Propecia Side Effects

Baldness in men is a common problem and with no simple remedies available to reverse the process, men have to bear with this problem. However a drug by the name of propecia was developed in 1997 that claimed to be the solution to the problem of male pattern baldness. Bearing the generic name Finasteride, propecia is produced by Merck, the pharmaceutical giant. Although propecia has shown tremendous results, yet it is not free from side effects.

Are there any statistics to show the side effects of propecia?

The side effects of propecia can be gauged from the figures obtained after the study of nearly 1,500 men that had been consuming propecia for nearly 2 years. These statistics showed the following side effects:

  • Problems with erection: 1.3%
  • Decrease in sexual desire: 1.8%
  • Decrease in the volume of semen ejaculated: 1.2%

If we consider this as a whole, nearly 3.8% men experienced sexual dysfunction in some way or the other. While at the same time, nearly 2.1% of those that were using placebo also came across the same problems. 

Are there any other side effects?

Besides the above mentioned side effects related to sexual dysfunction of some kind, there are some additional side effects that have been noticed in a small percentage of men that use propecia. These are the tenderness in the breast, effect in the test for prostrate cancer, skin rash and swelling of the lips.

Are these side effects permanent?

Although there is concern with regard to the side effects of propecia, yet it has been seen that most of these side effects are reversible, once the intake of propecia is discontinued. Besides these, the long term effects of propecia are not still known and therefore continuous usage can produce other side effects which still might not be known.

Does the hair growth also reverse on stopping the intake of propecia?

In quite many cases it has been seen that on the stoppage of taking in the drug, there has been the loss of the hair that had grown. Therefore for the maintenance of the density and hair growth, it is necessary that the drug is taken continuously.

Conclusion

As has been mentioned, there are certain side effects of propecia. However if we consider the percentage of men taking the treatment and the percentage that go through the side effects, the outcome would be insignificant. But because to maintain the hair density and rate of hair loss, continuous intake of propecia is recommended, the picture becomes slightly grim as in the absence of concrete evidence as to the safety of propecia men could be putting themselves to serious consequences.