In the manufacturer's clinical trials, approximately 1,100 men with BPH were given either finasteride or a placebo. Side effects were observed in a small number of men in both groups. It is unknown how much finasteride can be absorbed by a woman's body through semen, or whether finasteride could harm a developing male fetus. Because of these uncertainties, a man whose sexual partner could become pregnant should discuss this issue thoroughly with the study physician. Because finasteride is a relatively new drug, the possibility remains that other side effects will be identified after more men have taken it for longer periods of time.
Prostate cancer is an important public health problem.
The hormone dependence of prostate growth offers one possible avenue of intervention before cancer has a chance to develop. Although finasteride's effectiveness is currently unknown, researches hope that the drug will prevent prostate cancer from occurring in men receiving it in the trial and perhaps prevent prostate cancer for other men in the future. Us Copyright 1999 Sentara Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Please read our disclaimer .