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Disease Profile

Adverse events of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors

Prevalence
Prevalence estimates on Rare Medical Network websites are calculated based on data available from numerous sources, including US and European government statistics, the NIH, Orphanet, and published epidemiologic studies. Rare disease population data is recognized to be highly variable, and based on a wide variety of source data and methodologies, so the prevalence data on this site should be assumed to be estimated and cannot be considered to be absolutely correct.

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US Estimated

Europe Estimated

Age of onset

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ICD-10

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Inheritance

Autosomal dominant A pathogenic variant in only one gene copy in each cell is sufficient to cause an autosomal dominant disease.

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Autosomal recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of each gene of the chromosome are needed to cause an autosomal recessive disease and observe the mutant phenotype.

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X-linked
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.

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X-linked
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.

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Mitochondrial or multigenic Mitochondrial genetic disorders can be caused by changes (mutations) in either the mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA that lead to dysfunction of the mitochondria and inadequate production of energy.

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Multigenic or multifactor Inheritance involving many factors, of which at least one is genetic but none is of overwhelming importance, as in the causation of a disease by multiple genetic and environmental factors.

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Not applicable

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Other names (AKA)

Post Finasteride syndrome

Summary

This page does not serve as an official recognition of post-finasteride syndrome by the NIH. Please see our Disclaimer for more details. This page was created to provide a list of resources where you can find more information about reported adverse events of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, which is sometimes referred to as post-finasteride syndrome. Some patients who have taken finasteride have referred to side effects such as sexual dysfunction and depression (sometimes severe). Limited information is available for patients and healthcare professionals on these side effects and whether or not they are permanent. Studies are underway to better understand the effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitor drugs. We intend this page to be a place where you can find reliable information, and we will update the page as new information becomes available.

Treatment

Please talk to your doctor about the specific symptoms you're experiencing. If you're currently taking a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor drug, discuss your concerns about the medication. Ask your doctor about other treatment options for managing your condition. 

Also, we recommend that you submit your symptoms to your nation's drug regulatory agency. In the United States, it is the FDA. Reporting of adverse events and medication errors is voluntary. The MedWatch site provides information about 
voluntary reporting

People outside the US can find a list of international reporting agencies at the following link to the World Health Organization's Uppsala Monitoring Centre: 

https://www.who-umc.org/global-pharmacovigilance/who-programme-for-international-drug-monitoring/

Currently, there is very limited information in the medical literature to guide treatment of symptoms
that may occur in association with 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor use. There is little data to help a person anticipate what may be in the future in regards to their symptoms. Discuss the possible risks and benefits of your treatment given possible side effects. If you experience what you see as side effects, talk to your primary care provider about appropriate referrals to specialists, such as endocrinologists, urologists, or psychologists who may be able to address your individual symptoms. 

The NIH funded 2 research studies to learn more about the relationship between 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors and erectile dysfunction, other sexual dysfunction (ejaculatory and psychosexual dysfunction, low libido, Peyronie's disease), breast outcomes, and depression.
Researchers also investigated the persistence of symptoms and risk factors for such persistence. Click on the study title below to visit the NIH RePORTer and read more about these study summary. The RePORTer is a NIH tool that has information on all NIH-funded research activities. 

AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC EVALUATION OF ADVERSE EVENTS OF 5-ALPHA-REDUCTASE INHIBITORS 

Patient advocacy groups are another source for learning more about clinical research opportunities. You can check the Post-Finasteride Syndrome Foundation Web site for information on PFS Research Initiatives.

While we are not aware of a clinical research study enrolling people with adverse events from taking 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors at this time, you can periodically check the 
Research section of this Web page for updates. You can also consider joining a patient research registry. Patient registries collect and organize health information. They help researchers design new studies and find people who might want to participate.

ResearchMatch is a free national research registry designed to bring together patients, healthy volunteers and researchers. ResearchMatch was developed by major academic institutions across the country and is funded by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH.

Organizations

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

    Learn more

    These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

    Where to Start

      In-Depth Information

      • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Adverse events of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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