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 had taken Finasteride also had vision problems. But 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. But for most people, Finasteride won’t affect their eyes either way.

What about skin problems?

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

If a rash is very painful or itchy, growing in size or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms, you could be having an allergic reaction. Stop taking Finasteride and seek medical attention straight away.

High blood pressure hasn’t been reported as a risk of taking Finasteride. In fact, because too much DHT is associated with pressure on the heart, Finasteride might lower blood pressure. Studies in mice have also shown Finasteride even 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.

When researching finasteride, you’ll likely encounter the term ‘post-finasteride syndrome’ (PFS). This name describes a range of persistent sexual, neurological, and physical side effects (such as erectile dysfunction, low libido, anxiety, and depression) that a minority of men report continue even after they’ve stopped taking the medication.

PFS is a complex and recognized medical issue, though it is considered rare and its underlying causes are still the subject of ongoing scientific research. In response to post-marketing reports, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated the official prescribing information for Propecia to include warnings about the risk of persistent sexual side effects and depression.

While the vast majority of men use finasteride without experiencing these issues, it’s good to be aware of the possibility. If you get any severe side effects while taking finasteride, or ones that continue after stopping, speak to your doctor right away.