As the new school year begins, families are busy preparing supplies, schedules, and routines. For those living with severe allergies, back-to-school planning also means making sure lifesaving medications are up-to-date and accessible.
(more…)Back to School Prep Isn’t Just Supplies, It’s Having a Family Doctor
School supplies, timetables, new shoes. The back to school checklist gets a lot of attention every August. One item that’s just as important but easy to overlook: whether your family actually has a doctor. Immunization records, school health forms, and any sick visit that comes up once classes start all go smoother with a physician who already knows your family’s history.
(more…)Finasteride and Suicidal Ideation: What Patients Should Know
Finasteride, a type 2 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, is commonly prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). While usually well tolerated, concerns have emerged around a cluster of persistent side effects known as post-finasteride syndrome. These may include:
- Low libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Anxiety and depression
- Cognitive complaints
Recently, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) conducted a review of the risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviours linked to finasteride and dutasteride.
Key Findings
- Finasteride: Suicidal ideation has been reported, especially in men taking it for hair loss.
- Dutasteride: Evidence was insufficient to confirm a causal link, but since it works through the same biological pathway, regulators recommended adding warnings about mood changes as a precaution.
- Case data: 325 cases of suicidal ideation were identified in European reports (313 related to finasteride, 13 to dutasteride, and 1 to both).
- Risk classification: Suicidal ideation is considered extremely rare given the large number of patient-years of exposure (270 million for finasteride and 82 million for dutasteride).
What This Means for Patients
- Regulatory bodies, including Health Canada, already list suicidal ideation as a possible but uncommon side effect of finasteride.
- Most reported cases occurred in men using finasteride for hair loss, rather than for prostate conditions.
Pharmacist’s Advice
- Patients should immediately discontinue finasteride and seek medical attention if they experience mood changes, depressive symptoms, or suicidal thoughts.
- Problems with sexual function—such as low libido or erectile dysfunction—should also prompt medical review, as these issues can be linked to mood changes and suicidal ideation.
- While dutasteride appears to carry less risk, caution is still warranted given the similar mechanism of action.
At Centrum Pharmacy, we recognize that men’s health issues—whether prostate-related or hair loss—can significantly impact quality of life. That’s why we go beyond dispensing medication. Our pharmacists provide complete, comprehensive, caring, and connected care (“The 4 C’s“) by counselling patients on both the physical and emotional impacts of treatment. If you or someone you know is taking finasteride, we encourage open conversation with our pharmacy team to ensure safe and effective use.
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Caring for Your Family Since 1999Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.
Male Pattern Baldness: Understanding the Best Treatment Options Available
Hair loss is one of the most common concerns among men, affecting confidence, self-image and quality of life. Male pattern baldness, also called male androgenetic alopecia, is driven largely by genetics and sensitivity to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Research suggests that approximately 50% of men experience some degree of androgenetic alopecia by age 50.
A Canadian-led study recently examined available treatment options to determine which medications may provide the greatest improvement in hair growth, comparing minoxidil (oral and topical formulations), finasteride, and dutasteride. Researchers analyzed 23 clinical studies involving men with androgenetic alopecia and compared changes in total hair count and terminal hair count after 24 and 48 weeks of treatment.
(more…)Calcium Supplements and Heart Disease: Why Patients With Cardiovascular Disease Should Talk to Their Pharmacist First
Calcium is an essential mineral that supports strong bones, muscle function, and nerve health. For many older adults, calcium supplements are recommended to help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.
(more…)B.C. Researchers Discover Gene Mutation Linked to Aggressive Prostate Cancer in Younger Men
A groundbreaking study from researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) has identified an inherited genetic mutation that may increase the risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer at a younger age. The discovery focuses on mutations in a gene called CDK12, which researchers say should be considered for inclusion in standard genetic testing panels for people with hereditary prostate cancer risk.
For families affected by prostate cancer, this research highlights an important message: understanding your genetic risk can help identify cancer earlier, when treatment options may be more effective.
(more…)Saxenda Discontinuation Notice: What You Need to Know
We want to inform our patients and the community about an important update regarding Saxenda® (liraglutide injection).
Saxenda® has been discontinued — the manufacturer has ended production and commercial availability of the medication. This decision was not due to any safety or quality concerns with the medication.
(more…)Medication Safety in Extreme Heat: Why Summer Heatwaves Require Extra Vigilance for Heart Patients
As summer temperatures soar across Central Canada, managing extreme heat becomes a critical health priority, particularly for individuals living with cardiovascular conditions. The Heart and Stroke Foundation has emphasized that high temperatures place a unique physiological strain on the cardiovascular system. For patients taking specific cardiac and blood pressure medications, the risks of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are significantly amplified.
At Centrum Pharmacy, we want to ensure you stay safe, hydrated, and fully informed about how your regular prescription regimen interacts with hot weather.
(more…)Could an Ozempic-Like Medication Soon Be Grown Like a Plant in Your Garden?
The global demand for medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) and other GLP-1 receptor agonists has transformed the treatment landscape for type 2 diabetes and obesity. These medications have helped many patients achieve better blood sugar control and, when appropriate, support weight management.
(more…)A New Way to Lower Cholesterol: Introducing Bempedoic Acid (Nilemdo)
For millions of Canadians, lowering cholesterol is an important part of protecting heart health and reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. For decades, statins have been the foundation of cholesterol treatment. Medications such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin have helped millions of patients lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk.
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