Finasteride (Propecia): what are the side effects?

In some uncommon cases, taking Finasteride has been linked to feelings of depression. If you experience low mood after you start Finasteride, you should stop taking it immediately. Seek medical help, especially if you’re thinking about harming yourself.

Some people taking Finasteride find it harder to get or maintain an erection. This is known as erectile dysfunction (ED). This might be because Finasteride reduces the levels of DHT in your body.

A 2021 meta-analysis of 73 different studies found that only 2.1% to 3.8% of people experienced sexual side effects when taking Finasteride. Of this small number, ED was the most common effect and usually got better by itself with time.

Some men taking Finasteride worry about their fertility. However, the actual risk seems to be low. A study on men taking 1mg of Finasteride per day for 48 weeks found there was no significant change in the number, speed, or health of their sperm. It’s also important to remember that fertility can decrease naturally as you get older.

If you already have poor fertility or you’re planning a family now, it might not be the best time to take Finasteride. Finasteride can reduce the amount of semen you produce, though studies suggest it will go back to normal when you stop taking the tablets.

Finasteride isn’t known to cause any eye problems. One study found that some people who took Finasteride also had vision problems. The study only used a small number of participants and it didn’t come to the conclusion that there was a link between the two.

Finasteride has been shown to be an effective treatment for some patients with a rare eye disorder called central serous chorioretinopathy . For most people, Finasteride won’t affect their eyes in any way.

What about skin problems?

Finasteride has been linked to rashes or flushes. These are small, reddish areas on your skin or scalp that can be itchy. They should resolve on their own in a short time.

You could be having an allergic reaction if your rash is very painful or itchy, growing in size, or accompanied by other symptoms. Stop taking Finasteride and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

High blood pressure hasn’t been reported as a risk of taking Finasteride. In fact, because excess DHT is associated with pressure on the heart, Finasteride might lower blood pressure. Studies in mice have also shown Finasteride lowered their blood pressure and improved their heart function.

Finasteride allergies are very rare, but allergic reactions to any substance are possible. If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to Finasteride before, tell your doctor and don’t takethe medication. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to another medicine, tell your prescriber so they can help you decide if Finasteride is right for you.

Post-finasteride syndrome is a name given by former Finasteride users to experiences they’ve had after stopping treatment. Some of these people feel they have worse sexual and psychological health due to Finasteride, even years after they last used it.

Post-finasteride syndrome is a controversial term and it’s not recognised by the medical community. Current research has not found a link between Finasteride and these long term problems.

The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) forned a task force to look into reports of post-finasteride syndrome. They issued a statement in 2011 that there was nothing to suggest a link between Finasteride use and long-term sexual side effects.

Sexual side effects after taking Finasteride have been reported by some people. However, this data is based on self-reported symptoms. Sexual problems, such as ED, are common and treatable.

Sexual side effects of Finasteride are rare even during treatment. Further studies are being carried out into Finasteride to make sure its long-term safety is as strong as previous studies have indicated.