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Several studies were conducted on Propecia (finasteride 1mg) to compare its effect with placebo on hair loss or growth. To answer your question, I present the numbers of one study comparing the effect of finasteride with placebo in the growth of crown hair. In this study, hair growth was compared over a period of 5 years. In this experiment, initially investigators evaluated patients’ hair growth and came up with the below numbers:
Finasteride Placebo
1 Year 65% 37%
2 Year 80% 47%
5 Year 77% 15%
The same study was repeated, but this time an independent team of investigators rated standardized photos in a blinded fashion (reviewers were not aware which patient took finasteride or placebo). The numbers were different, but still statistically significant as shown below:
Finasteride Placebo
1 Year 48% 7%
2 Year 66% 7%
5 Year 48% 6%
There are some other studies looking at different aspects of hair growth and as a result you may see different numbers. In clinical studies, you may find different numbers presenting the same facts, but if you go to the detail of the study, you will notice that they are not necessarily concentrating on the same parameters. The difficult element not covered by these studies is the ability for finasteride to arrest the hair loss (stop or slow its rate of loss). I am personally certain (in my professional opinion) that finasteride reduces the rate of loss in all men with genetic hair loss.
A good way to know if their are placebo is to get high or try to. I've never been a placebo medication so I have no idea or experience how common it is to receive them. You'd think there would be more information about it.
Originally posted by Pervius
Most of the medication you pay for is a placebo.
They even sell placebo narcotics to cancer patients...isn't that sick?
Google "Purdue Pharma Placebo Oxycontin"
It's a shame people suffering in pain from cancer have to suffer and die such horrific deaths and we can't even give them real narcotics to have their last days in lower pain.
There is NO Federal Law prohibiting Pharmacuticals/Doctors/Pharmacists from giving you placebo's.
How do you think Pharmacuticals have big stashes of cash to send Doctors and Politicians on sweet vacations or give them large chunks of cash?
The biggest drug dealer in the world has been robbing Americans.