The Side Effects of Propecia

Propecia is one of the brand names that the synthetic antiandrogen known as Finasteride is marketed under. Other brand names include Finasterid Alternova, Finasterid IVAX, Appecia, Gefina, Prosteride, Finalo, Finast, Finax, Finpecia, Fincar and Proscar. In small doses, this drug is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, while larger doses are prescribed to deal with prostate cancer. Research carried out in May 2008 found that Propecia reduced the risk of prostate cancer by around 30%. Combined with another drug, doxazosen, the risk of BPH progressing is reduced. However, the most important and common use for Propecia, in many countries, is androgenetic alopecia, the process whereby men become bald.

Approved in 1992, under the brand name Proscar, Finasteride was initially used to treat enlarged prostate. It was noticed that one milligram of Propecia caused increased hair growth when taken by patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave their seal of approval for the drug to be marketed as a hair loss treatment. On the downside, clinicians and health organisations are concerned that Propecia has recurring side effects on men.

Clinical tests have been carried out on the drug, in the course of which many users were evaluated. The side effects experienced by the group assigned to take the drug were noted and compared with any experienced by those that did not take it.

A large number of people in the group that were given a daily dose of one milligram of Propecia experienced erectile dysfunction or ED (male impotence), while a smaller number reported reduced ejaculate, libido and sex drive.

Five milligrams of Propecia gave more general side effects. They included reduced sex drive, unusual and reduced amounts of ejaculate and ED. The only other side effect to be reported by a member of the group was enlargement of the breast.