dutasteride and Erectile-Dysfunction

Treatment of male androgenetic alopecia with 5α-reductase inhibitors is efficacious. However, the risk of adverse sexual effects remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the risk of adverse sexual effects due to treatment of androgenetic alopecia in male patients with finasteride, 1 mg/day, or dutasteride, 0.5 mg/day. Fifteen randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trials (4,495 subjects) were meta-analysed. Use of 5α-reductase inhibitors carried a 1.57-fold risk of sexual dysfunction (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.19-2.08). The relative risk was 1.66 (95% CI 1.20-2.30) for finasteride and 1.37 (95% CI 0.81-2.32) for dutasteride. Both drugs were associated with an increased risk, although the increase was not statistically significant for dutasteride. As studies into dutasteride were limited, further trials are required. It is important that physicians are aware of, and assess, the possibility of sexual dysfunction in patients treated with 5α-reductase inhibitors.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Administration, Oral; Alopecia; Dutasteride; Ejaculation; Erectile Dysfunction; Finasteride; Humans; Libido; Male; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological

5-Alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) are widely used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenic alopecia (AGA).. To examine all available data on the effects of 5-ARIs on sexual functioning in AGA treatment and to assess whether 5-ARIs increase the risk of sexual dysfunction.. A literature review of publications at PubMed related to the subject was used.. We assessed erectile dysfunction, ejaculation impairment, and decreased libido.. 5-ARIs may cause side effects such as erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, and decreased libido in patients. Their long-term impact and precise mechanism have not been clarified. Data from studies on 5-ARIs are important for drug selection and patient counseling. More training and awareness is needed for clinicians and patients to recover many patients from sexual adverse effects.. 5-ARIs used in the treatment of AGA have well-defined side effects, which can negatively affect sexual life. It is unknown and unpredictable which men using these drugs may be subject to these side effects and when these effects may appear. Studies have been insufficient to provide a clear answer to this question. Coskuner ER, Ozkan B, Culha MG. Sexual Problems of Men With Androgenic Alopecia Treated With 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:277-282.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Alopecia; Dutasteride; Ejaculation; Erectile Dysfunction; Finasteride; Humans; Libido; Male; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological

We performed a meta-analysis to confirm the efficacy and safety of the combination of tamsulosin plus dutasteride compared with tamsulosin monotherapy in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) during a treatment cycle of at least 1 year.. Randomized controlled trials were searched by using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Systematic review was carried out using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. The data was evaluated and statistically analyzed by using RevMan version 5.3.0.. Five studies including 4348 patients were studied. The analysis found that the combination group was significantly greater effect in international prostate symptom score (mean difference [MD], - 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], - 2.20 to - 0.66; P = 0.0003), prostate volume (MD, - 10.13; 95% CI, - 12.38 to - 7.88; P < 0.00001), transitional zone volume (MD, - 3.18; 95% CI, - 3.57 to - 2.79; P<0.0001), maximum urine flow rate (MD, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.29; P < 0.00001), prostate specific antigen (MD, - 0.54; 95% CI, - 0.80 to - 0.29; P < 0.0001) and post-void residual volume (MD, - 3.85; 95% CI, - 4.95 to - 2.76; P < 0.00001) compared with the tamsulosin group. In terms of safety, including adverse events (odds ratio [OR], 2.06; 95% CI, 1.34 to 3.17; P = 0.001), erectile dysfunction (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.73 to 2.92; P < 0.00001), ejaculation disorder (OR, 3.37; 95% CI, 1.97 to 5.79; P < 0.0001), retrograde ejaculation (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.08 to 4.93; P = 0.03), decreased libido (OR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.53 to 3.31; P < 0.0001) and loss of libido (OR, 3.38; 95% CI, 1.94 to 5.88; P<0.0001), the combination group showed poor tolerance than the tamsulosin group with the exception of dizziness (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.75 to 1.80; P = 0.50). The combination group significantly reduced the risk of clinical progression than the tamsulosin group especially in incidence of BPH-related symptom progression (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.67; P < 0.00001) and acute urinary retention (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.98; P = 0.04).. The combination of tamsulosin plus dutasteride provides a preferable therapeutic effect for BPH with a higher incidence of sexual side effects, but combination-therapy can markedly reduce risk of BPH-related symptom progression and acute urinary retention relative to tamsulosin monotherapy.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists; Drug Therapy, Combination; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Male; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tamsulosin; Treatment Outcome

Male pattern hair loss, mediated by dihydrotestosterone, is a common hair loss disorder, affecting over 50% of men over the age of 50. The 5-α reductase inhibitors, finasteride and dutasteride, are Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs for the treatment of this disorder. Several recent studies have reported adverse sexual and spermatogenic events among young men using 5-α reductase inhibitors, such as erectile dysfunction, decreased ejaculate volume, decreased libido, and infertility. In this review, we summarize and analyze the literature regarding the efficacy and safety of these medications, with an overall focus on men's health.. Finasteride for the treatment of male pattern hair loss was considered safe according to many previous clinical trials. However, these trials have been recently criticized for inadequate safety reporting. Comprehensive review of the current literature reveals that there is a disproportionately high number of men with 5-α reductase inhibitor-associated sexual dysfunction and infertility. Although uncommon, the use of 5-α reductase inhibitors is associated with serious and persistent sexual and reproductive side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, decreased ejaculate volume, decreased libido, and infertility.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Alopecia; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Finasteride; Humans; Infertility, Male; Libido; Male; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological

Despite their efficacy in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, the popularity of inhibitors of 5α-reductase (5ARIs) is limited by their association with adverse sexual side effects. The aim of this study was to review and meta-analyze currently available randomized clinical trials evaluating the rate of sexual side effects in men treated with 5ARIs. An extensive Medline Embase and Cochrane search was performed including the following words: 'finasteride', 'dutasteride', 'benign prostatic hyperplasia'. Only placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials evaluating the effect of 5ARI in subjects with benign prostatic hyperplasia were considered. Of 383 retrieved articles, 17 were included in this study. Randomized clinical trials enrolled 24,463 in the active and 22,270 patients in the placebo arms, respectively, with a mean follow-up of 99 weeks and mean age of 64.0 years. No difference was observed between trials using finasteride or dutasteride as the active arm considering age, trial duration, prostate volume or International Prostatic Symptoms Score at enrollment. Overall, 5ARIs determined an increased risk of hypoactive sexual desire [OR = 1.54 (1.29; 1.82); p < 0.0001] and erectile dysfunction [OR = 1.47 (1.29; 1.68); p < 0.0001]. No difference between finasteride and dutasteride regarding the risk of hypoactive sexual desire and erectile dysfunction was observed. Meta-regression analysis showed that the risk of hypoactive sexual desire and erectile dysfunction was higher in subjects with lower Q

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Adult; Aged; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Finasteride; Humans; Libido; Male; Middle Aged; Penile Erection; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Treatment Outcome

The 5-α-reductase inhibitors finasteride and dutasteride are frequently used in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and benign prostatichyperplasia. These drugs are effective at reducing levels of dihydrotestosterone, the primary androgen responsible for the pathogenesis of both these conditions. However, finasteride and dutasteride have also been shown to produce an increase in the incidence of sexual dysfunction, namely, impotence, decreased libido, and ejaculation disorder. The purpose of this study is to review the existing medical literature with regard to the sexual side effects of 5-α-reductase inhibitor therapy. This review is an extensive look at the sexual effects of 5-α-reductase inhibitors and compares outcomes for finasteride versus dutasteride in addition to comparing sexualside effects for each of the different dosages prescribed of finasteride and dutasteride.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Dutasteride; Ejaculation; Erectile Dysfunction; Finasteride; Humans; Libido; Male; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological

The authors will review the current literature on efficacy and safety of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5αRIs) for androgenetic alopecia (AGA).. The 5αRI finasteride and dutasteride are effective in treating AGA and promoting hair regrowth. 5αRI can be given orally, topically and more recently through mesotherapy. However, there has been an increasing concern about permanent sexual adverse events such as impotence and infertility. Most of these reports are published as case reports, and two studies reporting persistent sexual side-effects after discontinuation of finasteride had serious method limitations, as patients were recruited from a website. To our knowledge, permanent sexual adverse events have yet to be published in higher quality studies, such as randomized controlled trials. Although patients treated with 5αRIs have an increased incidence of sexual adverse events, these events decrease if discontinued or over time with continued therapy.. Sexual side-effects are uncommon and resolve spontaneously in most patients even without discontinuing therapy. Significant effort is underway to find delivery systems that optimize delivery and reduce systemic absorption of topical 5αRs including hydroxypropyl chitosan and liposomal and nanoparticulate systems.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Alopecia; Azasteroids; Drug Administration Schedule; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Finasteride; Humans; Libido; Male; Patient Education as Topic; Treatment Outcome

Treatment with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARI) is commonly utilized for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The true prevalence of sexual side effects with 5ARI treatment is currently unknown.. The current article reviews the reported adverse effects of 5ARI in regard to erectile function, sexual desire and ejaculation. A PubMed search was performed of all articles from 1990 to present, which reported any sexual side effects with finasteride or dutasteride. Preference was given to more recent and human studies where available.. Clinical trials with 5ARI report prevalence rates of de novo erectile dysfunction of 5 - 9%. Decreased circulating dihydrotestosterone (DHT) resulting from 5ARI use is associated with diminished sexual desire and/or orgasm. The presence of adverse sexual effects is associated with decreased self-esteem, quality of life and ability to maintain an intimate relationship. Inhibition of 5ARI additionally influences progesterone and deoxycorticosterone levels and may alter psychological functions, including increased depression, melancholy and loss of general well being. Ejaculatory dysfunction has not been well studied in patients using 5ARI. Patients receiving therapy with 5ARI should be counseled as to potential sexual and psychological adverse effects. Future clinical studies are needed to further investigate the sexual side effects associated with this class of drugs.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Animals; Azasteroids; Dutasteride; Ejaculation; Erectile Dysfunction; Finasteride; Humans; Male; Penile Erection; Prevalence; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Quality of Life; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Azasteroids; Clinical Trials as Topic; Drug Therapy, Combination; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Male; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Sulfonamides; Tamsulosin

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common problem affecting middle-aged and elderly men. First-line medical therapy includes alpha 1blockers and 5alpha-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs), such as finasteride and dutasteride. 5ARI use has been associated with adverse sexual outcomes, including erectile dysfunction (ED), ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD), and decreased libido.. To clarify the association between sexual adverse effects (AEs) and 5ARIs through review of literature concerning 5ARIs and to review the proposed mechanisms of these effects.. A comprehensive literature review, using MEDLINE and PUBMED search engines, was conducted for all publications concerning 5ARIs and sexual AEs.. Sexual adverse effects, such as ED, EjD, and decreased libido, were the measured outcomes of this literature review.. Sexual AEs are reported in clinical trials at rates of 2.1% to 38%. The most common sexual AE is ED, followed by EjD and decreased libido. These effects occur early in therapy and attenuate over time. A proposed mechanism for sexual dysfunction involves decreased nitric oxide synthase activity due to decreased dihydrotestosterone.. The connection between 5ARIs and sexual dysfunction is apparent upon review of the literature. Though theories have been proposed, little is known about the exact mechanisms behind 5ARI-related sexual dysfunction. Since the connection between 5ARIs and sexual AEs is established in the literature, future research should be directed toward deciphering the pathophysiologic mechanisms. When more basic science knowledge is attained in this area, the focus can shift toward prevention and treatment.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; Azasteroids; Drug Therapy, Combination; Dutasteride; Ejaculation; Erectile Dysfunction; Finasteride; Humans; Libido; Male; Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is extremely common in the aging man and may cause significant lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) necessitating treatment. Drug treatment is the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic BPH and is directed at relaxing prostatic smooth muscle, reducing prostate volume, or a combination of these effects. The most commonly used drugs for this indication are alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonists, which relax prostatic smooth muscle, and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which reduce prostatic androgen levels and consequently prostate size. Invasive interventions include the gold standard, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), and several minimally invasive surgical options. Although effective in alleviating symptoms, TURP carries a higher risk of morbidity and complications, including sexual side effects (mainly ejaculatory dysfunction), than medical therapy or minimally invasive techniques. Treatment for BPH, whether medical or surgical, must take patients' comorbid conditions into consideration so that LUTS may be effectively relieved, with the smallest risk of exacerbating any concomitant conditions.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; Azasteroids; Cardiovascular Diseases; Comorbidity; Doxazosin; Drug Therapy, Combination; Dutasteride; Enzyme Inhibitors; Erectile Dysfunction; Finasteride; Global Health; Humans; Male; Prazosin; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Quinazolines; Sulfonamides; Tamsulosin; Transurethral Resection of Prostate; Treatment Outcome

In the first of these mini-reviews the selection of therapy for the maintenance of sexual function in patients with BPH is outlined, along with an explanation of how altered regulation of neurotransmitters, especially noradrenaline, may underlie the syndrome of LUTS and sexual dysfunction. Other mini-reviews outline the current status of robotic surgery to treat renal and adrenal disorders, and its future applications, and the potential use of the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway as a potential target to treat BOO associated with benign prostatic enlargement. Finally, the capacity to be creative in academic departments is extolled as a core property of academicians, and its surfacing described as having the potential to revitalize individuals and departments.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; Azasteroids; Drug Therapy, Combination; Dutasteride; Enzyme Inhibitors; Erectile Dysfunction; Finasteride; Humans; Male; Penile Erection; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological

To prospectively assess the impact of the fixed-dose combination (FDC) of the 5α-reductase inhibitor (5ARI), dutasteride 0.5 mg and the α. This European and Australian double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was conducted at 51 centres.. age ≥50 years, International Prostate Symptom Score ≥12, prostate volume ≥30 cc, prostate-specific antigen 1.5-10 ng/mL. Patients were randomised 1:1 to DUT-TAM FDC therapy or placebo for 12 months. The change from baseline to Month 12 on the total MSHQ (primary endpoint) and MSHQ erection, ejaculation and satisfaction domains (secondary outcome) was assessed, using a mixed model repeated measures analysis. Safety was evaluated.. The intention-to-treat population included 489 patients (243 DUT-TAM FDC therapy; 246 placebo). A significant decrease (worsening) was observed with DUT-TAM FDC therapy versus placebo on the total MSHQ score (-8.7 vs -0.7; standard error [se]: 0.81, 0.78; P < 0.001), and the ejaculation (-7.5 vs -0.6; se: 0.56, 0.55; P < 0.001) and satisfaction (-0.6 vs +0.3; se: 0.3, 0.29, P = 0.047) domains, but not the erection domain (-1.0 vs -0.5; se: 0.19, 0.19, P = 0.091).. This is the first domain-specific quantitative evaluation of DUT-TAM FDC therapy on sexual function in men with LUTS secondary to BPH. The observed changes in the MSHQ with DUT-TAM FDC therapy were mainly driven by changes in the ejaculation domain. These findings will help give context to erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction AEs reported spontaneously in earlier 5ARI studies.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Satisfaction; Penile Erection; Placebos; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Sulfonamides; Tamsulosin; Urological Agents

Correction of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with lower urinary tract (LUT) symptoms (LUTS) is treated with drugs of different pharmacological classes having side effects including suppression of sexual function.. To assess the effect of simultaneous intake of dutasteride and solifenacin on the reversibility of severe LUTS and sexual function in men with BPH.. Patients from group A took dutasteride 0.5 mg/d, those from group В took dutasteride 0.5 mg/d and solifenacin 10 mg/d, and those from group С took dutasteride 0.5 mg/d and solifenacin 20 mg/d. The duration of the observation was 6 months. The sexual function was rated with the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire and Men's Sexual Health Questionnaire-ejaculatory dysfunction. The functional status of LUT was rated with International Prostate Symptom Score, overactive bladder questionnaire-awareness tool, diary voiding, and uroflowmetry.. The state of sexual function and function of the LUT in men improved.. The erectile function in all men, having participated in the study, did not change [group A, 9.8 (1.6)/9.4 (3.8), P ≥ .05; group B, 10.1 (2.1)/10.5 (3.7), P ≥ .05; group C, 9.7 (1.5)/9.5 (2.6), P ≥ .05]. The ejaculator function significantly decreased in all groups. According to International Prostate Symptom Score, obstruction diminished in this group [incomplete emptying, 3.7 (0.7)/1.5 (0.3), P ≤ .05; intermittence, 3.5 (1.0)/3.5 (1.0), P ≤ .05; weak stream, 3.8 (0.6)/1.5 (0.4), P ≤ .05; straining, 3.4 (0.5)/0.7 (0.7), P ≤ .05] as did hyperactivity [urgency, 2.8 (0.7)/0.9 (0.7), P ≤ .05; nocturia, 2.8 (0.6)/1.2 (0.4), P ≤ .05]. All numbers in the manuscript are given in points unless otherwise stated. The values in parentheses are SD (unless otherwise specified).. The information that a high dose of solifenacin administered concomitantly with dutasteride may contribute to increase in sexual satisfaction and preservation of erectile function at the baseline level can be useful and used by sexologists, urologists, and family doctors.. The combination of dutasteride 0.5 mg/d and solifenacin 10 mg/d saves erectile function and improves sexual satisfaction. At the same time, the symptoms of obstruction and hyperactivity disappear or are reduced in most patients. Nevertheless, we did not study late results of the combined therapy.. Suggested combination does not impact on erectile function but decreases ejaculator function; however, it does not affect a general high rating of sexual function by patients. Thus, overall sexual function in men with BPH and severe LUTS is not impaired by prolonged intake of double dosage of solifenacin combined with dutasteride. The combination of dutasteride and solifenacin is effective and safe to treat BPH and severe LUTS. Kosilov K, Kuzina I, Kuznetsov V, et al. The Risk of Sexual Dysfunction and Effectiveness of Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia With Severe Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction With Combination of Dutasteride and Solifenacin. J Sex Med 2018;15:1579-1590.

Topics: Drug Therapy, Combination; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms; Male; Middle Aged; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Severity of Illness Index; Solifenacin Succinate; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome; Urological Agents

Despite routine use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor to treat erectile dysfunction the role in prostate cancer chemoprevention remains unclear. Only a few studies have explored the link between phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor use and prostate cancer. We tested the association between phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor and prostate cancer risk in the REDUCE (Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events) trial.. REDUCE was a 4-year multicenter study testing the effect of daily dutasteride on prostate cancer risk in men with prostate specific antigen 2.5 to 10.0 ng/ml and negative biopsy who underwent study mandated biopsies at 2 and 4 years. The association of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor with overall prostate cancer risk and disease grade (Gleason 2-6 and 7-10) was examined using adjusted logistic and multinomial regression analysis. Secondary analysis was performed to explore the association between phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor and prostate cancer risk in North American men, given the significantly higher use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor in these subjects.. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor was not associated with prostate cancer diagnosis (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.68-1.20, p = 0.476), low grade disease (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.67-1.27, p = 0.632) or high grade disease (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.51-1.39, p = 0.508). An inverse trend was seen between phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor and prostate cancer diagnosis in North American men but this was not statistically significant (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.42-1.07, p = 0.091).. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor use was not associated with decreased prostate cancer diagnoses on post-hoc analysis of REDUCE. In North American men, who had much higher baseline use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, this treatment was associated with an inverse trend of prostate cancer diagnosis that approached but did not reach statistical significance.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Aged; Biopsy; Double-Blind Method; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Grading; Prostate; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prostatic Neoplasms; Risk Factors

We investigate the impact of dutasteride on prostate specific antigen (PSA) and prostate volume in men receiving testosterone (T) therapy. Twenty-three men on stable dose T therapy were randomised to receive either dutasteride or placebo for 12 months. Serum levels of PSA, T and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and responses to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ) questionnaires were determined at baseline and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Prostate volume (PV) was measured using transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) at baseline and again after 12 months. A total of 22 men (mean age 57.3) completed the study, with 11 men receiving placebo and 11 receiving dutasteride. Men receiving dutasteride had a significant decrease in PSA (-0.46 ± 0.81 ng ml(-1) ; P = 0.04) and in PV (-6.65 ± 11.0%; P = 0.03) from baseline over 12 months. DHT decreased significantly for men on dutasteride compared with men receiving placebo (P = 0.02). When compared with men who received placebo, men who received dutasteride demonstrated nonsignificant trends towards decreased PSA (-0.46 versus 0.21 ng ml(-1) ; P = 0.11), PV (-6.65% versus 3.4%; P = 0.08) and MSHQ scores (-10.2 versus 5.6; P = 0.06). Dutasteride reduces PSA and PV for men on T therapy, but perhaps less so than in men without T therapy.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Azasteroids; Dihydrotestosterone; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Double-Blind Method; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Hormone Replacement Therapy; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms; Male; Middle Aged; Organ Size; Prostate; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Testosterone; Treatment Outcome

To assess the role of dutasteride in preventing clinical progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia in asymptomatic men with larger prostates.. Post hoc analysis of four year, double blind Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events (REDUCE) study. 1617 men randomised to dutasteride or placebo with a prostate size >40 mL and baseline International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) <8. Subjects who took medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia were excluded at study entry.. Placebo or dutasteride 0.5 mg daily.. Comparison of risk of clinical progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia at four years (defined as a ≥ 4 point worsening on IPSS, acute urinary retention, urinary tract infection, or surgery related to benign prostatic hyperplasia).. 825 participants took placebo, 792 took dutasteride. A total of 464 (29%) experienced clinical progression benign prostatic hyperplasia, 297(36%) taking placebo, 167 (21%) taking dutasteride (P<0.001). The relative risk reduction was 41% and the absolute risk reduction 15%, with a number needed to treat (NNT) of 7. Among men who had acute urinary retention and surgery related to benign prostatic hyperplasia, the absolute risk reduction for dutasteride was 6.0% and 3.8%, respectively. On multivariable regression analysis adjusting for covariates, dutasteride significantly reduced clinical progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia with an odds ratio of 0.47 (95% CI 0.37 to 0.59, P<0.001). Analysis of time to first event yielded a hazard ratio of 0.673 (P<0.001) for those taking dutasteride. Sexual adverse events were most common and similar to prior reports.. Further prospective studies may be warranted to demonstrate generalisability of these results.. This study is the first to explore the benefit of treating asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic men with an enlarged prostate. Dutasteride significantly decreased the incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia clinical progression.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Aged; Asymptomatic Diseases; Azasteroids; Disease Progression; Double-Blind Method; Drug Monitoring; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prostate; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Regression Analysis; Risk Assessment; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Retention; Urinary Tract Infections

We conducted a study to determine whether dutasteride reduces the risk of incident prostate cancer, as detected on biopsy, among men who are at increased risk for the disease.. In this 4-year, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, we compared dutasteride, at a dose of 0.5 mg daily, with placebo. Men were eligible for inclusion in the study if they were 50 to 75 years of age, had a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of 2.5 to 10.0 ng per milliliter, and had had one negative prostate biopsy (6 to 12 cores) within 6 months before enrollment. Subjects underwent a 10-core transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy at 2 and 4 years.. Among 6729 men who underwent a biopsy or prostate surgery, cancer was detected in 659 of the 3305 men in the dutasteride group, as compared with 858 of the 3424 men in the placebo group, representing a relative risk reduction with dutasteride of 22.8% (95% confidence interval, 15.2 to 29.8) over the 4-year study period (P<0.001). Overall, in years 1 through 4, among the 6706 men who underwent a needle biopsy, there were 220 tumors with a Gleason score of 7 to 10 among 3299 men in the dutasteride group and 233 among 3407 men in the placebo group (P=0.81). During years 3 and 4, there were 12 tumors with a Gleason score of 8 to 10 in the dutasteride group, as compared with only 1 in the placebo group (P=0.003). Dutasteride therapy, as compared with placebo, resulted in a reduction in the rate of acute urinary retention (1.6% vs. 6.7%, a 77.3% relative reduction). The incidence of adverse events was similar to that in studies of dutasteride therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia, except that in our study, as compared with previous studies, the relative incidence of the composite category of cardiac failure was higher in the dutasteride group than in the placebo group (0.7% [30 men] vs. 0.4% [16 men], P=0.03).. Over the course of the 4-year study period, dutasteride reduced the risk of incident prostate cancer detected on biopsy and improved the outcomes related to benign prostatic hyperplasia. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00056407.)

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Aged; Azasteroids; Biopsy; Double-Blind Method; Dutasteride; Enzyme Inhibitors; Erectile Dysfunction; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prostate; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Prostatic Neoplasms; Protein Isoforms; Risk; Treatment Outcome

To assess the long-term safety and efficacy of dutasteride, a dual type 1 and type 2 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated lower urinary tract symptoms.. Data from two Phase IIIa multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trials of 2-year duration plus a 2-year open-label extension were pooled and analyzed. The entry criteria included age 50 years old or older, clinical diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate volume of 30 cm3 or greater, American Urological Association symptom score of 12 or greater, peak urinary flow rate of 15 mL/s or less, and prostate-specific antigen level of 1.5 ng/mL or greater but less than 10 ng/mL.. A total of 2802 men were randomized into the double-blind phase of the two studies with 1908 patients (68%) completing the study. Of these, 1570 subjects were enrolled in the open-label phase, and 569 subjects received dutasteride for 48 months. Changes at the 48-month visit for dutasteride/dutasteride-treated subjects included improvement in prostate volume (-26.2%), American Urological Association Symptom Index (-6.1 points), and peak urinary flow rate (+2.8 mL/s). Changes for the placebo/dutasteride group included prostate volume (-20.7%), American Urological Association Symptom Index (-5.3 points), and peak urinary flow rate (+1.8 mL/s). Acute urinary retention and surgery occurred in a small percentage of subjects (less than 2% and less than 1%) in the open-label extension phase. Dutasteride was well tolerated with no statistically significant increase in drug-related adverse events during the open-label extension and no adverse laboratory trends.. Dual inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase with dutasteride provided sustained efficacy in subjects with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia treated for 48 months. Near-complete, long-term suppression of dihydrotestosterone (93% at 48 months) with dutasteride did not lead to an increase in adverse events compared with that reported in the 2-year period.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Aged; Azasteroids; Double-Blind Method; Dutasteride; Ejaculation; Enzyme Inhibitors; Erectile Dysfunction; Gynecomastia; Humans; Isoenzymes; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Placebos; Prostate; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography; Urodynamics

Dutasteride, a dual inhibitor of Type 1 and Type 2 5 alpha-reductase, has been shown to improve disease measures in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in three randomised, placebo-controlled, large-scale, 2-year Phase III clinical studies. This paper reports the pooled results of a 2-year open-label extension of the three randomised studies assessing the long-term efficacy and safety of dutasteride.. Patients randomised to dutasteride or placebo in the double-blind portion of the Phase III studies were eligible for a 2-year open-label extension, where all patients received dutasteride 0.5mg daily (dutasteride/dutasteride [D/D] group and placebo/dutasteride [P/D group]).. Significant improvements in AUA-SI score and Q(max) were observed from Month 24 to 48 in both study groups. At Month 48, patients in the D/D group had significantly greater improvements in AUA-SI score and Q(max), and significantly greater reductions in prostate volume, than those in the P/D group. Acute urinary retention and BPH-related surgery occurred in a small percentage of patients during the open-label phase. No new safety issues were noted with long-term therapy. Onset of new drug-related adverse events were reported most frequently at the start of therapy and declined over time in patients receiving dutasteride.. Long-term treatment with dutasteride results in continuing improvements in urinary symptoms and flow rate, and further reductions in TPV, in men with symptomatic BPH. The reduction in risk of AUR and BPH-related surgery, seen in the double-blind phase, was durable over 4-year treatment. Dutasteride was also well tolerated in long-term use.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Azasteroids; Dihydrotestosterone; Double-Blind Method; Dutasteride; Enzyme Inhibitors; Erectile Dysfunction; Gynecomastia; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prostate; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prostatic Hyperplasia

Patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia are usually treated with 5α-reduced inhibitors (5ARIs) such as finasteride and dutasteride. However, studies on the influence of 5ARIs on sexual function have been controversial. In this study, we evaluated the impact of dutasteride treatment for erectile function in patients with once-negative prostate biopsy and benign prostate hyperplasia.. 81 patients with benign prostate hyperplasia were enrolled in a one-armed prospective study. They were administrated 0.5 mg/day of dutasteride for 12 months. Patient characteristics and changes of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-15 scores at baseline and 12 months after dutasteride administration were examined.. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of the patients was 69.4 ± 4.9 years and the prostate volume was 56.6 ± 21.3 mL, respectively. The mean ± SD prostate volume and PSA levels were decreased 25.0 and 50.9%, respectively, after 12 months of dutasteride administration. IPSS total, voiding subscore, storage subscore, and quality of life score significantly improved after 12 months of dutasteride administration. No statistically significant change in IIEF-total score from 16.3 ± 13.5 to 18.8 ± 16.0 (. Twelve months administration of dutasteride for patients with BPH improved urinary function and did not increase the risk of sexual dysfunction.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Aged; Biopsy; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Prostate; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prostatic Hyperplasia

5α-reductase inhibitors are commonly prescribed medications with multiple side effects used in the treatment of male pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia. These side effects including "post-finasteride syndrome" may result in lawsuits.. To characterize lawsuits involving the adverse side effects of 5α-reductase inhibitor to better understand drivers of litigation and outcomes.. Legal cases were queried from Nexis Uni using the search terms "5-alpha reductase inhibitor" as well as specific agents "finasteride," "dutasteride" in combination with "malpractice," "negligence," "damage," "loss," "side effect," and "complication." Secondary review was performed with publicly available data on "In Re: Propecia." Relevant cases were reviewed and pertinent characteristics were extracted and summarized using descriptive statistics.. Our search yielded 156 unique legal cases in the Nexis Uni database from April 2003 to May 2021. Only 18 of these cases met the inclusion criteria. Adverse events experienced by patients included medication side effects (n = 12, 66.7%), delayed cancer diagnosis (n = 3, 16.7%), and lack of symptom improvement (n = 3, 16.7%). The identity of the plaintiffs were most commonly patients themselves (n = 15, 83.3%). Defendants include pharmaceutical companies (n = 6, 33.3%), a combination of parties (n = 5, 27.8%), and physicians (n = 5, 27.8%) alone. The allegations included sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction (n = 6, 33.3%) and decreased libido (n = 4, 22.2%). These prescriptions were made for benign prostatic hyperplasia (n = 9, 50%), male pattern hair loss (n = 7, 38.9%), and feminizing hormone therapy (n = 2, 11.1%). Several of these cases involved the same plaintiffs in related cases. No verdicts were against physicians. We noted a largely settled lawsuit involving more than 1000 plaintiffs with limited data on harms alleged and a $4.3 million settled amount. Of the total cases that resulted in a verdict, 9/18 were within the last 3 years.. The most common complications experienced by patients in our legal review were those involving sexual dysfunction with erectile dysfunction and decreased libido. The growing number of cases in the later years of our review suggests litigation may continue to increase in the coming future. Our review did not identify any individual cases that resulted in a monetary payout beyond a $4.3 million settlement outside of court.. 5α-reductase inhibitor was alleged to have sexual, mental, and physical side effects, resulting in legal litigation. Despite this, no judgment against a physician or pharmaceutical company was identified. We do note and discuss a large number of lawsuits settled out of court. Given the increase in the number of lawsuits resulting in verdicts over the last 3 years, we suspect that the frequency of litigation around 5α-reductase inhibitors will continue for the foreseeable future.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Finasteride; Humans; Male; Malpractice

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most prevalent conditions among aged men. The use of 5α-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) to treat BPH was linked to erectile dysfunction (ED). Many medicinal plants and secondary metabolites are used in the management of ED. Onion (Allium cepa L.) is an economically affordable vegetable with vital phytochemicals and biological functions. The study aimed to identify the beneficial effects of onion juice on dutasteride (a 5-ARI)-induced ED. Rats were divided into two groups (n = 5 per group): control and dutasteride-treated rats (0.5 mg/kg/day). Dutasteride was administered in drinking water for 12 weeks. Experiments were performed at the end of the 12th week. In vivo erectile responses were measured before and after intracavernosal injection of onion. Relaxant responses to onion juice were examined in the corpus cavernosum (CC). Acetylcholine (ACh)-, electrical field stimulation (EFS)-, sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced relaxation responses in CC tissues were evaluated in the absence and presence of onion juice. Total intracavernosal pressure (ICP) and ICP/ mean arterial pressure were significantly reduced in dutasteride-treated rats (1881.14 ± 249.72 mmHg, P < 0.001;0.26 ± 0.03, P < 0.01) as compared to control rats (4542.60 ± 429.19 mmHg, 0.51 ± 0.05), which was normalized after the intracavernous administration of onion (3288.60 ± 185.45 mmHg, 0.58 ± 0.04). Onion markedly induced relaxant responses in control (72.5 ± 4.7) and dutasteride-treated (66.5 ± 2.7) groups after precontraction with phenylephrine. Relaxation responses to onion were partially inhibited after precontraction with KCl (32.5 ± 3.1, P < 0.001). The relaxant responses to ACh (14.9 ± 4.2, P < 0.01) were diminished in dutasteride-treated CC) compared to control CC (59.8 ± 3.4), which was enhanced after the incubation with onion (36.6 ± 4.8). There were no differences in relaxation response to SNP among all groups. However, relaxation response to SNP was reduced in dutasteride-treated CC at 1 μM (P < 0.05) and 10 μM dosages (P < 0.001), which was partially increased after the incubation with onion at 10 μM dosage (P < 0.01). The presence of onion did not change the reduction in EFS-caused relaxation in the dutasteride-treated group. The current data suggest that red onion juice has a restorative effect on erectile function and endothelium-dependent relaxation response following the treatment of dutasteride.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Aftercare; Aged; Animals; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Male; Onions; Oxidoreductases; Penis; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Topics: Drug Therapy, Combination; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Japan; Male; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Quality of Life; Retrospective Studies; Tadalafil; Treatment Outcome

Five-α reductase inhibitor (5ARI) therapy has been associated with sexual dysfunction in some patients. This study assessed the impact of a fixed-dose combination of the 5ARI dutasteride 0.5 mg and the α. This was a post hoc analysis of a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicentre study in sexually active patients, aged ≥50 years, with a confirmed clinical diagnosis of BPH. Sexual activity, sexual desire, and bother domain scores of the MSHQ were assessed at baseline and at Months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12. Correlation between MSHQ sexual activity/desire scores and ejaculation, erection, and satisfaction domains at baseline was also evaluated.. In the intent-to-treat population (N = 489), 243 and 246 patients were randomised to DUT-TAM FDC and placebo groups, respectively. Compared with placebo, DUT-TAM FDC therapy resulted in statistically significant reductions (worsening) from baseline in adjusted mean MSHQ sexual activity and bother domain scores at Months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 (all P < 0.05) and in adjusted mean MSHQ sexual desire domain scores at Months 6, 9, and 12 (all P < 0.05). Significant moderate correlations in the expected direction were observed at baseline between the sexual activity/desire domains and the ejaculation, erection, and satisfaction domains (P < 0.0001).. These findings help clarify the degree and impact of libido changes in sexually active men treated with DUT-TAM FDC and may support clinical decision-making.

Topics: Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists; Aged; Combined Modality Therapy; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Libido; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms; Male; Men's Health; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Surveys and Questionnaires; Urological Agents

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Azasteroids; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Glucose; Humans; Lipids; Male; Prostatic Hyperplasia

Finasteride and dutasteride are 5α-reductase inhibitor drugs that are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in men with BPH show that these drugs impair libido and cause erectile dysfunction. Meta-analyses of the RCTs confirm the findings, estimating odds ratio (OR) values for these adverse effects at around 1.50. A problem with meta-analyses that do not report absolute risks with drug vs placebo and that extract ORs instead of relative risks (RRs) from RCT data is that it is hard for the reader to know how to interpret the findings and communicate them to patients. Had the RR been 1.50, the reader would conclude that the risk with drug is 50% higher than the risk with placebo; this is easily understood because the risk with placebo would be available from the RCTs. In contrast, an OR of 1.50 means that the odds with drug are 50% higher than the odds with placebo; understanding this requires a knowledge of what the odds with placebo are as well as an understanding of what odds mean. Odds are not as easily understood as risks are. Odds are numerically different from risks, and the OR is numerically different from the RR. The difference between the OR and the RR is numerically small when the risks are similar in the two groups and also when the risks are dissimilar but the risk is small in the group of interest. The difference between the OR and the RR becomes increasingly large when the risks are dissimilar in the two groups and when the risk in the group of interest is not small. Smallness of risk, in this context, has been conservatively stated as 10%, but it could be possible to use a higher cutoff, such as 20%. Other issues related to risk, odds, RR, and OR are also discussed.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Finasteride; Humans; Libido; Male; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Odds Ratio; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Assessment

Background Dutasteride has been successfully used in treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, dutasteride inhibits 5α-reductase type 1 and type 2 enzymes and may compromises glucocorticoids and androgen metabolism and alters metabolic function resulting in undesirable metabolic and sexual adverse side effects. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term adverse effects of dutasteride therapy in men with BPH on: i) blood glucose, ii) glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), iii) low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C); high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC), iv) testosterone (T), v) liver alanine and aspartate aminotransferases (ALT and AST) and vi) erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods A retrospective registry study, with a cohort of 230 men aged between 47 and 68 years (mean 57.78 ± 4.81) were treated with dutasteride (0.5 mg/day) for LUTS, secondary to BPH. A second cohort of 230 men aged between 52 and 72 years (mean 62.62 ± 4.65) were treated with tamsulosin (0.4 mg). All men were followed up for 36-42 months. At intervals of 3-6 months, and at each visit, plasma glucose, HbA1c, TC, LDL-cholesterol, T levels and liver alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined. Further patient assessment was made by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) questionnaire, the Aging Male Symptom (AMS) and International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS). Results Long-term treatment with dutasteride therapy is associated with significant improvements in LUTS, as assessed by reduction in prostate volume, IPSS and prostate specific antigen (PSA). Long-term dutasteride therapy, however, resulted in increased blood glucose, HbA1c, TC and LDL levels, ALT and AST activities, AMS Score and reduced T levels and worsened ED as assessed by the IIEF-EF scores. No worsening of ED, glucose, HbA1c, ALT, AST, AMS were observed in men treated with tamsulosin. Most importantly, long-term dutasteride therapy resulted in reduction in total T levels, contributing to a state of hypogonadism. Conclusion Our findings suggest that long-term dutasteride therapy produces worsening of ED, reduced T levels and increased glucose, HbA1c and alters lipid profiles, suggesting induced imbalance in metabolic function. We strongly recommend that physicians discuss with their patients these potential serious adverse effects of long-term dutasteride thera

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Aged; Biomarkers; Blood Glucose; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Lipid Metabolism; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Severity of Illness Index

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Male; Prospective Studies; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Surveys and Questionnaires

Treatment-induced sexual dysfunctions (SD) are a recurrent and controversial topic in recent literature on the adverse events related to the use of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) (1, 2). In order to deal adequately with the various aspects of this topic, it is necessary to first cover some of the steps that allow a better definition and understanding of the subject.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Alopecia; Drug Monitoring; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Evidence-Based Medicine; Finasteride; Humans; Male; Patient Selection; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors

We prospectively evaluated erectile function (EF) using the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) and the erectile hardness score (EHS) as well as urinary statuses using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) before and 3, 6, and 12 months after a daily treatment with 0.5 mg dutasteride (DUT). Significant improvements were observed in IPSS and OABSS in 98 patients with the DUT treatment, and the effects were similar between 28 patients with potency with baseline SHIM of 8 or greater and 70 severe erectile dysfunction (ED) patients at baseline. In the 28 patients with potency, significant decreases were observed in SHIM and EHS after 3, 6, and 12 months of the DUT treatment, with the severity of ED according to SHIM deteriorating in half of these patients after 12 months of the DUT treatment. Eighteen out of 28 patients (64.3%) with potency at baseline had awareness of the occurrence of ED before the DUT treatment, were younger, and had higher SHIM and EHS just before the DUT treatment than their counterparts. Regular assessments of EF may be needed, especially in younger patients and those with higher levels of EF before the administration of DUT.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Aged; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Male; Penile Erection; Prospective Studies; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Urinary Bladder, Overactive

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Alopecia; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Finasteride; Humans; Insulin Resistance; Libido; Male; Osteoporosis; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Prostatic Neoplasms

The association of 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5ARI) therapy and sexual dysfunction has been reported. Some patients claim persistent erectile dysfunction despite long-term discontinuation of 5ARI treatment. The aim of this study was to assess erectile function after cessation of 5ARI therapy using a rat model.. Twenty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: (i) control (N = 10); (ii) 8-week dutasteride treatment (0.5 mg/rat/day, in drinking water, N = 8); and (iii) 6-week dutasteride treatment followed by a 2-week washout period (N = 8). The experiments were performed after 8 weeks from the initiation of treatment in all groups. In vivo erectile activity and in vitro contractile and relaxant responses of cavernosal smooth muscle were investigated.. In vivo erectile activity (intracavernosal pressure [ICP]/mean arterial pressure [MAP] and total ICP) in treatment groups were significantly decreased compared with controls (ICP/MAP: P < 0.001 for 2.5 v, 5 v, and 7.5 v; total ICP: P < 0.001 for 5 v and P < 0.01 for 7.5 v). Acetylcholine-induced relaxations were diminished in treatment groups (P < 0.05). Relaxant responses to electrical field stimulation (EFS) were decreased in the 8-week treatment group (P < 0.05) but were similar to controls in the washout group. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced endothelium-independent relaxations were reduced in the 8-week dutasteride treatment group (P < 0.01), while these responses were restored in the washout group. The contractile responses to the alpha1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine were decreased in treatment groups compared with controls (P < 0.01). Direct neurogenic contractile responses in the dutasteride groups were significantly lower than controls between 1 and 15 Hz frequencies (but not at 20 Hz) and washout partially restored the responses at 10 and 15 Hz.. Discontinuation of dutasteride improved the relaxant responses to EFS and SNP, while cholinergic and adrenergic responses remained depressed. Our findings suggest a time-dependent detriment of dutasteride on erectile function. The withdrawal/washout effect of 5ARIs on parameters of human sexual function warrants further investigation.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Animals; Azasteroids; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Dutasteride; Erectile Dysfunction; Male; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Penile Erection; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Time Factors

Despite their efficacy in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) the popularity of inhibitors of 5α-reductase (5ARI) is limited by their association with adverse sexual side effects. However, the real impact of 5ARI on sex hormones and sexual function is controversial.. To investigate the role of 5ARI therapy on hormonal parameters and sexual function in men already complaining of sexual problems.. A consecutive series of 3837 men (mean age 63.5±12.8 yr) attending our outpatient clinic for sexual dysfunction was retrospectively studied. Several clinical, biochemical, and instrumental (penile color doppler ultrasound) factors were evaluated.. Among the patients studied, 78.7% reported erectile dysfunction, 51.1% hypoactive sexual desire (HSD), 86.7% perceived reduced sleep-related erections (PR-SRE) and 19.1% premature ejaculation. The use of 5ARI was associated with an increased risk of HSD and PR-SR whereas no relationship was found with erectile dysfunction and ejaculation disturbances. Subjects using 5ARI also more frequently had gynecomastia along with reduced SHBG and higher calculated free testosterone levels. All these associations were confirmed in a case-control study comparing 5ARI users with age-body mass index-smoking status and total testosterone-matched controls.. Our data indicates that use of 5ARI in men with sexual dysfunction does not significantly exacerbate pre-existing ejaculatory or erectile difficulties, but can further impair their sexual life by reducing sexual drive and spontaneous erection.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Aged; Azasteroids; Case-Control Studies; Cholestenone 5 alpha-Reductase; Dutasteride; Ejaculation; Erectile Dysfunction; Finasteride; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sleep Wake Disorders; Testosterone

We evaluated 5-year safety, efficacy and prostate volume data from BPH patients treated with finasteride or dutasteride.. A retrospective analysis of 378 consecutive men treated with 5α-reductase inhibitor monotherapy between January 2004 and September 2009 (197 on finasteride and 211 on dutasteride) in a single clinic was performed. Efficacy assessments included International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), peak urinary flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate volume (PV). Safety assessments included International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and adverse events. Patients were evaluated at 3 months, 1 year and yearly thereafter.. Mean age of the group was 58.7 ± 6.7 years. Maintenance of therapy at 5 years was 57.4% and 42.5% for the finasteride and dutasteride groups respectively. Changes in IPSS, Qmax, PVR, PV and PSA were similar for both groups at 5 years. The incidence of erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction and decreased libido resulting in discontinuation from therapy was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in the dutasteride (5.1%, 2.4%, 2.7% respectively) compared with the finasteride (2.1%, 1.8%, 1.4% respectively) group. In addition, the incidence of self-reported breast tenderness and/or enlargement was significantly (p < 0.01) greater in the dutasteride (3.5%) compared with the finasteride (1.2%) group.. In this retrospective analysis of data from consecutive patients treated at a single clinic, both finasteride and dutasteride were effective therapies for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms. However, dutasteride resulted in significantly more sexual side effects and breast complications than finasteride.

Topics: 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Azasteroids; Drug Substitution; Dutasteride; Ejaculation; Erectile Dysfunction; Finasteride; Gynecomastia; Humans; Libido; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms; Male; Middle Aged; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Retrospective Studies