HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Does Finasteride Increase The Chances Of Prostate Cancer?

I am currently taking finasteride to treat an enlarged prostate. It has decreased my symptoms and significantly reduced my PSA. However, I have been told that it may decrease my risk of some forms of prostate cancer, but may increase my risk of a very aggressive form of prostate cancer. I will be seeing my urologist in a few weeks and I just wanted to get another opinion. So far I am very happy with the benefits I have received while on the drug. I appreciate any information you can provide. Thank you
Sat, 17 Feb 2018
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.
I can understand your concerns for the safety of Finasteride.

Commonly prescribed alone or in combination with other medications to reduce the symptoms of benign prostate enlargement, the most common side effects of Finasteride include: decreased interest in sexual intercourse,
inability to have or keep an erection, gynaecomastia (enlarged male breast) and increase hair growth.

It is also used to prevent the low grade prostate cancers. If taken over for years may rarely increase the risk of development of high-grade or aggressive form of prostate cancer.

Hope to have answered your query.
Best regards.


I find this answer helpful

2 Doctors agree with this answer

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Does Finasteride Increase The Chances Of Prostate Cancer?

Hi & Welcome. I can understand your concerns for the safety of Finasteride. Commonly prescribed alone or in combination with other medications to reduce the symptoms of benign prostate enlargement, the most common side effects of Finasteride include: decreased interest in sexual intercourse, inability to have or keep an erection, gynaecomastia (enlarged male breast) and increase hair growth. It is also used to prevent the low grade prostate cancers. If taken over for years may rarely increase the risk of development of high-grade or aggressive form of prostate cancer. Hope to have answered your query. Best regards.