Health Canada has issued a warning for a men's hair restoration prescription drug that may, or may not, be a factor in some men developing breast cancer. They put up the warning on their website for Finasteride, also known under the brand names of 'propecia' and 'proscar,' on August 4, 2011. The website warning reports that henceforth the labeling of the drug will include a warning.
"Male breast cancer has been reported in a small number of patients worldwide with both the 1 mg and 5 mg formulations of finasteride," the website reads. "Most of the reports have been in association with the 5mg formulation. Based on the currently available evidence, it is not known with certainty whether finasteride can cause breast cancer, nor can this possibility be ruled out at this point in time."
The drug as propecia is used for male pattern baldness in the 1 mg. form but as proscar in the 5 mg. form is actually used for treating a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. The drug is only prescribed for males.
Finasteride and Male Breast Cancer
The website goes on to tell men that they should report any changes whatever in their breasts while they are on finasteride and says that those changes could include "...breast enlargement, lumps, tenderness, pain or nipple discharge." Any patient experiencing such symptoms while on any of these medications should see their doctor.
The drug has had other side-effects, traditionally they have been sexually related such as impotence, ejaculation changes, erectile dysfunction, testicular pain and, more recently added to the list of potential side effects in some men, depression. This is the first time a warning has been issued on this drug related to breast cancer.
On their website the Canadian Cancer Society reports that "Men have breast tissue just like women, and can develop breast cancer. In Canada, less than 1% of all breast cancers occur in men. Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed in men over 60, but can be found in men of all ages."
Health Canada Issues New Labeling
Health Canada says that the new labeling for finasteride, propecia and proscar "has already been updated to include information on the potential risk of male breast cancer." There are other generic versions of the drug and labeling for those drugs are in the process of being changed to contain the new warning.
Health Canada has a phone number patients can use to report suspected side effects you may feel you are experiencing on finasteride or on any other prescription drug. The program you will be reporting to is Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program and the toll-free number is 1-866-234-2345.
References used in this story:
- Canadian Cancer Society website.
- Health Canada website.
Join the Conversation