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Hair Loss Study Abstract: Proscar: five-year experience
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Title
Proscar: five-year experience.
Author
Moore E; Bracken B; Bremner W; Geller J; Imperato-McGinley J; McConnell J; Roy J;
Tenover L; Vaughan D; Pappas F; et al
Address
Merck Research Laboratories, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA.
Source
Eur Urol, 28: 4, 1995, 304-9
Abstract
We assessed the long-term safety and efficacy of finasteride, an orally active 5
alpha-reductase inhibitor, in 2 previously reported groups of patients with symptomatic
benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Prostate volume was measured by magnetic resonance
imaging, and the maximum urinary flow rate was assessed noninvasively. Symptoms were
scored utilizing a patient self-administered symptom score questionnaire. Total symptom
scores ranged from 0 (or asymptomatic) to 35 (severely symptomatic). After an initial
double-blind period, the patients in study 1 were treated with 10 mg finasteride for 1
year and then switched to 5 mg finasteride for an additional 4 years, whereas patients in
study 2 were treated with 5 mg finasteride for the entire 5 years. A total of 190 patients
were randomized in the double-blind studies, 156 entered year 1 of the open extension and
70 patients completed 5 years of finasteride therapy. In both studies prostate volume was
reduced from baseline by 30%, dihydrotestosterone was reduced by 72%, and the maximum
urinary flow rate improved by approximately 1.5 ml/s. Prostate-specific antigen was
decreased by approximately 50%. Finasteride was well tolerated; approximately 10% of
patients reported sexual adverse experiences during the 5-year study period, which were
considered drug related by the investigators. The incidence in reporting sexual adverse
experiences did not increase with the increased duration of treatment: findings consistent
with previous reports. In summary treatment of BPH with finasteride for 5 years inhibits
the progression of the disease with an excellent safety profile and represents a low-risk
medical option for the treatment of symptomatic BPH.
Language of Publication
English
Unique Identifier
96159507
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