BACKGROUND: Finasteride (Propecia) was approved by the FDA in 1998 for treating 
men with androgenetic alopecia. The published clinical trials demonstrated 
statistical differences between drug and placebo. Rarely do new drugs undergo 
further non-drug-company-sponsored studies of efficacy. Concerns about clinical 
studies and marketing of drugs prompted this evaluation of a large group of 
patients taking this medication.
OBJECTIVE: Finasteride usage offered an opportunity not only to understand the 
acceptance of a cosmetically oriented medication, but also to evaluate 
subjective comments and compliance after a long period of time.
METHODS: A total of 1261 patients were monitored with phone calls every 3 months 
after finasteride was initially prescribed. After 12 months, a detailed 
questionnaire was sent to all patients with an additional letter and two 
telephone calls if no response was received. Statistical analysis of the 
patients' data was made.
RESULTS: Thirty-two percent or 414 men continued to take finasteride daily for 1 
to 3 years. Twenty-four percent or 297 men discontinued the drug between 3 and 
15 months owing to poor results. The remaining 44% or 549 men were lost to 
follow-up despite numerous attempts to contact them.
CONCLUSION: A total of 414 men continued to take the medication, but only 211 
returned detailed questionnaires. A small percentage of this group felt that 
they grew hair. The remaining patients noted poor results.