Why Wouldn’t Finasteride Work as a Topical If Women Can’t Touch It?

Hi Doctor,

I was wondering why finasteride is considered to be ineffective when applied topically? There are many warnings advising that women who may be pregnant are not to come into contact with crushed or broken finasteride-containing medication. If the risk of absorption is that probably, then why has the topical approach been largely dismissed as being an effective delivery method?

Thanks

I personally doubt there are issues with Propecia if women simply touch it. It is not about the absorption issues, but rather it is medical-legal issues. As you can imagine in our litigious society the field day lawyers would have if a woman who touched Propecia claims her baby was affected.

Finasteride has not been proven to work topically. Just as Viagra has not been proven to work topically — that is, unless someone else is applying it for you!