How safe is Finasteride?

Question

I’ve read quit a bit about long term and irreversible side effects to libido and cognitive/depression. Are these real concerns for physicians or extremely rare? I’d like to start the drug but hair vs. health are not an even risk. Thanks

David Deutsch, MD · Answer

Propecia(Finasteride) has a very good safety profile and has been in use for several decades.The major side effect is sexual dysfunction with a reported incidence of 1-2% of users.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

The side effects of Finasteride are rare and it is safe to use. However, you will need to continue using it to maintain results. I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Ben Talei, MD · Answer

It is true that some patients do get a decrease in libido but the percentage is very low. For most it is more of a placebo effect having heard "stories" from other people. However if it does really affect you your body will either adjust to it and if it does not then simply get off finasteride and you will be back to normal in no time.A great alternative to finasteride are PRP treatments. They have show to help slow down hair loss considerably if not stop it and in some cases help regrow hair stronger and faster from the existing follicles.

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The incidence of side effects related to finasteride is 2-3% while patients taking a placebo pill report about 1% incidence of the same side effects. These side effects should go away with discontinuation of the medication. Patients with preexisting problems with erectile dysfunction, decreased libido and depression should avoid finasteride as they are likely to attribute their ongoing problems to the medication. There are topical applications of finasteride available that have been shown to be effective at the level of the scalp.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

most people, when taking finasteride, don’t know that they are on it.  About 3% of patients have some type of sexual side effect reported and 99% of them, if they stop the medication, all sexual side effects go away

How safe is Finasteride?

Answers (5)

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