Propecia Questions, Part 1

Note: I’m just going to post my answer under each question to make it easier for everyone to understand. The email I received from this writer was well researched and quite long, so I’m breaking this into 2 parts. Enjoy part 1 below, and check back for part 2 tomorrow…

1. Is it easy to fake or re-create the standard Merck packaging of Propecia and/or Proscar? I’m asking because of concerns over the legitimacy of these products when purchased from online pharmacies.

Anything is possible. It is always a buyer beware market. Furthermore, you should be evaluated by a qualified doctor before beginning any medications. Propecia can only be precribed by a doctor.

2. The patent for Proscar & Propecia is expiring on June 19th of this year. Have you heard of any developments with regards to other companies wanting to manufacture the generics? Does Merck itself plan to deliver a generic version?

If you remember few years back when Prilosec (omeprazole) became generic, it became less expensive, but the company who made Prilosec then made Nexium (esomeprozole) which is basically the same class of drug and it was marketed successfully as a replacement. I assume something similar may happen, but that is just a guess. I am not in the know and I don’t have inside knowledge. I believe the patent for Proscar runs out this year, but the patent for Propecia (same drug, just 1mg) is still valid for a few more years.

3. Does DHT serve a valuable purpose in the body that is being negated by use of finasteride?

DHT plays a key role in the development and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Blocking DHT is actually beneficial in preventing prostate cancer according to recent scientific papers which have been published with the 5mg does of finasteride (Proscar).

4. It has been stated that blocking the reduction of testosterone into DHT actually increases the amount of testosterone in the body.
a. Do these raised levels persist or does the body adjust?
b. Given its effects on the hormonal system, I often regard finasteride in the same light as certain steroids even though the action of finasteride on the hormonal system is indirect. Nonetheless, should I be concerned with things like HPTA shutdown, normally an issue for steroid users?

Testosterone is converted to DHT which is then converted to other metabolites. Thus, one may argue that blocking DHT formation may increase testosterone. But there are other biochemical pathways for testosterone to be broken down. It has been said that blocking DHT may slightly increase normal estogen levels (yes, men have estrogen hormones which is normal), but there have been no adverse side effects associated with taking a DHT blocker such as Propecia. Finasteride is not a steroid.

5. Should we be concerned with the effects of finasteride on the liver? I mean, if the drug is to serve its purpose, it must be taken for life.

Finasteride has been approved by the FDA and it does not have adverse effects on the liver. DHT blockers like Propecia will be less strongly metabolized if your liver is functioning poorly, so please check with your doctor for dosing instructions if you have known liver disease.

Stay tuned for part 2 with more questions and answers, which I’ll post tomorrow…