Propecia and Prostate

If you are taking Propecia, marketed by Merck to forestall hair loss, there is a new study that may give you pause.

The medical journal, Lancet Oncology, reports that this drug may prevent detection of prostate cancer. There is an active ingredient in Propecia that may artificially lower the important PSA levels that indicate the possibility of prostate cancer. Check with your doctor about your PSA levels and whether your Propecia use can be affecting the test’s outcomes.

I guess less hair but longer life due to early detection of prostate cancer might be a fair trade off.