Finasteride (Propecia) has been approved for men with pattern baldness since 1998 with a relatively low side effect profile. Potential side effects include decreased libido and disturbed sexual function, but the majority of research shows that these sexual side effects are reversed when the drug is withdrawn.
Are the side effects of finasteride permanent?
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.
How long does it take for finasteride side effects to go away?
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. Why?
How do you counteract finasteride side effects?
Keeping your weight down, getting regular exercise, eating foods high in vitamins and minerals, cutting back on alcohol, and giving up smoking can all help counter the side effects of finasteride.
Are finasteride effects reversible?
Its effects are proven. Several studies have shown its safety over long duration of administration. The dosage given (1 mg) is small and unlikely to cause side effects. Even in those cases where side effects were reported, the changes were found to be reversible.
Why finasteride is bad?
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.
Can you drink alcohol with finasteride?
Although it isn’t clear why the medication might have this effect, Irwig thinks the drug may alter the brain’s chemistry. “Finasteride interferes with the brain’s ability to make certain hormones called neurosteroids, which are likely linked to drinking alcohol,” he said.
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].
Can I just stop taking finasteride?
There are no known adverse reactions to stopping finasteride abruptly. However, if you do stop taking it, your MPB will continue.
Is there an alternative to finasteride?
Topical minoxidil (Rogaine®) is also FDA-approved for hair loss and available over-the-counter. Given that it has a similar mechanism of action to finasteride, you may be wondering why dutasteride is not approved for the treatment of hair loss.
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How bad are finasteride side effects?
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: lump in the breast, nipple discharge, breast enlargement/tenderness/pain, pain in the testicles, inability to urinate.
Does finasteride help erectile dysfunction?
Actually, patients with BPH who used finasteride to treat their disease experienced worsening erectile function (EF) that did not resolve with continued treatment, although some studies reported that continuous treatment with finasteride decreased ED [8].
Is saw palmetto better than finasteride?
In the end, 38% of those who took saw palmetto had an improvement in their hair loss, compared with 68% of those who took finasteride. This finding suggests that both treatments had an effect but that finasteride was more effective.
Are finasteride side effects overblown?
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.
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.
What does finasteride do to the body?
Finasteride blocks the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme changes testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate to grow or hair loss in males. It will increase testosterone levels in the body, which decreases prostate size and increases hair growth on the scalp.