PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - M Pole
AU  - G Koren
TI  - Finasteride. Does it affect spermatogenesis and pregnancy?
DP  - 2001 Dec 01
TA  - Canadian Family Physician
PG  - 2469--2470
VI  - 47
IP  - 12
4099  - http://www.cfp.ca/content/47/12/2469.short
4100  - http://www.cfp.ca/content/47/12/2469.full
SO  - Can Fam Physician2001 Dec 01; 47
AB  - QUESTION: A few women have asked me whether finasteride, taken by their partners for male pattern baldness, will affect their pregnancies. The product monograph is very alarming: it sounds as if even handling the medication could cause harm, especially to a male fetus. Should a man stop taking finasteride if his partner is planning pregnancy or is pregnant? What is the risk to the fetus if its mother accidentally handles crushed or broken tablets? ANSWER: To date, there are no reports of adverse pregnancy outcomes among women exposed to finasteride. Taking 1 mg of finasteride daily did not have any clinically significant effect on men's semen. Absorption through the skin while handling tablets is extremely unlikely to cause fetal exposure or harm. There is no reason to discontinue the drug. Motherisk is currently following up women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy and whose partners are taking finasteride.