The Great Propecia Debate — Merck vs Message Boards

Reading some message boards, I see a lot of disgruntled people with regards to Propecia and saying the drug destroyed their hairline, hypandrogenicity, etc. It makes you think everyone suffers from severe hyperandrogenicity because they get a zit. I know you’ve mentioned in the past that people with negative things to say usually are the most outspoken. But it is easy to get an impression reading these boards Propecia is awful because the negativity outweighs the positivity when Merck proclaims the opposite.

My question is: in your practice, have you seen people suffer from in your own practice? And with those patients on Propecia, what percentage elect to stay on it and are generally content with the performance of the drug?

Thanks Doc!

The Propecia side effects statistics from Merck are in line with what I see in my practice. It really is very minimal. I agree that the message boards bring your attention to the agenda of the posters, which may not be pure and objective like mine. I really have nothing to gain by telling people about Propecia, a drug which can regrow hair and halt hair loss (I am, after all, a hair transplant surgeon).