4-year study confirms drug alters progression of BPH.
A four-year study confirms that finasteride (Proscar/Merck) reduces by half the need for surgery in men who are experiencing acute urinary retention. The study of 3,040 men showed that those taking the drug were 55% less likely to need prostate surgery; men who did not have acute urinary retention were 57% less likely to develop the condition than men who were not taking the drug. The drug “clearly alters the progression of BPH,” said Dr. John McConnell of South-western Medical Center, University of Texas, and head of the Proscar Long-Term Efficacy and Safety Study (PLESS). The benefits of the drug continued over the four-year study period.
Jennifer is a clinical pharmacologist. She helps doctors of all medical specialties choose medications. Jennifer consults about drug dosage, interactions, and side effects.