Posted , 4 users are following.
Has anyone out there decided to continue with Dutasteride of Finasteride after a TURP to slow re-growth and reduce the chances of needing a further operation? It seems like a good idea to me. My urology consultant said I could do that if I wanted to, but on balance he thought he wouldn't advise it.
0 likes, 5 replies
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r21958 mike24933
Posted
I had the very same question after a Green Light 3 years ago.
Surgeon said he doubted that I'd ever need the surgery again.
So far so good. I was fine with it, because I'm generally reluctant to take medication.
mike24933 r21958
Posted
I also don't like to take drugs if I don't have to. In this case it is a balance because I never noticed any side effects when I was taking Dutasteride and I would certainly like to avoid if possible a re-run of the operation with all the risks and shear inconvenience of recovery. I am surprised this doesn't come up more often. I actually wondered if it would be a good compromise to take a lower dose, say, every other day or every three days just to slow things down a bit.
derek76 mike24933
Posted
What about their long term side effects ?
lee56659 mike24933
Posted
A couple years ago when I was taking an alpha blocker but still hesitant about surgery, my uro mentioned dutasteride but said he didn't recommend it due to possible side effects. I eventually opted for a TURP and am happy with the results.
MichaelVM7 mike24933
Posted
This should go without saying, but anyone taking a 5-ARI should very carefully monitor their PSA and have routine DREs, and remember to look at their "true" PSA as at least double their reading. Finasteride and Dutasteride can lower PSA by 50% - 80%, so a new baseline PSA needs to be established by the doctor monitoring men on these meds.
They're effective at reducing prostate volume and dropping PSA, but aside from the myriad of potential side effects, they can mask the presence of cancer, even aggressive cancer. So, use with caution.