Abstract
Finasteride may cause low libido and erectile dysfunction and the product label of finasteride also includes post-marketing reactions of sexual dysfunction that continued after discontinuation of treatment, as well as male infertility and depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the beliefs and counseling practices among dermatologists regarding adverse effects of finasteride. Anonymous paper surveys were personally distributed to 122 attendees at two annual major dermatology meetings. The participation rate was 82% with 47% women and 77% residents of the United States. 51% of respondents believed that finasteride could cause sexual side effects and 18% believed that it could cause persistent sexual side effects. Fewer than a quarter believed that finasteride could cause depression or lower sperm counts. When initiating finasteride, 69% of respondents counseled at least half of their patients about potential sexual side effects with 52% for persistent sexual side effects and 30% for depression. This study identifies the need for greater awareness of the potential adverse effects of finasteride and identifies opportunities for improvement in counseling practices that reflect finasteride's product labeling.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
