Long-term (5-year) multinational experience with finasteride 1 mg in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia

Eur J Dermatol. 2002 Jan-Feb;12(1):38-49.

Abstract

Background: Finasteride 1 mg (Propecia) is indicated for the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss, MPHL). However, the long-term (> 2 years) efficacy and safety of finasteride in this population has not been previously reported. Objectives. To assess the efficacy and safety of finasteride in men with MPHL compared to treatment with placebo over five years.

Methods: In two 1-year, Phase III trials, 1,553 men with MPHL were randomized to receive finasteride 1 mg/day or placebo, and 1,215 men continued in up to four 1-year, placebo-controlled extension studies. Efficacy was evaluated by hair counts, patient and investigator assessments, and panel review of clinical photographs.

Results: Treatment with finasteride led to durable improvements in scalp hair over five years (p 3/4 0.001 versus placebo, all endpoints), while treatment with placebo led to progressive hair loss. Finasteride was generally well tolerated and no new safety concerns were identified during long-term use.

Conclusions: In men with MPHL, long-term treatment with finasteride 1 mg/day over five years was well tolerated, led to durable improvements in scalp hair growth, and slowed the further progression of hair loss that occurred without treatment.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Clinical Trial, Phase III
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alopecia / drug therapy*
  • Dihydrotestosterone / blood
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Finasteride / administration & dosage*
  • Hair / drug effects
  • Hair / growth & development
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Placebo Effect
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Testosterone / blood

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Dihydrotestosterone
  • Testosterone
  • Finasteride