Post-finasteride syndrome

An unknown, but likely growing number of Australian men are using finasteride to treat androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss), many through online prescribing services. 

Known side effects of finasteride include loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, gynaecomastia, fatigue, low mood, cognitive impairment, and suicidal ideation/behaviour. In a subset of users, symptoms persist after drug cessation. 

Concern about finasteride's adverse effects has prompted mandatory patient warnings in many jurisdictions (including Australia) and tightening of regulations (eg, France). 

General practitioners need to counsel patients about the effects of finasteride, identifying adverse consequences of its use, and provide appropriate management of symptoms of post-finasteride syndrome (PFS), in the absence of evidence-based clinical guidelines. 

Course overview 

This webinar is aimed at providing health professionals with the knowledge needed to: 

• counsel patients using (or considering use of) finasteride 
• identify adverse effects of the drug 
• manage adverse effects and ongoing symptoms after discontinuation of the drug 

What you will learn 

• Revision of testosterone metabolism 
• Revision of the mechanism of androgenic alopecia 
• Finasteride pharmacology 
• Therapeutic and adverse effects of finasteride 
• Counselling patients using (or considering) finasteride 
• Symptoms of post-finasteride syndrome
• Management of post-finasteride syndrome 

Why you should attend 

Complications arising from the use of finasteride appear to be increasing. Recognising adverse side effects of finasteride and the symptoms of PFS is the necessary first step to preventing harm in men who use it, and successful management of PFS offers patients the prospect of recovery from debilitating symptoms.