Relative Safety and Efficacy of Finasteride for Treatment of Hirsutism

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relative safety and efficacy of finasteride for treatment of hirsutism related to hyperandrogenism in women. DATA SOURCES: Literature retrieval was accessed through MEDLINE (1966-March 2003) using the terms finasteride and hirsutism. Additional information was obtained fro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Annals of pharmacotherapy 2004-06, Vol.38 (6), p.1070-1073
Main Authors: Townsend, Kara A, Marlowe, Karen F
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors
Enzyme Inhibitors - adverse effects
Enzyme Inhibitors - therapeutic use
Female
Finasteride - adverse effects
Finasteride - therapeutic use
Hirsutism - drug therapy
Humans
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
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Summary:OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relative safety and efficacy of finasteride for treatment of hirsutism related to hyperandrogenism in women. DATA SOURCES: Literature retrieval was accessed through MEDLINE (1966-March 2003) using the terms finasteride and hirsutism. Additional information was obtained from the drug manufacturer. DATA SYNTHESIS: Finasteride has been evaluated for treatment of hirsutism in multiple observational and randomized trials. Finasteride lowered hirsutism scores by 30–60% in most trials, as well as decreasing average hair diameter. In comparative trials, finasteride demonstrated efficacy similar to that of other antiandrogens, with fewer adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Finasteride does reduce the overall hair diameter and number in androgen-sensitive areas. Reported adverse effects have been minimal. Concern over potential teratogenicity and lack of long-term safety information leave finasteride a secondary treatment option for hirsutism.
ISSN:1060-0280
1542-6270
DOI:10.1345/aph.1D461