Propecia/Proscar to get sexual side-effects warning

[Thom]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/1 ... 21190.html


Hate that I have to use the Huffpost as a source. :whistle:

Does this mean anything to anyone? I still think it's a rather small minority that gets such drastic side-effects. I also think the infertility claims are rubbish.

 

[Rawtashk]

This should be in the side-effects section of the forum.

 

[ex propecia user]

Why exactly?

It's about a relabelling of the drug not a discussion of having side effects.

 

[Thom]

I don't care where it is really. I just want to know why infertility is on there when it hasn't been proven.

 

[Wuffer]

Why exactly?

It's about a relabelling of the drug not a discussion of having side effects.

What? The labeling has to do entirely with side effects, why shouldn’t be in this section?

If you have an issue with the way this section is labeled “Dealing with side effects†then you should take it up with the moderators. I actually somewhat agree, maybe this section should be called “Side Effects Discussion†or something similar, but it’s a pretty minor gripe. I don’t believe this section was intended to be ENTIRELY only for people who are actually experiencing side effects and are looking for help, but maybe a moderator can clarify.


Back on topic…

The infertility warning actually has some fairly solid and well documented case reports behind it.

I recall reading 2 case reports where sperm motility and quantity were significantly reduced after taking finasteride. IIRC there was a baseline measurement before the drug was started, and scores were quite significantly reduced during treatment.

However, in both of these cases, sperm quantity and motility returned more or less to baseline after discontinuing finasteride treatment. I haven't seen any indication that this effect may be permanent and it should resolve after a certain amount of time after discontinuation. I fully agree with the FDA’s decision to put this warning on the label; it’s something men should definitely take note of and plan for if they are looking to conceive in the near future.

 

[Thom]

True, but you can't really say that is infertility though right? I mean the quantity is reduced therefore lessening the chance of your swimmers hitting the target but you're not incapable of reproducing...I mean the sperm is still functioning.

 

[Wuffer]

Again, this is completely from my recollection so don’t quote me, but IIRC at least one of the case reports showed that the individual was unable to conceive while on finasteride. I don’t believe the word “infertileâ€￾ means complete and total lack of sperm motility, but rather, a reduction to a significant degree that interferes with the ability to conceive within average timelines. I could be wrong here, but this is my understanding of it.

I think even in the worst cases of infertility, there is still at least some viable sperm, but as you probably know, it takes billions just to get a good chance at one hitting the mark.

Anyway, I wouldn’t worry about this unless you are planning to conceive in the near future. Again, these case reports show that sperm levels return to normal shortly after discontinuing finasteride. Decreased ejaculate volume may also be partially to blame for this issue as well.