting a link to an article about studies by some top MDs.

[StressedToTheBald]

You're welcome. It is insulting when people say we are 'scare mongering' when in fact we are only sharing our personal experiences. It's also insulting when I'm told things like I am wasting my time trying other remedies, or that I don't care enough since I am not willing to take finasteride, when having to endure the side effects and the realisation I had to quit the drug which some have find successful is distressing enough.

I just wish people could post their opinions without making personal attacks like those against you when simply posting a link to an article about studies by some top MDs.

I couldn't agree more rupe. It is insulting that in every thread we express our thoughts backed either by personal experience or scientific studies - we're instantly marked as fear mongering people, and how we're misinformed, and how everyone should either take propecia or accept their baldness, and every time a new guy comes here looking for help - first he is presented by propecia promoters with a claim of how propecia is the only proven and generally safe thing and how one should either take it or make peace with baldness. But I am so glad that now the truth is out there, I am glad its now public, what we have been saying all along, that propecia is a health hazard. Two top US Universities studies, Boston and Washington, top professors, MDs have exposed what we were suggesting all this time - that propecia is extremely dangerous. Dr. Traish and Dr. Irwig talk about permanent disorders, ED, but also cancer and depression. And Dr. Irwig's findings suggest way much higher risk percentages than ones presented by manufacturer. Lawyers are saying this makes it a completely new ball game - they are preparing for court, damaged people are pressing charges, Merck has shut down their own website ! Further more, it feels like an ultimate insult.. small note on the bottom of the website, telling damaged people to report their cases and complaints to FDA.. so much for taking the blame.. its a disgrace and it is an insult for all those people who have suffered and whose lives have been ruined by propecia.

At another thread, Bob asked if he should quit propecia, with all the news now coming to life. I've shared my own personal experience with another very similar and powerful drug called Accutane. I was on it for months on extremely high doses, with this drug beeing the only 'proven' and official medical solution for my skin condition. But had I known 7 years ago, what I know now - that this drug was so powerful to induce rapidly progressive baldness, suicidal depression and impact on wound healing, as side effects and who knows what else.. had I known it back then and realized what I am gambling with - I would have quit and look for whatever other alternative but safe route !

I mean well. Its not up to me to convince anyone, especially now when the truth is out there for all to see. I am deeply troubled my own baldness and Norwood 4-5, trust me it ain't easy ! Still, I feel blessed I haven't gone the propecia road, it is a health hazard and its not worth nor fair that one should put his health and life at risk for a chance of more hair. I will keep preaching against propecia, this drug will be off the market soon I believe, its not safe, its not proven, but don't give up.. do the research, think, there are natural alternatives. Just stay on the safe side, cause once You loose Your health, there might not be a way back, learn from those who have suffered on propecia and show them some more respect and compassion - they are human beeings, not a minority test subjects !

[2020]

I couldn't agree more rupe. It is insulting that in every thread we express our thoughts backed either by personal experience or scientific studies - we're instantly marked as fear mongering people, and how we're misinformed,

no.... we're simply saying that the risk of getting ANY side effects is very low and that is backed by MANY scientific studies.

If you got side effects, that mean you are part of that 2% minority. Why can't you understand that???

[DAVE52]

I just wish people could post their opinions without making personal attacks like those against you when simply posting a link to an article about studies by some top MDs.

Post it once but not in every thread every day

Geez
I am one of those that cannot take Propecia because the side effects bothered me - I was one of the 2 % - it sucks .

You don't see me telling people not to take it

We're all supposedly adults

We should all be able to make informed decisions ourselves

[25 going on 65]

I don't care whether rupe shares his personal experience. That's part of what the forum is for.

I do care that StressedToTheBald is hijacking every active thread with a pop media article written about something that wasn't even news when it first came out over a year ago.