Finasteride-induced thrombocytopenia (low blood count)?

[OkRight]

I am new to this forum. I'm glad you're here.
I have been taking finasteride for about seven years.
First as Propecia for about 4 years, then switching to Proscar 5mg (cut into fourths),
then generic finasteride 5mg for the last couple of yrs.
I have had good results, arrested hair loss with improved texture and even some slight regrowth. I had a recent blood test and found that my blood count had dropped to 134 from somewhere in the 200's. I'm healthy otherwise. I suspect finasteride. I have stopped taking it to see if the count comes back up.
I have seen some other cases of this on the internet and I am wondering if anyone here has had a similar experience. Anyone have recent bloodwork? Btw, did you know that if you are taking finasteride you can't give blood? Isn't that a clue?

 

[Wuffer]

I've never heard of Finasteride causing this particular issue before. The reason blood transfusions are not allowed while on Finasteride is because it can affect unborn fetuses. If blood that contained Finasteride was transfused to a pregnant woman, it may cause problems. In fact, i've never even heard of anyone complaining about this issue before. I seriously doubt it could be the cause.

Instead of coming off the medication, I recommend you speak with your doctor. If he/she has reason to believe Finasteride might be the cause they will instruct you to come off.

Also keep in mind that thrombocytopenia can indicate rather serious diseases such as leukemia and various liver problems. Please don't assume Finasteride is the cause; follow up with your doctor and make sure you rule out these more serious problems.

 

[Rawtashk]

Agree with Wuffer! I'm sure there are plenty of other things you've done in the past 7 years that could have triggered it...or perhaps it's just something that randomly happened. finasteride is not the cause of all the world's problems.

I would go see a Doctor before dropping a medication.

 

[Joe-1991]

Wuffer has given you the best advice you are going to get anywhere. However, i would drop any medication that i was using for superficial reasons if faced with a problematic blood test result or potentially serious health issue. A body free of medications enables a TRUE baseline.

 

[Rawtashk]

True, but if he's been on it for 7 years then perhaps he should stay on it so that he has a 'past 7 year baseline'. Changing up a 7 year daily routine right before seeing a doctor doesn't really give them your recent history baseline.

 

[Joe-1991]

I meant after consulting the doctor. One would hope that the doctor asks whether he is on any medications and they can go from there once it is known he is on finasteride.