Propecia Side Effects
There has been a lot of talk recently on our hair restoration discussion forums about the potential side effects of Propecia (which contains active ingredient finasteride) so I thought I’d address some of the potential side effects and the surrounding discussion here.
Propecia Side Effects
Whereas Propecia may have some benefit for the hair loss sufferer and is one of the two FDA approved medications for hair loss for safety and efficacy, one must be aware of the potential side effects that one can incur from taking it.
Some of the noted side effects from Propecia’s website are: sexual side effects such as less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, decrease in the amount of semen. These sexual side effects are stated to happen less than 2% of the time and are said to go away as a result of stopping Propecia because of them. Some side effects have stopped for even those who remained on the medication despite side effects.
Additional sides have been noted such as allergic reactions including itching, swelling of the face and/or lips, rash, hives, breast tenderness/enlargement, nipple discharge, problems ejaculating and testicular pain. There is no percentage associated with those who have experienced these side effects.
Additionally, Propecia is not to be used by women.
People need to be aware that Propecia side effects are possible and they are real. Any side effect experienced while taking propecia should be reported to a doctor immediately.
A Note About Consumer Websites/Discussion Forums:
There are a few websites/discussion forums out there with consumers reporting their horror stories regarding side effects they have experienced with Propecia. Whereas I’m sure there are some legitimate claims, please remember to use a level of discretion when evaluating the truthfulness of the claims made on any discussion forum . Some people are out there to scare and frighten you (many of them of which are covertly selling “herbal remedies”) while yet there are others who have legitimately experienced side effects. There is always the possibility that some of the people reporting side effects are experiencing them mentally rather than physically. What I mean is, sometimes when we are afraid of something such as a side effect, our minds can play tricks on us into thinking we are experiencing something dreadful when in reality there is nothing wrong with our bodies.
The reality is however, that side effects are a very REAL possibility with Propecia and should be taken seriously. Do a lot of research and consult with a medical doctor before taking Propecia.
—
Bill
Associate Publisher
Technorati Tags: hair restoration, finasteride, Propecia Side Effects, FDA approved, hair loss, Propecia, herbal remedies
July 23, 2019 @ 11:01 pm
Most men do not suffer from side effects, but if you suffer from side effects, stop using the medication.
July 16, 2019 @ 2:09 pm
Hey am Derrick am just planning to start using propecia… But is it a must that who ever uses it must face the side effects… Or its out of bad luck…
January 4, 2013 @ 3:09 am
Wat,
While 1 week does seem quick, if you are experiencing adverse sexual side effects, it is difficult to recommend that you “stick it out” with Propecia. Having said that, I highly recommend discussing this issue with a trusted physician.
At this point in time, there are a myriad of issues that could be potentially causing the erectile dysfunction(including the psychological stress of fearing the side effects themselves), and I think a trained physician could really help get to the bottom of this.
I hope this helps!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistant
January 2, 2013 @ 9:08 pm
Ive recently been taking propecia for probably a little over a week now and ive notcied early ED signs. Pretty much i can get it up, but maintaining it isnt at all what it used to be. I cant go rounds anymore..just one…quickish one and literally any position change i need some kind of assistence getting it back up. Ive also noticed it seems so “dead” when flaccid.
To have this stuff going down this early its pretty scary. Should i stick with it or just stop? I was planning to stay a month to see if sides go away, i know they say wait 4 but honestly i feel that if sides are still there by 1 month 4 months will just mean permanent damage. Because they obviously are liars, i do feel like it will help my hair but i just dont feel normal like it really is changing the way i think about things, memory and so forth.
But im 20 and to come out being bald to my gf, all my friends, and family is just scary, im so bald now its not even funny propecia really is my last hope.
October 29, 2007 @ 11:17 am
ca_hairloss,
Good question. I have not read any reports of any long term side effects with this medication. I also know a number of people who have been on it for about 10 years. If additional side effects are ever reported other than what’s listed on Propecia’s website, I’d expect that Merck would have to list it.
Best wishes,
Bill – Managing Publisher
October 13, 2007 @ 1:41 pm
Hi,
This info is valuable, thanks !!
I had one question though, which actually applies for any medication not just this partcular one.
When FDA approves a medicines is that with testing/experimenting after 3 to 5 years ?
Do we know if this medicine has any long term side effects….like say after using for 10 years ?
Thanks in advance for your reply !!