There is no drug that has no side effects, but the much-feared side effects of finasteride have been greatly overblown in Internet chat rooms, with no scientific studies to support the claims.
How common are side effects of finasteride?
In general, the risk of side effects from finasteride is low. Research shows that the majority of men who use finasteride over the long term benefit from a successful hair loss treatment with few or no undesired results.
What percent of people experience side effects from finasteride?
Not very. In clinical trials of Propecia, side effects were reported in 3.8% of men taking finasteride versus 2.1% of men taking a placebo (Mcclellan, 1999).
Can finasteride cause permanent damage?
Introduction. Finasteride has been associated with sexual side effects that may persist despite discontinuation of the medication. In a clinical series, 20% of subjects with male pattern hair loss reported persistent sexual dysfunction for ≥6 years, suggesting the possibility that the dysfunction may be permanent.
Is post finasteride syndrome a myth?
I wholeheartedly believe that post finasteride syndrome exists, but it is not a condition that is caused by finasteride. Rather, it likely occurs as a psychological condition in a predisposed subset of people who have a higher likelihood of mental health issues.
Should I worry about finasteride side effects?
Finasteride can give you side effects such as not being able to get an erection (impotence) and having less interest in sex. These side effects usually pass after a while. If these side effects do not go away, are worrying you or affecting your sex life, speak to your doctor.
Should I take finasteride morning or night?
What is the best time of day to take finasteride? There is no best time of day. But you should try to take finasteride at the same time every single day to maximize its effectiveness. You pick the time—morning, noon, or night—just make sure you stick with it.
Can you drink alcohol on finasteride?
Finasteride is a synthetic drug for the treatment of male pattern hair loss and an enlarged prostate. Rodent research has shown that finasteride can reduce alcohol intake. A preliminary study of men with finasteride-related sexual side effects indicates that finasteride may decrease drinking.
Is taking finasteride worth the risk?
Currently, studies show that finasteride is safe to use over the long term. For example, a study from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial of almost 19,000 men who had taken finasteride for seven years concluded that there is “little need to worry” about any long-term consequences from finasteride.
Do finasteride side effects go away?
“The side effects can diminish as you continue to take the medication, and they completely subside after you stop the medication,” according to Dr. Rapaport. So, patients experiencing adverse events can often stop them by ceasing the medication.
How long after stopping finasteride will side effects stop?
Finasteride has a relatively short half-life. So, once you stop taking the tablet, its effects should be out of your system within seven days and you can expect to see your usual rate of hair loss (what you experienced prior to taking the medication) return.
Can you stop taking finasteride cold turkey?
Yes, you can stop taking finasteride cold turkey. There are no known adverse reactions to stopping finasteride abruptly. However, if you do stop taking it, your MPB will continue.
Is finasteride hard on the kidneys?
However, as indicated by recent studies on androgen deprivation therapies (ADTs), it is possible that finasteride has an adverse effect on kidneys. A multiple cohort study with newly diagnosed non-metastatic prostate cancer showed that the use of ADT increased the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) [6].
How long does post finasteride syndrome last?
Post-Finasteride Syndrome Therapy in San Diego
Men with PFS may experience permanent sexual, physical, and mental side effects that don’t resolve even after quitting Propecia. There may be a brief resolution of side effects lasting 10 to 20 days after quitting.
Is topical finasteride better than oral?
In summary, studies have shown that Topical Finasteride can be as effective at treating hair loss as oral Finasteride, without the same risk of side effects. This is why many guys are now opting to use Topical Finasteride as a way to combat their hair loss without having to deal with other issues.
Does finasteride cause brain damage?
1, 2018 – “Finasteride treatment causes several alterations in the hippocampus,” the section of the brain responsible for processing long-term memory and emotional responses, according to a new study conducted at the University of Milano, and the Cajal Institute and Carlos III Health Institute, both in Madrid.