Acne Side Effects From Propecia

Acne Side Effects From Propecia
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According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Propecia is the brand name for the prescription medication finasteride that was approved in 1997 by the Food and Drug Administration to treat male pattern baldness. It was originally researched as a way to treat an enlarged prostate. Side effects measured in clinical studies appear to be low. Acne is not listed as a known side effect of Propecia, although there are reports of acne and other facial skin changes after using it.

Propecia Causes Acne

Although there is no scientific evidence of Propecia causing acne, there have been reports of men experiencing acne in the form of blackheads on their forehead, a red acne-like condition on their faces, and increased oil production on the face. In some cases, the acne disappeared soon after stopping the drug, though in other individuals, it continued long-term.

Propecia Helps Acne

When scientists were researching Propecia, they initially thought that it could help treat acne. The reason is the ability for Propecia to block an enzyme involved in changing testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT is widely known as one of the causes of acne. What the researchers later found was that your oil glands do not have this same enzyme.

Propecia Research

There have been ongoing research studies and clinical trials since Propecia was introduced in 1997. Since the association between Propecia helping or causing acne is related to hormones, it is a complex issue that will continue to be watched. Individuals react to hormonal changes in different ways, which may explain the mixed reactions they are experiencing with Propecia and acne.

References

Article reviewed by Kathleen Stebbins Last updated on: Aug 11, 2011

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