Though mostly biased in favor of the drug (obviously, since it’s from the manufacturer), there are some tidbits of info to be pulled from the following document/study, straight from Merck themselves:
merckfrosst.ca/assets/en/pdf … 2_06-E.pdf
In summary - consider testing in the future for C19 and C21 steroid metabolism, androstenediol glucuronide and androsterone glucuronide.
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Four patients in MTOPS reported the adverse experience breast cancer. Three of these patients were on finasteride only and one was on the combination therapy… The relationship between the long-term use of finasteride and male breast cancer is currently unknown.
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“Finasteride has been found to cross the blood-brain barrier.”
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Although the clinical significance is unclear, a higher incidence of cataracts (4.2%, finasteride vs. 2.5%, placebo) and diabetes (2.8%, finasteride vs. 1.7%, placebo) was observed in patients receiving finasteride.
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… has very low affinity for the androgen receptor
(note: this means Fin DOES have SOME affinity for the androgen receptor after all).
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“Finasteride appeared to inhibit both C19 and C21 steroid metabolism and hence appeared to have an inhibitory effect on both hepatic [liver] and peripheral Type II 5 alpha-reductase activity. The serum DHT metabolites androstenediol glucuronide and androsterone glucuronide were also significantly reduced.”
This metabolic pattern is similar to that observed in individuals with a genetic deficiency of Type II 5 alpha reductase who have markedly decreased levels of DHT and small prostates, and who do not develop
BPH.
“Finasteride has been recovered in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients treated with a 7-10 day course of finasteride, but the drug does not appear to concentrate preferentially to the CSF.”
PAGE 14: – note that this is at much higher dosages than what we took; nonetheless, interesting to observe the effects.
Treatment-Related Changes Species resulting from inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase
Decreased accessory sex glands weight – Rats, mice, dogs
Epididymis (head), vacuolation – Rats
Developmental effects in male fetuses – Rats
Decreased fertility in males – Rats
Resulting from altered endocrine balance
Leydig cell hyperplasia – Rats, mice
Leydig cell adenoma – Mice
Resulting from induction of drug metabolizing enzymes
Increased liver weight – Mice, rats, dogs
Increased thyroid weight – Rats